One Maidstone town centre magazine - Autumn 2020

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

2

I NSI DE

THIS

Christmas

ISSUE

08_ Will the Grinch get away with stealing Fremlin Walk?

16_ Businesses prepare for lockdown part 2.

04_ Find out how our town centre magazine is made!

14_ We’re getting lippy with Aimee Hobbs Make-Up Studio.

// onemaidstone.com

It may not quite be business as usual, but Christmas is certainly not cancelled this year in fact, in the words of the Grinch, it came just the same! And speaking of the Grinch, you’ll find out in this issue why he dropped by Fremlin Walk to help One Maidstone with our alternative Christmas lights project.

Although we can’t gather together to watch the lights being switched on, there will still be lights, thanks to the One Maidstone BID. And we hope that our Secret Switch On film, available to watch for free from Nov 19th, will bring some Christmas spirit down your chimney and into your home!

Trading will of course look different for our town centre shops, bars and restaurants this Yuletide - where you can, please support our High Street as you do your Christmas shopping. Why not

The One Maidstone Business Improvement District is a not-forprofit organisation working to improve the town centre for us all! pop into one of the town centre’s many indepedent stores to pick up something unique - our businesses are doing all they can to make your shopping experience safe and comfortable. If you’re not ready to get out and about, check delivery options on local food and goods, you’ll be surprised what you can get sent to your doorstep!

We hope you enjoy this bumper edition of the One Maidstone town centre magazine, and however you celebrate, happy Christmas!

Ilsa Butler ILSA BUTLER

BID Manager Ilsa Butler ilsa.butler@ onemaidstone.com Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah-Jane Adams sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com One Maidstone Mall Management Suite, Pads Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6AT 01622678777

3

LETTER FROM THE BID MANAGER

// CONTACT

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

WELCOME

PHOTOGRAPHY, UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED, BY SARAH-JANE ADAMS AT ONE MAIDSTONE

NOTE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING Please be aware that some images used within this issue were taken before the implementation of social distancing or mandatory mask use by business staff .

THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE ONE MAIDSTONE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT TO SUPPORT TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES.

To enquire about advertising sales for future issues, or feature opportunities for town centre traders, contact sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com © Copyright 2020, produced by the One Maidstone Business Improvement District.

One Maidstone BID Manager // onemaidstone.com

BID BACKS BUSINESS

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

4

The Maidstone Distillery are keen readers!

MADE I N THE TOWN CENTRE

for the town centre

As the town centre’s Business Improvement District, a priority for One Maidstone after lockdown has been to support and promote the venues and traders it represents, to encourage custom after such a prolonged period of uncertainty.

One such project has been the creation of the One Maidstone town centre magazine, with content complementing its Backing Business, Back in Business campaign. A wide selection of retailers, eateries and services have been featured at no cost, telling their stories of life after lockdown, and now within this issue, drumming up Christmas custom.

// onemaidstone.com

2000 copies are hand delivered to town centre businesses, and figures such as local Councillors, by One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors, whilst a further 13k are delivered door to door to homes in a radius around the town centre.

One Maidstone’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Sarah-Jane Adams has been visiting town centre businesses since the first stage of reopening in June to collect content and connect with store owners on a personal level. She says, ‘ The summer issue of this magazine is the first time that the One Maidstone BID has delivered materials directly to the public, and we hope that it will be an enjoyable read to drop through the letterboxes of those in the immediate area of the town centre.’

GOT A STORY OR WANT TO ADVERTISE? Email the Editor sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com

The commission of printing the magazine was awarded to Absolute Creative Print, themselves a town centre business, based in Starnes Court. Director Chris Langley says ‘ When One Maidstone contacted us about printing their magazine, we were more than happy to help out. Supporting local businesses is always important, but especially now more than ever.’

The issue is also available to read for free online at www.onemaidstone.com /magazine As an added support to local businesses and charities, One Maidstone are able to provide full page adverts at no charge within the digital issue, a good reason to browse the online version and support businesses on a budget.

Fargs Barbers receive their copy!

Vinetta’s Flower Gallery was featured in the summer issue!

The One Maidstone BID Ambassadors like to check how many times they are featured!

5 One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah-Jane.

Hot off the press at Absolute Creative Print.

// onemaidstone.com

Updates

TOWN CENTRE

news

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

6

The One Maidstone Business Improvement District has its finger on the town centre’s pulse!

[IMAGE: GEOBRAND]

REBRAND FOR BRANDING EXPERTS Town centre based design agency Geo Media are starting a new chapter as GeoBrand, along with the appointment of a new Chairman in the form of Terry Hewett.

Previously Managing Director of Zest agency, Terry joins the company as they launch their new brand identity and website, www.geobrand.co.uk With over 30 years of experience in the design and advertisement industry, Terry has delivered high level advertising and marketing campaigns with companies such as TNT, Hitachi and Philips.

HAI RY BE AR OPENI NG Lack of a good haircut got you feeling grizzly? Shear not!

The Hairy Bear is now open at 70 Union Street, ready to deal with even the most out of control manes!

One Maidstone went along to the grand opening of the second premises for the brand, after a successful Bearsted salon. The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring was on ribbon cutting duties - but put the scissors down before the first customers arrived!

Director Andrew Dicker says: “As an agency we will always be Geo. But going forward there will be no mistaking that we are and always will be brand specialists.”

LS Lashes and Beauty glams up Starnes Court!

// onemaidstone.com

Beautician Lauren brings her lash expertise from Ashford to Maidstone with the opening of her second salon. She says ‘ We are so excited to open in Maidstone! We are loving being in the heart of the town centre, and we are so grateful for the initial warm and busy welcome we have received from the lovely clients who have visited us so far. We are surrounded by such supportive local businesses on this next step in our journey!’

[IMAGE: LS LASHES AND BEAUTY]

New outdoor seating ‘parklets’ have popped up outside the Living Cafe, and other Earl Street eateries, thanks to an initiative by Kent County Council to encourage additional trade in the wake of Covid-19.

DONER DONE RI GHT Kebabs with a German twist come to Maidstone Gourmet kebab restaurant GDK Doner Kebab has come to Week Street in the town centre, having been selling its take on a fast food classic since 1989. You’ll find all sorts of twists on tradition, including doner burgers, wraps and quesadillas.

7

Parklife comes to Earl Street!

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

News to share? If you’re a town centre business with something going on, let us know! Email us: sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com

No longer just a post-night out snack, you can dive in to a doner from 11am to 10pm, seven days a week.

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors regularly assist the Police town team.

Friendship back on the menu at Frederics!

Formerly the West Kent Befriending Service, the Inspired Friendships group, part of Inspired Villages, provides get togethers and companionship for older people who may be experiencing loneliness.

One such gathering took place at Frederics Bistro in Market Buildings, a keen supporter of the project, with sessions of six people.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from meeting new people in a safe and welcoming environment, contact Friendship Manager Wendy Pfieffer via friendships@inspiredvillages.co.uk

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

8

CHRISTMAS

secret SWI TCH ON

The Fairy’s Tale

THE

The One Maidstone Business Improvement District has been keeping a seasonal secret!

Despite current circumstances, Maidstone town centre will still have Christmas lights displayed from November 2020, and will celebrate with an alternative online project, thanks to the One Maidstone Business Improvement District.

Determined not to let the occasion go unmarked, One Maidstone brings you the Secret Switch On, a prerecorded and socially distanced concert film, available to watch for free online from Thursday November 19th, the evening the lights switch on event would have traditionally taken place, and on catch up at any // onemaidstone.com

time, via www.onemaidstone. com, Youtube and social media.

Performances from local singers, magicians, dancers and even the Grinch have been filmed in high profile venues around the town centre, out of hours and without an audience, to be combined to create an evening of entertainment.

some Christmas joy is magical.’

For behind the scenes action, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, @onemaidstone, or join the facebook event - facebook. com/events/834622520614810 JOIN US TO WATCH THE ONE MAIDSTONE SECRET SWITCH ON FROM 7.30PM, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH, AT WWW. ONEMAIDSTONE.COM

Singer Amy Ansell, who until Covid hit worked in Cafe Rouge in Earl Street, filmed her rendition of Silent Night inside the Maidstone Distilery. She says ‘I am delighted that One Maidstone have managed to create a virtual version of the Christmas lights concert, and feel very humbled to be part of it. This year has been extremely uncertain, so to be able to feel One Maidstone’s 2019 concert.

MEPA students shut down the Mall shopping centre!

17 year old Tyler represents Mid Kent College.

Dancers learnt their routines in bubbles in order to make the performances happen!

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

9

It’s a kind of magic with tricks from Michael Mcintrye.

10 One Maidstone / Autumn 2020 Singer Amy Ansell serenades an empty Maidstone Distillery.

Local business owners, like Samantha Fellows are featured.

Filming has taken place without an audience all over town!

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

11

The All Saints choir raise the roof of St Philip’s church.

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors are in on the secret!

Who can stop the grumpy Grinch?

Find out from November 19th!

Maidstone Dance Studios take over the Royal Star Arcade.

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

14

BID BACKS BUSINESS

HAND I N HAND WI TH HEART

of Kent Hospice

Warm hands warm heart?

This winter, One Maidstone is supporting a very special project from Heart of Kent Hospice.

Come Christmas time, retail spaces across Maidstone will be selling knitted Unity Mittens in aid of HOKH, in order to raise vital funds. Produced by volunteer knitters throughout the community, these could be used as tree decorations or general adornments, or as a stocking filler!

One Maidstone has been helping to pair the Hospice up with potential selling hubs, by hand delivering letters to all businesses explaining the campaign. // onemaidstone.com

The mittens will be available to buy online, from HOKH charity shops and selected retailers, such as Maidstone Health Foods, from November 9th.

Claire Whybrew, Heart of Kent Hospice’s Corporate Partnerships Manager said: ‘It’s great that One Maidstone are supporting our Unity Mittens campaign. We are continuing to sign up independent retailers who will sell our mittens across the festive period. The Unity Mittens represent the values of kinship, friendship, neighbourliness, responsibility and care, epitomising the sentiment of togetherness which has been so evident throughout 2020. The money raised from the sale of the Unity Mittens will help the Hospice to continue to adapt its services and support local families.’

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

16

BID BACKS BUSINESS

Aimee Hobbs Young entrepreneur Aimee Hobbs is serving looks from her new studio base.

Make-up artist Aimee Hobbs had only opened her dream studio three months before Covid-19 forced her to down tools.

building. I started my career with appointments, and then lessons, and now we do accredited courses so that you can become a qualified makeup artist with us.

Aimee says ‘I started three years ago at home in my bedroom, doing Level 2 Hair and Make-Up at college, and then my client base started to grow. I rented out a room in the back of a shop in Maidstone for a year and a half, whilst I studied Level 3.

We had three months of trading before we had to close due to lockdown, so we didn’t have the chance to see our full potential as a shop really, which was frustrating. We were closed for five months, whereas some other businesses weren’t closed for as long - hairdressers for example were able to open sooner.

When I finished college, I employed Ellie as I was getting so busy! To expand I had to get someone else in to see more clients.

Then in December 2019, we opened the studio in the Royal Star Arcade, which is amazing!

We now have three of us on the team, so we’re growing and // onemaidstone.com

We kept going during lockdown by creating looks and posting content. We knew when the time came to re-open, the clientele would be waiting, as everyone would want to be glam after being at home for so long!

Now we’re thriving, we have so many customers, so many

lessons booked. We’re back on track and I think we’re better than we were before!

Since re-opening, we wear visors and masks, and things that we were already doing such as sanitising everything between clients - so it’s not so different.’

And what does the team expect to see this holiday season?

‘In December we anticipate a lot of red lips - it’s very popular as it looks so festive!’

Read on for Aimee’s advice on achieving make-up perfection and tricks of the trade this Xmas, whether you’re entertaining at home, or hitting the town.

To book in for a Yuletide makeover, get the perfect party look for New Year ’s Eve, or to find out more about attending make-up courses and workshops, visit www.aimeehobbsmakeup.co.uk

Wear a lip liner before you apply a red lip we always conceal around the lip as well to get the perfect shape.

Aimee teaches our BID Ambassadors the right way to pose!

Don’t wear a bold eye with a red lip, it’s too much! And it works the other way - if you’re doing a strong eye, go for a neutral lip.

Make sure you set your face, especially on nights out!

For lashes, make sure you cut your set down so they’re not too long. We use Duo glue.

17 One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

Make-up guru Aimee gives One Maidstone her expert tips for a full face that slays (and stays!) this Christmas:

If you’re having lots of pictures taken with flash, which you probably will at Christmas time, make sure you bronze your skin to avoid looking pale!

Aimee recommends this glam smoky eye and red lip combo for Crimbo!

Aimee created this sultry festive look exclusively for One Maidstone magazine!

ON THE LASH: Aimee Hobbs Make-Up Studio boasts drawers full of every kind of false lash, foundation and palette!

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

18

BID BACKS BUSINESS

B R I T TA N I C A F I S H B A R

B ACK I NG BUSI NES S THAT ’ S

back in business!

As we navigate the ‘new normal’, our town centre businesses need us, and you, more than ever, as their busiest time of trading takes a hit due to more imposed closures.

Over the summer, One Maidstone has been telling the stories of business owners through its Backing Business, Back in Business campaign, visiting shops and services as they re-opened after lockdown left us all with limp hair, no social lives and with limited shopping choices!

With a new national lockdown closing down the town centre during November, you may be forgiven for thinking that Christmas, or Christmas shopping, at least, is cancelled.

But as our businesses fight // onemaidstone.com

on, so must we. If you’re able to, spending your money locally, and physically visiting a store or venue during December will make all the difference to those who run them.

If you’re not feeling flush this year, you can support your favourite businesses on social media, by sharing their content and leaving reviews.

To help businesses on a budget, we’ve given local traders and charities free full page adverts within the digital version of this magazine. Why not show them your support and also view this issue online (for free!) at onemaidstone.com/magazine No businesses featured editorially within the print or digital edition have been charged for the promotion - please pay them a visit!

NELLIE GERKINS

19 LEAH’S BISTRO

FA R G S

Beauty came back to the Clinique counter in Boots!

HAIR PROFESSIONAL

P R O S H O E R E PA I R

CORNELL JEWELLERS

The drinks flowed at Banks Bar once again!

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

The Reef Spa opened its doors to clients in need of pampering!

lends a hand Salamander

ONE OF MAIDSTONE’S LONGEST RUNNING INDIE STORES!

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

21

BID BACKS BUSINESS

Many Maidstonians have fond memories of the Aladdin’s Cave that can be found in the Market Buildings!

‘Come and see the wide range of wacky, weird and wonderful things we have to offer. From ear stretchers to incense sticks, smoking paraphernalia to dragons and fairies. We import many items from Thailand ourselves and also sell items from India and Africa.’

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

24

BID BACKS BUSINESS

Christmas windows It’s Ding Dong Merrily on Hi Kent as charity gets into the festive spirit!

This year more than ever, we need the twinkly lights of Christmas to brighten up our dark days, and what better place to look than the festive displays coming to life in the town centre’s shop windows!

One of the first to complete their Christmas windows were Week Street’s Hi Kent, a charity shop whose proceeds go towards helping those with a hearing impairment.

Responsible for the decor was Shop Manager Beth, who explains ‘It’s hard in a small space to highlight everything that we have to offer. The main aim is to get everything out on show so that customers have as much choice as possible, because I really do think we have something for everyone! // onemaidstone.com

We’ve had a lot more interest since we’ve brightened things up and made the shop Christmassy, tinsel and lights bring people in!’

Beth from Hi Kent will also be taking part in the One Maidstone Secret Switch On, having filmed a signed version of festive classic Jingle Bells.

One Maidstone is on the look out for Christmas window displays as they appear! We’ll be visiting businesses and photographing as many as we can across the next couple of months.

To follow our trail of Christmas windows around the town centre, follow us on social media at instagram.com/ onemaidstone, twitter.com/ onemaidstone and facebook . com/onemaidstonebid

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors have been finding out about the work of Hi Kent.

25 H O T E L C H O C O L AT

HI KENT

CLINTON CARDS

Which is your favourite?

Let us know and share your snaps with us on social!

THE BODY SHOP SUE RYDER

NEW LOOK

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

W AT E R S T O N E S

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

26

COMMUNIT Y

Remembering REMEMBR ANCE .

One Maidstone reflects on how we marked November 11th in a very different way last year.

This time twelve months ago, a four panelled tribute to our Armed Forces towered over the entrance to the Mall shopping centre, created by the One Maidstone BID.

Royal British Legion.

The striking artwork, which was designed and funded by One Maidstone, saw a new way of marking Remembrance Day in our town centre, outside of civic ceremonies.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 halted any plans for another large scale campaign by the BID this year, along with our VE Day 75 project. However, One Maidstone is still committed to honouring those who served, past and present, at home and abroad in 2021.

The unveiling of the window was attended by a large number of veterans, serving members of the 36 Engineer Regiment, the Ghurka community, the Mayor of Maidstone, Kent’s Police Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, MP for Maidstone Helen Grant, and representatives of the // onemaidstone.com

A smaller replica was placed on the frontage of the former Brighthouse store inside the cente.

The One Maidstone BID’s Remembrance tribute is still available to view on the empty unit across from Rymans on Level 1 of the Mall this year.

Why not take a photo and share it with us on Instagram or Twitter, @onemaidstone

One Maidstone attended a small scale Armed Force’s Day ceremony in June.

Whilst we were unable to launch when planned for VE Day commerations in April, we had hoped to go ahead with our plans during the period of Remembrance this year.

Unfortunately, due to the second national lockdown occuring in November, we have taken the decison to move the campaign to mark Remembrance 2021.

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR 75 STORIES APPEAL, VISIT WWW.ONEMAIDSTONE. COM/75STORIES

27 One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

ONE MAIDSTONE, 75 STORIES In early 2020, One Maidstone began work on a community project to mark 75 years since the end of World War 2, entitled One Maidstone, 75 Stories.

One Maidstone’s window launch was very popular in 2019

We joined the Mall for their annual service last November.

One Maidstone’s commemorative design to the Army, Air Force and Navy can still be viewed inside the Mall.

BID Manager Ilsa Butler with members of the town’s 36 Engineer Regiment in 2019.

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

COMPETI TI ON! WIN A TOUR OF THE MAIDSTONE DISTILLERY.

GIN-GLE ALL THE WAY WITH THIS TOUR FOR TWO!

£ Want to know what goes into producing Maidstone’s very own gin... and even taste some? We have two tour tickets to give away, courtesy of our friends at the Maidstone Distillery, Market Buildings.

‘Join us at the Distillery as we immerse you in our world for 90 minutes of spirited fun. We will warmly welcome you with a double George Bishop gin and tonic at our bar before we take you through to our experience room. Here we delve into the fascinating story of distilling right here in the county town of Kent that spans over 200 years, and learn about the processes we use to create our fine hand crafted spirits today. You will get to see our beautiful still and equipment up close, before it’s time again back at the bar for a tutored tasting of our spirits as we talk about the inspiration

behind them.’

TO ENTER: Simply send an email with the subject ‘ Distillery tour ’ to sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com by midnight on Dec 31st 2020.

A winner will be selected at random and contacted in January 2021 to arrange the booking of your tour.

Your email address will not be used for any other purpose than notifying a winner, and will not be kept on file.

By entering, you agree to having your photo taken at the Distillery for promotional purposes by One Maidstone should you win. // onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

32

BID BACKS BUSINESS

Art-K Hoping for a homemade holiday? We’ve got Pip’s tips for DIY decorating!

Most of us have had extra time on our hands this year, and whether you spend lockdown learning something new, or having a break from it all, there’s plenty of reasons to take up a relaxing new hobby or brush up on those art skills.

Let’s get making!

1. Assemble the materials listed right, and print out the template onto card and carefully cut around the outlines.

the middle of the template and slot the two pieces together (you might need to add a little bit of glue to hold the two halves together.)

2. In pencil add any details that you would like such as eyes and buttons on the snowman or baubles on the tree. Don’t forget to do both halves!

7. Fold a piece of ribbon or a strip of card in half and glue both ends to the top of your decoration.

Art-K in the Royal Star Arcade is an arts and crafts school for kids (and big kids!) One Maidstone met Art Club Manager Pip, who kindly created a simple and child friendly tutorial for making paper Christmas tree and snowmen decorations. (Far right.)

3. Cut or rip the patterned paper into small pieces.

You can find the template and instructions for download on our website at www.one maidstone.com/magazine // onemaidstone.com

4. Start by choosing a main colour and stick your pieces of paper to the template. For the tree you could glue the top of the paper down and leave the ends loose to look like branches.

5. Cut the pieces of paper so they are the right shape for your details, for example small circles for the snowman’s buttons - you could also use beads or sequins.

6. Carefully cut along the line in

8. Hang your decoration on your tree with pride!

Ta-da! Whether you’ve made a masterpiece or made a mess, One Maidstone would love to see your efforts! Tag us in photos of your creations, or use the hashtag #onemaidstone To get in touch with your inner Van Gogh, or find an outlet for your mini creative genius, you can find out more about the types and schedule of classes and projects available at Art-K, Royal Star Arcade by visiting www.art-k.co.uk

There’s plemty for talented youngsters to do at Art-K!

Materials you will need: Template Card Patterned paper (you could print patterns on to paper or use old magazines and newspapers) Beads or sequins (optional) Glue Pencil Scissors Ribbon, string or long strip of card

33 One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

Need something for little fingers to do over the Christmas holidays? Visit www.onemaidstone.com/magazine to download Pip’s template for making these adorable stand alone decorations.

Here’s one we made earlier!

Show us your Christmas craft attempts using the hashtag #onemaidstone

Art Club Manager Pip met the One Maidstone team to channel our inner critics!

its recently upgraded cameras, funding operatives at no cost to MBC. This proposal was accepted on a trial basis, and work commenced by One Maidstone at the beginning of April, with active monitoring commencing in June.

One Maidstone provides trained, local monitoring operatives to compliment the town centre radio system it already offers through its Business Crime Reduction partnership. Reports and requests

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

36

G I V E A WAY S

J SabaiSpa

lends a hand

WIN A COUPLE’S MASSAGE GIFT VOUCHER AT J SABAI SPA!

After twelve months of ups and downs for all of us, who couldn’t make use of a pamper session at J Sabai Spa!

2020 has been more stressful than any of us could have envisaged, which is why any chance to relax and unwind is most welcome as we finally reach the end of this traumatic year.

What better way to wave our worries goodbye than with the chance to win a massage certificate for two people, courtesy of luxurious Thai massage experience J Sabai Spa in King Street.

The lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for a couple’s massage - take a spouse, partner, best friend or treat your mum to this joint session and feel your cares melt away thanks to the experts in traditional mind and body healing.

J Sabai Spa offers a range of treatments in it’s nature inspired salon.

// onemaidstone.com

The spa explains ‘ Two people are massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two

£

different therapists. Couple’s massage is a great way to introduce a partner who has never had a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable the first time.’

TO ENTER: Simply send an email with the subject ‘ Couple’s massage’ to sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com by midnight on Dec 31st 2020.

A winner will be selected at random and contacted in January 2021 to arrange the booking of your couple’s massage. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose than notifying a winner, and will not be kept on file.

By entering, you agree to having your photo taken at the J Sabai Spa for promotional purposes by One Maidstone should you win.

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

42

COMMUNIT Y

Is Ye Olde Thirsty Pig pub a site of paranormal activity?

SpooksHAUNT TOWN CENTRE! Or do they? Guest writer Kristie Marchant takes up the hunt for things that go bump in the night!

sightings, which she shares with One Maidstone. Believe them if you dare!

With long dark nights upon us, and the witching hour just passed, it ’s easy to imagine that ghosts and ghouls lurk in the shadows but is Maidstone town centre a hotspot for hauntings?

Kristie Marchant has been using her Instagram account, @WhatKristieLearns to gather and share terrible tales and eye witness // onemaidstone.com

YE OLDE THIRST Y PIG Ye Olde Thirsty Pig is the third oldest surviving building in Maidstone. This pub was originally a farmhouse, believed to be part of the estate of the Archbishops Palace. It was built circa 1430-1440 and stands on the corner of Lower Stone Street and Knightrider Street.

Apparently it was used as a hospital to treat injured soldiers during the Battle of Maidstone, who are said to be some of the ghostly occupants that call the pub home. Female visitors and staff members in particular seem to be the subject of much of the paranormal activity and staff say that there are certain rooms that they avoid going in where possible.

YOUR MOVE Your Move (formerly GA Property Services) on King Street might look like your average estate agents, but former workers paint an altogether spookier picture!

One local claimed that a family member had worked as a cleaner during the 80s and 90s in this building. One day a former employee (who claimed to be psychic) mentioned they could feel the presence of a man and child, and a ouija board was used. From that point on everything changed. Cups were thrown in the kitchen, radios switched on, racking used to shake and general moans and groans could be heard.

The employee no longer felt safe to work alone and used to take her partner to work with

King Street is one of the older original streets in Maidstone and recent archaeological excavations have unearthed buildings dating back to medieval times.

THE PILOT PUB The now derelict 16th century Pilot Pub on Upper Stone Street has had a troubled past in recent years - it closed its doors for good in 2018 and a recent fire broke out in an outbuilding at the back of the pub, causing substantial damage.

However, locals have fond memories of nights at the pub during its heyday, including another type of guest who just couldn’t seem to stay away.

One former patron noted that on busy nights at the pub, a middle tankard hanging above the bar would start swinging while the others all remained still. One Friday night, over 10 years ago, the same patron said that he was drinking at a table in the back corner when his shoulder was squeezed through the heavy jacket he was wearing.

Whoever or whatever it was, the local suggested that the spirit seemed friendly,

THE WHITE RABBIT (NOW MILLER & CARTER STEAKHOUSE) A former employee of the White Rabbit told me that the Assistant Manager used to stay in room 13 and always said that his door would be wide open when he woke up in the morning and the light on, but the staff never believed him. After he had left, the employee and another colleague were cleaning his room out and had turned off the light and locked the door when they finished.

Ten minutes later the colleague asked if the employee had locked the door and she confirmed she had. However, on turning the handle, it was unlocked and opened up and the pair were able to walk straight in... the light was on as well. In addition to that spooky experience, the staff would often hear footsteps and doors opening and closing when they were alone but for this employee the day with the door was too much.

43

possibly a former customer or landlord, and the atmosphere of the pub had always been warm and welcoming.

One Maidstone / Autumn 2020

her in the evenings. One night while walking up the stairs from the first shop floor to the first floor, her partner felt something walk directly through him. They hurriedly emptied the bins and never returned and the poor employee quit her job as a result.

Kristie has lived locally to Maidstone her whole life and currently lives in East Farleigh. She enjoys researching local history and unearthing obscure facts about the town. After recently posting on a Maidstone community Facebook group asking residents about their scary stories and ghostly experiences in and around Maidstone, she was inundated with responses and thought it would be fun to feature a few places and stories that were mentioned, around the time of Halloween.

Left: The Pilot Pub Right: Miller & Carter Steakhouse

[Images by Kristie Marchant]

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com