1. DIRECT SERVICES SECTION
1.1. Sports Centre and Halls Unit Weekly Activities in 1997
Monday
Gymnastics (Beginners) 6.00 PM -7.00 PM Gymnastics (Intermediate) 7.00 PM -8.00 PM Keep Fit - All standards 7.00 PM -8.00 PM Popagility - Ladies Keep Fit 8.00 PM -9.00 PM Ninjutsu 8.00 PM -10.00 PM Basketball - (All year) 9.00 PM - 10.30 PM Tuesday
Gymnastics (Beginners) 6.00 PM -7.00 PM Multigym Induction 7.00 PM -8.00 PM Multigym (Ladies only) 8.00 PM -9.00 PM Step Aerobics 7.00 PM -8.00 PM Kent Karate Club (Juniors) 7.00 PM -8.00 PM Wednesday
Trampolining (Casual) 5.45 PM - 6.45 PM Maidstone Harriers Running Club 7.30 PM onwards Gymnastics (Beginners) 6.00 PM - 7.00 PM Adrenalyn Aeroform Aerobics 8.00 PM - 9.00 PM Westborough Badminton Club 7.00 PM - 11.00PM Thursday
Gymnastics (Intermediate Girls) 6.00 PM - 7.00 PM Gymnastics (Advanced Girls) 7.00 PM - 8.00 PM Popagility - Ladies Keep Fit 8.00 PM - 9.00 PM Multigym (Ladies only) 8.00 PM - 9.00 PM Friday
Gymnastics (Beginners) 6.00 PM 7.00 PM Judo (Juniors) 7.00 PM 9.00 PM
Saturday
Trampolining 9.00 am - 11.00 am Children's Activity Sessions 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Junior Netball 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Basketball Club 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Family Fun Night 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm Sunday
Parent and Toddlers (Under 5s) 10.30 am - 12.00 noon Shi Kon Karate 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Children's Birthday Parties
The demand for all three types of party offered, namely the Toddler party, the Activity Hall party and the Sport party, have continued to grow with the Centre hosting on average 10 parties each weekend. many parents are taking out bookings based on the enjoyment their children experienced as guests at other parties on their first visit to the Centre.
Fit 4 97
The trend for increased levels of fitness prevalent in 1996 has continued in the first three months of 1997, with the numbers utilising the new cardiovascular equipment in particular continuing to bloom.
The induction courses held regularly on Tuesdays 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm and Sundays 11.00 am to 12.00 noon are also very well subscribed.
Easter and Half Term Happiness
The Easter holiday and May/June half term uptake on the Activity Days continued to be very popular with each session attracting between 12-17 children who engaged in a variety of activities including badminton, football, squash, quizzes and craft work.
Summer Netball Mania
This summer's competition has attracted 26 teams out of a possible 28 places available, with games being played on Monday and Tuesday evenings and will run through until September.
Summer Football Tournament
This summer's tournament attracted 14 teams and will run throughout the summer on Sunday evenings between 8.00 pm and 10.00 pm with each league playing on alternate Sundays. The tournament culminates with a knockout competition on Sunday, 14 September with presentation of trophies to the winners and runners-up. There will also be a presentation of trophies to the winners and runners up of the two leagues.
1.2. Lockmeadow Market
The new market Hall was officially opened on Monday, 23 June 1997 by Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Jenefer Gibson. The opening was attended by Councillors, officers, invited guests representing regular users of the Market Hall and Directors and personnel of Marylebone Balfour Warwick and Ballast Wiltshire.
All events and functions previously held in the old Agricultural Hall are continuing to be held in the new Market Hall.
To accommodate Phase III of the Lockmeadow Development the Tuesday and Saturday general/retail markets were resited on Tuesday, 20 May 1997. It is the first time that the entire Tuesday market has been moved since 1920 when the market moved from Fairmeadow to Lockmeadow to enable expansion.
The free shuttle bus from the Chequers Centre to the Tuesday and Saturday markets, sponsored by the Health Committee and market traders, commenced service on Tuesday, 17 June 1997. This service picks up and sets down at the Chequers Centre, High Street, the Cannon and Maidstone West Station between 09.30 am and 13.36 pm.
Support by the general public for the Tuesday and Saturday markets, and all other events on site continues at an encouraging level.
1.3. Vinters Park Crematorium
General Performance Since Last Bulletin
April 1997 Number of Cremations: 177 (155) - 70% Utilisation
May 1997 Number of Cremations: 157 (163) - 70% Utilisation
June 1997 Number of Cremations: 142 (146) - 56% Utilisation
Annual (1996) Number of Cremations: 2085 (2050) - 59%- Utilisation
Gardens of Remembrance
The hanging baskets and flowerbed areas have been planted up and are now providing their usual splash of bright seasonal colours.
Earlier flowering azaleas were disappointing this year due to the heavy late frosts, which severely affected most of these shrubs. However, the standard roses have wintered well and the rose replacement maintenance programme has resulted in a 99% success rate for the approaching summer period.
The island shrubbery area has been further cleared of ground cover and new planting and bark mulching used to improve the appearance.
Buildings
Work on the new cloister area and the refurbishment of the toilets has progressed well in the period. The main cloister building has now been completed and the associated pathways/ramps etc, along with the toilets, are expected to be finished by 14 July.
Arrangements are in hand for all Members of the Health Committee to visit the recent improvements to the site and view the new cloister building.
The finishing touches to the redecoration of the Chapel have been completed. This has included the installation of carpeting which, in association with the new stained glass windows, has brought a much warmer and comfortable feel to the Chapel and many complimentary remarks have been received from the ministers and funeral directors.
Behind the scenes a new hearth has been installed in cremator number 1 and all the brickwork, costing approximately 15,000, has been replaced in cremator number 2. The high cost of brickwork maintenance will be a continuing pressure on Plant and Maintenance budgets.
Service of Remembrance
This year's service was held on Sunday, 15 June and was attended by Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Jenefer Gibson. A slightly larger congregation (approximately 800) than in previous years enjoyed the service and visited the Gardens of Remembrance and viewed the Book of Remembrance. The service was conducted by Reverend Tony Porter, the Senior Chaplain for Maidstone Hospital, and Reverend Doctor Mearkle from the Maidstone United Reformed Church.
Music was provided by the Citadel Band of the Salvation Army who accompanied the hymns and played a meditative arrangement. One of the site's regular organists, Ted Dane, played an organ recital whilst visitors viewed entries in the Books of Remembrance.
St John Ambulance staff were in attendance, but the day passed without incident and many visitors took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the service and the high standard of grounds maintenance.
1.4. Sutton Road Cemetery
Performance Since Last Bulletin
April 1997 Number of Burials: 5 (13) May 1997 Number of Burials: 10 (12) June 1997 Number of Burials: 12 9)
Annual (1996) Number of Burials: 150 (150) General The lease agreement and all other formalities have now been completed to allow the British Orthodox Church, St Athanasius Mission, to use the Cemetery Chapel for their weekly services. The agreement provides for a payment to the Borough Council of l,000 per annum and payments for service charges and a rates contribution.
Grass cutting and maintenance of the headstone borders has been the main activity for the grounds maintenance contractor who has also installed four more "Barton" seats.
The choice of stone memorials for customers to chose from, in the Cremated Remains Section has been increased from two to three. The third choice is a desk, shaped memorial which complements the existing headstone and flatstone options. It is intended to obtain a sample of the new option from a local stonemason and display it in the Cremated Remains Section
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SECTION
2.1. Cobtree Golf Course
The Golf Course has currently been playing well with compliments received from the Golf Professional on the standards of maintenance. However, June being such a wet month, has caused flooding to some of the bunkers and closure on a number of occasions to prevent damage to the course.
Maidstone Inter-School Golf Competition
The current champions, St Simon's Stock, will be defending their title on 15 July against other local schools in the Maidstone Inter School Golf Competition which has been organised and sponsored by the Contractors, Medway Golf Centre Ltd.
Computer System
A new computer system has been installed at Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course to manage the operation and collection of the Councils green fees and registration system. The system was jointly funded by the Council and the Contractor Medway Golf Centre Ltd.
2.2. Mote Park Disabled Access
Compliments have been received on the improvements to the access to Mote Park from the Ashford Road, opposite Weavering Street. It is now possible for the disabled to gain access whilst preventing unauthorised motorbikes from entering the park.
2.3. Improvements to Park Services
with the instigation of the Park Watch Scheme for Mote Park and the circulation of new information leaflets for Sports and Recreation, there has been an increase in the number of phone calls-being generated to the Park Services hotline, allowing a more pro-active approach in dealing with parks issues in Maidstone.
In parallel with Park Watch, the Grounds Maintenance Contract monitoring has been rescheduled in Mote Park to enable officers to concentrate on dealing with unauthorised and dangerous riding of motor bikes in the Park. The Police are supporting the initiative and evidence is being collated which could be used in legal action by either the Council or the CPS.
2.4. Maidstone Leisure Centre
Additional stage lighting has been provided for Mote Hall Concerts. The provision of the lights was funded by the Service Investment budget.
During the Easter Holiday, Serco Ltd organised an 'Eastern Chick Hunt, for children, every child received a small chocolate egg. On Mothering Sunday mothers accompanied by a child were presented with a rose. Serco Ltd made no charge for providing these services.
2.5. Medway River Project (MRP)
The Steering Group at its meeting on 25 June considered the future management of the MRP in the light of the Environmental Agency being unable to employ the MRP staff from April 1998. The Environment Agency stressed that it would not affect the amount of grant that it contributed to the MRP. The Steering Group approved an approach to the Kent County Council to take on the employing role. The outcome will need to be considered by each contributing Authority later this year.
The work programme of the MRP for July and August is as follows:- Date Site Project Description
14-18 July Bow Meadows Otter Holt Construction & Stock Fencing
15-17 July Moncktons Lane Footpath erosion repairs and reed planting
31 July Yalding Fen Boardwalk construction
4-8 August Yalding Fen Boardwalk construction
7 August Moncktons Lane Footpath erosion repairs and reed planting
11 August Pympes Court Stock fencing and pond Farm management
12-15 August Allington/ Access enhancements Aylesford and bank erosion repairs
14 August Yalding Fen Boardwalk construction
18-20 August Allington/ Access enhancements Aylesford and bank erosion repairs
21&28 August Riverside Path Bank erosion restoration and path stilstead surfacing
2.6. Tidy Britain Group
A refresher training day will take place on 14 August 1997 at London House on the cleanliness standards as set out in the Street Sweeping Contract Specification and the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. The training will be provided by Tidy Britain Group, the independent Organisation on litter abatement, and will be attended by all street sweepers and Cleansing Monitoring Inspectors so that both the client and contractor are working towards the same cleanliness standards.
2.7. The Enhanced Bulky Household Refuse Collection Service
The demand for the Bulky Household Collection Service has continued to increase. In 1995/6 an average of 412 collections a month took place, this rose to 816 per month in 1996/7 and currently 1026 collections a month take place. The Refuse Collection Contractor has co-operated fully with the Cleansing Section ensuring that all collections are completed on the given time and date. In order to meet the increased demand for the service UK Waste have agreed to carry out 60 rather than 50 collections a day. The increase in demand this year could be attributed to either the regular advertising of the service or the installation of the height barrier by Kent County Council at the Civic Amenity Site in Tovil to prevent commercial waste being disposed of. The Kent County Council and the operatives at the site advise people of this Councils Bulky Collection Service and the Cleansing Hotline number.
2.8. Clinical Waste
The Refuse Collection Contractor currently provides a weekly collection of clinical waste from 195 properties in the Borough. When the contract was awarded to UK Waste on 1 August 1994 only 26 properties in the Borough requested this service. The increased demand for the service has seen costs rise. In 1995/6 the annual cost for the collection of clinical waste was 6,402 rising to 9,176 in 1996/7. It is estimated that if the demand for the service does not increase further, it will cost 24,000 in the current financial year, a 16,000 overspend. The District Nurses received new guidelines from the Health Authority on the disposal of clinical waste at the beginning of 1997. The guidelines stated that incontinence pads are to be treated as clinical waste, which could be the reason for the increase in the demand for this service. Incontinence pads can actually be disposed of via the weekly household collection service. The Cleansing Services officer will discuss the service with the District Nursing Manager to ensure that only essential items which cannot be disposed of in the black sacks are collected as clinical waste.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled waste Regulation 1992 make provisions for waste collection authorities to charge the householder for the collection of clinical waste. At present the Borough Council does not levy a charge.
4. CULTURAL SERVICES SECTION
4.1. Museum & Art Gallery
Visitors figures for June are 10% up on May and hopefully see the downward trend of the last couple of months in reverse and back on track.
Half Term Workshops
The new Dinosaur Workshops were oversubscribed in the half term holiday and look set to become a regular feature of our holiday activity programme.
Natural History Photographer's of Kent Competition and Exhibition
Over 140 entries were received for this competition, the judging has taken place and the photographs are at the framers now ready for the awards evening and preview on 25 July. The exhibition is open from 26 July to 7 September.
Inspirit
The preview of Inspirit was well attended on Saturday, 31 May. The exhibit on display in the Coffee Shop - 'Tea with the Queen, by Kitty O'Shea - has been especially popular with the Museum's younger visitors, who enjoy the installations bright colours, sequins and sweeties on the tea table.
Cricket Week
Maidstone Borough Councils Hospitality Marquee for Maidstone Cricket week proved successful for another year, despite some heavy rain. The response from Business's potential sponsors, local dignitaries and Members was very encouraging and relationships will hopefully be built on from the foundations laid down.
Museum Major loans
Two major loans out were:-
Lambeth Bible as centrepiece for opening of St. Augustine's Abbey by Archbishop of Canterbury (26.5.97) Canterbury Museum borrowed 47 of our Albert Goodwins, almost the entire retrospective shown at Maidstone in 1997, adding several Goodwins from their own collections. The exhibition preview of 6 June was attended by over 70 Goodwins enthusiasts, including John Ward and John Titchell, local artists. The catalogues are selling well, over 150 so far. The exhibition finishes on 2 August.
Representatives from Colonial Williamsberg, Virginia (a major, internationally respected, reconstructed colonial town) visiting our collections specifically for advice on interpretation and inspiration (30.6.97)
4.2. Hazlitt Theatre and Corn Exchange
As we draw to the close of the Spring season, we at the Corn Exchange can look back at some real success in all aspects of the work we have undertaken.
The week 11th - 17th May saw us the proud possessors of three sell out events, The Ugly Duckling, The Reduced Shakespeare and Sir Bernard Chumley, No three shows could be more different but everybody enjoyed all three, staff and audience alike.
We were able to offer Maidstone Grammar School a helping hand in April after their Hall had been damaged by fire. They utilised the Exchange for their drama exams and were very pleased with the results.
We have been plagued by TV cameras in recent weeks. It was used by Sir James Goldsmith for a rally on behalf of the Referendum Party, and there were some wonderful shots of the outside of the theatre on the nine o'clock news. Carlton TV crews filmed a rehearsal of the Kenneth Williams play 'Think no evil of us' and that will be shown in late July (auditions on 13 & 14 July). Throughout the week they will be promoting the Corn Exchange and Maidstone really nice way to spice up the quiet Summer months.
There were two great days for the Councils Panto auditions (Babes, Dwarfs and Dancers) which saw a wealth of local talent, nobody envied the directors their task, they finally managed to reach a decision. It was very encouraging to have many talented people to choose from. This year's Panto cast will be at the Maidstone River Festival. They will be opening the festival and then spending the day on The Hazlitt Panto Boat so they can get to know the town and the people. 4..3. Sports & Play
Tennis Development
Since coming into post the SPO has spent time pulling together the local tennis providers and subsequently formed a Joint Development Committee (JDC). The group, which includes Maidstone Tennis and Fitness Centre then set up a Schools Initiative (Community Tennis Partnership Schools Programme) which provides expert tennis coaching and enables the schools to set up after school clubs with support from the JDC.
As a result of the commitment shown by the SPO and Joint Development Committee, the Council was approached by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to bid against 3 other Boroughs for 'Tier 3 Status' in the ILTA Community Tennis Partnership, (detailed in the LTA Strategy). If we are successful, then up to £75,000 will made available for capital tennis projects in Maidstone that benefit the whole community. In addition, up to £15,000 revenue monies will be made available. (Success is not dependent on there being a financial commitment from MBC). The monies can be spent in Year One or spread over three years. The feedback received from the Lawn Tennis Association to date is that we are very likely to be granted the status.
For further details, please contact Jacqueline Bryden on 01622 602189.
Youth Sports Action Group
Maidstone Youth Games
The group are currently reviewing the possibility of running a Maidstone Youth Games. Any views or comments welcome.
Bi-monthly Seminars
The first of these seminars "Raising Funds" proved a success with local sports coaches, clubs, teachers and other interested parties attending.
Play Development
General The Hotfoot Play schemes are due to start on Monday 4 August. All the staff are now in place and due to attend a Training Day on Thursday 24 July at YMCA. This year, the scheme is providing a number of additional facilities including 'Sports Road shows', ie experienced, qualified local coaches are being invited to attend the schemes to give the children the opportunity to try new sports. (Included in the programme are tennis, T Ball and athletics).
Hotfoot Integrated Scheme - The Hotfoot Plus Trust, which was formed by the SPO and Social Services, have now raised over B,000. This has meant that MBC and Social Services have been able to work together to provide 35 places for special needs children on both the urban and parish sites. MBC are grateful to the parishes for their support of this project as it enables the children to attend their local scheme.
EBBA outdoor Basketball initiative
Maidstone has been granted a further 2 goals to be located at The Westborough Sports Centre (total is now 10 goals). In addition, Maidstone hosted two workshops for Site Coordinators and Local Authority Co-ordinators in order to enable them to set up development programmes at the sites.
Maidstone Schools Kwik Cricket Festival
The event took place on Monday 16 June at the Mote Cricket Ground and was a great success, with over 120 children from 12 teams taking part. The Mayor attended together with several Borough officers and 8 Councillors. Loose Junior School won with East Farleigh Primary School a close second. For a copy of the Kwik Cricket Festival report please contact Jacqueline Bryden. Thanks must go to Peter Robinson, Secretary of the Association of Kent Cricket Clubs (AKCC) who organised the event with the SPO.
Dutch School Programme - Korfball
Each year throughout London and The South East of England Dutch coaches descend on local schools to deliver a coaching programme on Korfball. This year two coaches from Freisland joined Kent Korfball Association attending 8 Maidstone schools. It is hoped to build on the success of the venture next year by organising a Festival at the end of the week in addition to the present National Youth Day which has been the focus of the programme thus far.
Cycling Schools Initiative
The SPO worked in partnership with KCC Road Safety officer, Steve Horton in coordinating a series of visits (22) to local primary schools. The visits were arranged in conjunction with the cycling proficiency courses to enable the children to learn about road safety issues and the different types of cycling events available for them to try. Andy Naylor (International Cyclist), who is member of the Sans Fairy Ann Cycling Club presented the workshops telling the children about the equipment he uses, training schedules, the importance of diet, safety issues and his aspiration to win a medal at the next Olympic Games. The workshops proved very popular and a real inspiration for the children from Maidstone schools to become involved in cycling.
Ongoing Projects
- National Junior Sports Programme - Commencing January 1998.
- Champion Coaching - Commencing January 1998.
- Riding For Disabled Young People - 4 schools have now taken advantage of this joint initiative between MBC and Cobham Manor Riding Centre.
- Facility Development: Maidstone Activities Centre
- Basketball Prelim Coaching Course - 18 people successfully passed the course held in April.
- Seeboard Cricket Coaching Scheme - 11 schools are currently involved in this scheme.
ARTS DEVELOPMENT
APRIL
Cultural Budgets
The final round of Cultural Budget were awarded for 1996/97. The recipients included: virus; Nik Schnell, Kent Potters; Querk Theatre; Orchestral Society; Choral Union and Shri Jansari Mandal.
zone Magazine
The fourth issue of ZONE was produced and distributed across Maidstone. Zone has now become an important feature for young people in Maidstone and continue to chart the ideas and opinions of a growing generation.
Russell Bamber Exhibition
The 1996 Inspirit award winner staged his exhibition at the Museum.
MAY
Inspirit
The third Inspirit open exhibition was selected and staged at the Museum. This year over 180 entries were received from across the South East region. The exhibition finally selected showcased, the work of local artists together with others from across the region. The Inspirit award was given to the photographer Bruce Thorndike. He will now produce a one person exhibition for the Museum in April 1998.Zone Multi-Media Event
ZONE commissions were advertised in artists and design publications. Funding applications were prepared and submitted to South East Arts and other funding sources.
Town of Flowers
Components of the Town of Flowers project were commissioned and organised. The TOTEM sculpture has been subject of an Arts Council assessment and the outcome will be known during the third week of July.
Brass and Season
The 1997 Brass Band Season was organised for Brenchley Gardens. The season runs from 29 June - 24 August.
Youth Forum
A poster campaign about the Youth Forum was produced during a series of workshops with members of the Forum and the Arts officer.
JUNE
Blip
The 1997 BLIP music project was advertised and selected. Twelve bands have been selected and will record in the studio during July.
Worx
WORX is a major music initiative that has resulted in a CD being produced. The project will enable bands from Maidstone, Gillingham, Lille and Brussels to play together at live events in the four towns/cities.
A CD has been produced featuring the four bands and an outdoor music event will take place at Brenchley Gardens on the 19 July.
5. HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT UNIT
5.1. Budget Allocations
The budget allocations for the Highway Management Unit have now been finalised. As expected severe cuts have been made in some budgets. In particular, Tree Maintenance has been reduced, as has weed spraying and gully emptying. In previous years all public highways were sprayed with weedkiller as a preventative measure. Due to the reductions it is not possible to continue this. Sites where problems are known to exist will be treated on a one off, basis.
5.2. Carriageway Resurfacing
Current KCC policy states that only A & B carriageways can be resurfaced. There is a small amount of resurfacing works to be carried out along the High Street and Holland Road and arrangements are being made for these to be carried out. However, there is still a reasonable programme of surface dressing and the majority of this work has now been completed. In addition, funding has been made available to use a new treatment called thin surfacing, on the Sandling Lane and this work is programmed for August.
5.3. Subsidence Tonbridge Road
A large subsidence occurred on the 2 July which meant the Tonbridge Road had to be closed. The hole appears to have been caused by water washing out the sub soil but investigations are still continuing to determine the exact cause. The hole measures some 30 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet deep. The foul sewer, water main and gas main were damaged during the incident. Temporary supplies were installed immediately after the incident but these will have to be permanently replaced before the hole is filled. It may also be necessary to use specialist grouting techniques to ensure the void is completely filled. It is anticipated that the works will take a total of three weeks. The cost is also likely to be in the order of £30,000.