Festive Joy Across Maidstone

The festive season is truly a time for community, celebration, and spreading joy, and this December has been no exception. I’ve had the privilege of attending a number of wonderful events that showcase the vibrant spirit of Maidstone. Here’s a glimpse of the past couple of weeks:

Maidstone Singers Christmas Celebration

On Tuesday 10th December, I was delighted to attend the Maidstone Singers’ Christmas Celebration at St. Martin’s Church. The harmonious melodies and festive repertoire filled the church with the true spirit of Christmas. It was a joy to witness such talent and dedication from this incredible group. The evening raised money for Samaritans active at HMP East Sutton.

Pupils Take Centre Stage – School of Science and Technology Christmas Concert

The following day, Wednesday 11th December, I had the pleasure of attending the School of Science and Technology’s Christmas Concert. The pupils put on a spectacular show, showcasing their musical talents and enthusiasm for the season. It is always inspiring to see young people embrace the arts and bring so much joy to their audience.

Celebrating Connections – The Mayor’s Christmas Party

On Friday 13th December, I joined the Mayor for the annual Christmas Party. It was a fantastic evening filled with festive cheer and great company. I particularly enjoyed meeting former Mayors of Maidstone, as well as the Mayors of Ashford and Dover. It was also an excellent opportunity to connect with new Council members and catch up with old friends.

These gatherings remind us of the importance of maintaining and celebrating the bonds that unite our community, past and present.

Celebrating Longevity – Over 90’s Party in Headcorn

On Monday 16th December, I joined the residents of Headcorn for their Over 90’s Christmas Party at the Heart of Headcorn Community Hub. This special gathering, dedicated to those aged 90 and above, was filled with laughter, stories, and festive cheer. It was an honour to celebrate with such remarkable individuals and hear about their incredible lives and experiences. They have done so much for the Headcorn Parish, and it was a privilege to share this joyful occasion with them.

A Carol Service with a Difference – HMP/YOI East Sutton Park

Later on, in the early evening of Monday, 16th December, Ziggy and I made an unforgettable visit to HMP/YOI East Sutton Park for their annual Carol Service. The event, held in a spirit of reflection and hope, was a poignant reminder of the power of music to bring people together, no matter the setting. After the service, we enjoyed tea, coffee, and delicious mince pies.

We were joined by the High Sheriff Of Kent Dr Gillian Fargher. 

Kent - High Sheriffs' Association

The Mayor went to Maidstone Prison for a Carol Service too.

It’s not every day you can say the Mayor and Deputy Mayor went to prison, but the warm welcome we all received left a lasting impression. 

Reflecting on a Festive Fortnight

These events have reminded me of what makes the Borough of Maidstone so special and why it gives me so much pride to represent it: its people. From the youngest performers to our eldest residents, each occasion has been a celebration of community, kindness, and the magic of Christmas.

As we move closer to Christmas Day, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make these events possible. Your efforts bring joy to so many and make this part of Kent a truly wonderful place to call home.

Lastly, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This is a glorious time, especially for children - so enjoy! But sadly, for some, it is not. December has never been easy for me, and I know others may feel the same.

Please remember, if you are feeling down, there is always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans, one of my chosen charities for next year, at 116 123 - a free, 24-hour helpline that is there to listen.

A United Approach to Planning and Protecting Our Borough

The importance of local collaboration in shaping our community’s future cannot be overstated. Over recent weeks, politically all Parishes across Maidstone Borough have been engaged in a “Planning Development Plan Document (DPD).”

This process has been particularly critical for Headcorn and Sutton Valence Ward, where unique opportunities and challenges call for tailored approaches to planning and development. Together with Ziggy, I have attended key meetings and engaged directly with parish representatives to understand their concerns and priorities. These conversations reinforce that when we work collectively, we can achieve a balance between growth and preservation that reflects the values of our borough’s residents.

As we navigate the complexities of planning, it’s vital to keep our landscape and environment at the forefront of every decision. Maidstone Borough is blessed with a rich tapestry of natural beauty - from the rolling hills of the Weald to the charming village greens that define our rural heritage. Preserving this environment is not just a duty; it’s a commitment to future generations.

Ziggy and I remain committed to listening, advocating, and collaborating with all local stakeholders. As the Deputy Mayor, as well as Local Member I am incredibly proud of the collective efforts being made to shape the Borough of Maidstone’s future while honouring its past. We clearly have a very good "Team Headcorn and Sutton Valence". Together, we can ensure that our borough remains a place of beauty, community, and opportunity for all.

Let’s continue the conversation and keep working toward a shared vision for Maidstone! The 5 Parishes that make up the Headcorn and Sutton Valence Ward have put in enormous efforts to contribute to this  DPD. Let us now hope the new Leadership of the Council take many matters raised VERY SERIOUSLY and take a BETTER way forward in respect of the communities involved and the local landscape, environment and services/infrastructure.  

Another Festive Morning

Christmas Bake Off at Lulworth House Care Home

This morning, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Christmas Bake Off at Lulworth House Care Home. The talented residents and staff showcased their culinary creativity, presenting an array of festive treats that truly captured the magic of the season.

As head taster and judge, I had the enviable task of sampling these delicious creations. From spiced gingerbread to beautifully decorated Christmas cakes, the competition was fierce, and the joy of baking filled the air. The care and effort put into each entry were a testament to the incredible community at Lulworth House. Congratulations to all participants - you made this event truly special!

Celebrating Julie Webb’s Retirement

On another note, I would like to wish Julie Webb, the Mayor's PA, all the best in her retirement. Julie has been an invaluable member of the civic team and Maidstone Borough Council for many years, providing unwavering support and dedication.

On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Julie for her support during my time as Deputy Mayor. Her expertise, kindness, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the council and the community. Julie, you will be greatly missed, but I wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

Headcorn Parish Council Christmas Meal – 6th December 2024

It was an absolute honour to attend the Headcorn Parish Council’s Christmas meal again this year. The event was a wonderful way to embrace the festive season in the company of valued colleagues and friends.

We gathered at The Plough in Langley, the meal was a delight, with every dish served to perfection. It is always reassuring to see the same friendly and familiar faces among the staff - an unmistakable mark of a well-run and welcoming pub.

Adding a touch of fun and laughter to the evening was a lively game of festive dingbats, organised by the Clerks. It was a brilliant icebreaker and set the tone for a joyful celebration of the season.

Don’t forget to check out the Parish Council’s Facebook page to see pictures from the evening - https://www.facebook.com/ClerkHeadcornPC

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Headcorn Parish Council for inviting me and to everyone who helped make the evening so special.

A Magical Christmas in Headcorn!

On Saturday 30th November, Headcorn was alive with festive joy as residents and visitors came together for a truly special celebration. As a proud member of this wonderful community, I was delighted to take part in the day’s events, which brought laughter, music, and festive cheer to all.

The festivities began at St Peter and St Paul's Church, where the Christmas market offered a variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious treats. The market was bustling, and it was great to see everyone supporting our talented local vendors. 

At the Heart of Headcorn Community Hub, Santa’s Grotto was a highlight for the little ones. Meeting Father Christmas in such a magical setting brought endless smiles and plenty of excitement - what a way to kick off the festive season!

Throughout the day, we were treated to fantastic live music and singing. The local ukulele group entertained us, Singing for Health delivered a festive performance, and children from Headcorn Primary School sang Christmas songs that charmed everyone in attendance. Many of the High Street shops offered special discounts and gave out freebies such as mince pies, prosecco and mulled wine. 

The grand finale was the breathtaking Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. As someone deeply connected to the community, I was proud to sponsor two trees: one in loving memory of my family and another to represent my role as Deputy Mayor and ward member, along with my fellow member Ziggy Trzebinski. Walking through the church, surrounded by beautifully decorated trees crafted by local families, groups and businesses, was a truly moving experience.

The evening concluded the Christmas lights switch on, followed by a community carol sing-along, bringing everyone together.

The event was a shining example of what makes Headcorn such a wonderful place to live - a community that comes together to celebrate and support one another. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who organised, performed, volunteered, and attended, making the day so memorable. 

Writing to Our New MP on Key Community Issues

As Deputy Mayor, I am always focused on advocating for the needs of our community, and last week, I reached out to our MP for the Weald of Kent, Katie Lam, regarding two important local issues: the misuse of catapults and accessibility improvements at Headcorn Railway Station.

Misuse of Catapults – A Community Safety Concern

One of the pressing issues I’ve raised with Katie Lam is the worrying misuse of catapults. Anti-social behaviour involving catapults has been causing distress, not only in our area, but across the country, with incidents of property damage and innocent animals being targeted. This is a serious issue that impacts both the safety and wellbeing of our community.

While Helen Whately MP had previously raised this matter with the Home Office, I have asked Katie Lam to continue the push for action. Stronger regulations and better enforcement are needed to prevent these dangerous acts, and I hope that Katie will work to ensure this remains a priority at a national level. 

Campaigning for Accessibility at Headcorn Railway Station

Another key issue I’ve highlighted is the urgent need for a lift to the London-bound platform at Headcorn Railway Station. The station serves over 660,000 passengers annually, and since the last application for accessibility improvements, our area has seen over 1,000 new homes built. The growing population makes it more important than ever to ensure that everyone – especially those with mobility challenges, parents with young children, and the elderly – can use the station with ease. 

I have asked Katie to reignite the campaign for full accessibility at Headcorn Station. This isn't just about meeting today's needs but about preparing for the future of our community.

I will continue to update you on any progress and remain dedicated to ensuring our community's needs are heard at every level. If you have further concerns or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out - your voice is vital in shaping our future.

Together, let’s keep moving forward.