LOCAL NEWS
Cafe’s unsold food gives homeless hope for future “We wanted to do something about it and after a few months of looking for a worthwhile cause we found Porchlight, which is a brilliant charity that has a hostel for young people in the Tonbridge area. “We’ve been working with them for the past few weeks, with people from the charity making regular collections,” explained the director, who hopes its apprenticeship campaign could potentially offer further help through job prospects.
‘We believe employment is the best route out of poverty and homelessness’
FOOD TRAY Kaya Cadwallader of Porchlight collects a donation of unsold goods for the charity from Daron Goldfinch at Finch House
By Neill Barston A POPULAR venue in Tonbridge has joined up with a community scheme supporting young homeless people in the town by offering them unsold food supplies. Finch House Cafe and Bakery in the High Street has linked up with Kent charity Porchlight to offer its users a range of sandwiches, pastries and other
dishes which would otherwise have gone to waste. The company, which set up in Tonbridge four years ago, is also advertising for apprentices, which could be open to applicants using Porchlight’s services. Daron Goldfinch, managing director of Finch House, said: “We make a lot of our products fresh on site and realised we had some gourmet food stock left at the end of the day which would just go in the bin.
Since launching in Tonbridge, the company has opened a second cafe in Orpington. It has also been named for the third year running as a finalist in the countywide KEIBA business awards. Mr Goldfinch added: “The scheme we have set up is helping young college-age people who are clients of Porchlight. In having some extra sandwiches or pastries, it means they are able to save what limited budgets they have towards other things like attending job interviews and it seems to be working well for them so far.” Porchlight staff member Zara Hamid agreed the initiative had been of real benefit. She said: “We’re really grateful to Finch House. The company’s generosity allows us to put on a spread and invite the people staying with us to come together for a chat and a bite to eat. Sometimes we work with people who feel isolated and things like this help them to engage. “It’s also great to hear Finch House is looking into apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. At Porchlight, we believe employment is the best route out of poverty and homelessness.”
Police hunt park attackers
POLICE APPEAL Tonbridge Park
POLICE are still appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 16-year-old boy was left with blood pouring from his head after being severely beaten with hammers by a gang of men in Tonbridge Park. The victim’s mother Nicki Rogers, from Southborough, was so shocked by the state her son Harry Diamond had been left in, that she posted pictures of his facial injuries on Facebook in the hope of finding those responsible. According to Police, officers were called to the scene at
Tonbridge Park just before 7pm on Sunday May 15, after receiving reports of a disturbance involving a large group of people, but could find no one at the scene. Soon after this, officers were alerted to reports of a teenager receiving hospital treatment, claiming that he had been assaulted in the park that evening. At the time Detective Chief Inspector Neill Parker said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries including reviewing CCTV, and if you have any
information that can help us please get in touch.” After more than a week no descriptions of the attackers have been released but there have been reports circulating locally that the attackers may have come from Maidstone. Anyone with information should call West Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/10338/16. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Another lifesaver installed in town A POTENTIALLY life-saving piece of medical equipment has been installed near Tonbridge High Street. Medischeme insurance, which is based at the Old Fire Station, has provided a defibrillator that could prove vital in cases of suspected heart attacks. Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat unveiled the new kit, which requires professional training to operate. Richard Collins, managing director of Medischeme Health Ltd, said: “We hope that it’s something that doesn’t have to be used, but it could definitely save lives.”
Hadlow Tower for sale ONE of the Tonbridge area’s most recognisable landmarks, the Hadlow Tower, has been placed on the market. The striking building was formerly owned by the Vivat Trust, which won a £2.6million Heritage Lottery award for its full restoration in 2008. But since the organisation went into liquidation last month, the 19th century building, which had occasionally been open to the public, has remained closed. The Grade I listed property is now for sale through property specialists Eddisons, which has not released a guide price, due to its unique design. The tower was built in 1839 by wealthy businessman Walter May to house his wife, who he suspected was cheating on him.
New principal named THE Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge has appointed Daniel Hatley as its new principal. He joins having previously been a head at an academy within the Ark Schools Network. Mr Hatley said: “When I first visited the academy, I was struck by the dedication and commitment of the staff. The students are superb ambassadors for their school, which indicated to me how engaged they are and how much they believe in and appreciate all that goes into ensuring they achieve their best.” Mr Hatley started his career as an English teacher in an inner-city co-educational community school in Birmingham before becoming part of the leadership team in schools in both Surrey and Sussex.
Wednesday 25th May 2016