OneMaidstone Spring 2022

ISSUE 7 SPRING 2022

FREE

FREE SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT WORKSHOP Free training for local business THE WINE WEEKEND IS CONFIRMED! Coming to Maidstone Summer 2022 DINOSAUR EGG HUNT! A town-wide egg hunt… with a difference!

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Contents

Contents Spring 2022 Edition A Big OneMaidstone Welcome

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Maidstone News

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BID Project: What is a BID?

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Charity: HOKH- Bluebell Walk

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Special Events: Dinosaur Trail

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Chinese New Year

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10_ Seasonal Events: Chinese New Year

Shopping and Retail Royal Star Arcade

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Fremlin Walk

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Season Special Maidstone Museum

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Mother’s Day in Maidstone

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Hazlit Entertainment and Leisure Little Street

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Health, Wellness & Grooming Iris Hairdressers

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Le Lotus

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BID Project: Social Media Training

Hospitality and Dining: Freds

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Vegan Grill Services:

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Maidstone Radio

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Gullands Town Centre

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Maidstone Map

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Upcoming Events

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26_ Hospitality & Dining: Vegan Grill

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18_ Entertainment & Leisure: Little street

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20_ Health Wellness & Gromming: Iris Hairdressers

Welcome Retail

Welcome Letter From The BID Manager

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s the tender green daffodil shoots start to make an appearance in the wildlife garden on Romney Place, we know that we will soon welcome the beauty of early Spring to Maidstone, the County Town of the Garden of England.

We will be planting some trees as part of the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations, welcoming our very own Just Bee Elmer sculpture into her permanent home and working towards a brand new exciting event that celebrates viticulture, Kentish produce and will welcome people from outside of the area to discover the town centre – The Wine Weekend! This fresh event will open up a venue for people to explore, and the opportunity to discover for themselves the very location that gives Maidstone it’s County Town status, the beautiful and historic Sessions House.

The Wine Weekend is the climax to our summer season of events which will include the return of the Maidstone Fringe Festival, bringing live music to venues across the town centre over the May Bank Holiday weekend, and Maidfest, a new concept which affords businesses the opportunity to create their own offers, attract more footfall and allow One Maidstone to lend support with promotion to our networks.

Meanwhile we will be continuing our deep cleaning blitz days, boosting our Ambassador presence and taking steps to make our town a safe space, including educational training sessions for businesses and the reassurance of 24 hour monitored CCTV. Additionally we invite you to look out for the stunning and thought provoking Knife Angel sculpture that will be visiting the town centre later in the year.

Please explore the following pages to find out more about how our projects will be growing and blossoming and how we will be nurturing our town and businesses.

Ilsa Butler

ILSA BUTLER

OneMaidstone BID Manager

FOLLOW USOn ON SOCIALS! Follow Us Socials!

Stay up to date with all the latest news, offers and events in Maidstone by following us on: Instagram: @Onemaidstone Twitter: @OneMaidstone Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent

OneMaidstone BID The OneMaidstone Business Improvement District is a not for profit organisation representing Maidstone town centre.

We provide services such as ambassador patrols, christmas lights, cctv monitoring and security radio network.

For more informationon on our work, visit www.onemaidstone.com © Copyright 2021, produced by the OneMaidstone Business Improvement District.

Design by GeoBrand - Maidstone Print by Absolute Creative Print - Maidstone Editor and Content: Caroline Ward - Onward Socials caroline.ward@onemaidstone.com

Front Cover Image: Chinese New Year, courtesy of Cohesion Plus.

THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRIVATELY FUNDED BY ONEMAIDSTONE BID TO SUPPORT TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES.

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News

Spring News Ho, Ho, Ho-ray!!

In our last edition, we shared details of the Heart of Kent Hospice Christmas Tree Recycling campaign.

Thanks to the wonderful volunteers, community participation and orangisers, the Hospice collected 785 trees and the campaign raised £7,855!

Karen Newton-Anker, Community Partnerships Manager said, “We are absolutely delighted with the response to the second year of our Christmas Tree Recycling campaign. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who registered their tree for collection, every donation ensures we are able to

provide specialist care and support to terminally ill people and their loved ones free of charge within our local community.”

A big thank you to the event partners Parkfoot Garage and Gallagher Group.

The event was kindly supported by: Maidstone Borough Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Golding Homes, Menzies Distribution, TPS Logistics, CAF Ceramics, M Jenner & Son, Star Construction and the amazing merry band of Hospice volunteers.

Squeaky Clean!

February saw another deep clean in our town centre.

At One Maidstone BID, we prioritise keeping our streets clean for everyone to enjoy. Our last deep clean took place at Gabriel’s Hill and this time we concentrated on the Earl Street.

Image Credit: MCB Communications Team

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Thank you to our Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Fay Gooch for her support with the One Maidstone BID Projects

News

Hazlitt’s Helping Hands Nigel Downes (Coordinator of Maidstone Street Pastors) was very grateful to the Hazlitt Theatre.

The Hazlitt chose them to be the recipient of their fund-raising work for the period of the Christmas Pantomime. Nigel said; “I hadn’t been to a panto for

many years so I wasn’t sure what to expect, well, it was fantastic. The actors, the songs, the comedy, the stage settings absolutely everything was brilliant.

We were privileged the Hazlitt chose to help us, we are very thankful for the funds they raised for us”.

Knife Angel Confirmed!

The team at One Maidstone BID have been working hard and can now say that it’s official, Knife Angel is coming to Maidstone! ​​ KNIFE ANGEL is a 26ft sculpture made of knives and other bladed weapons which have been surrendered, in countrywide knife amnesties. It has been conceived as a memorial and tribute to the many thousands of people whose lives have been affected by knife crime and is being made with the full support of the Home Office.

Image credit: Canny Photography

Part of the National Youth Anti-Violence Educational Programme URL for more info: www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/show-areas/ the-knife-angel-official, In Maidstone throughout September.

Location, St Faiths Church, Station Road.

Anti-Violence Champions will be part of the legacy.

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BID Projects

What is a BID? At One Maidstone BID, we’re often asked ‘What is a BID? or ‘What does the BID do?’ So we thought we’d answer some of your questions:

What is a BID? A Business Improvement District, or BID, are business led partnerships which are created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to local businesses.

How does a BID work?

After a BID partnership is voted in, they act as a tool for directly involving local businesses in local activities and allow the business community and local authorities to work together to improve the local trading environment

Who are the Maidstone BID? We are! We’re called One Maidstone BID. We cover many roles from the team in the office who arrange the events, logistics, marketing, and services for local business, through to our team of ambassadors on the streets of Maidstone town centre.

What does One Maidstone BID do?

We have many services and projects that we’re responsible for, or are involved in, but to list a few:

• The Christmas lights switch-on

• Our CCTV programme

• Deeps cleans of the town centre

• DA Guardians training programme

• The One Maidstone magazine and social media channels

• Creation and upkeep of the community garden

• The upcoming social media and content training for local businesses

• Maidsafe BCPR (Business Crime Reduction Partnership)

• Support local events such as the Elmer trail and the Fringe Festival

• Arranging the upcoming Wine Weekend

• Ad hoc events - The easter dinosaur egg hunt, Maidfest, The Knife Angel

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BID Projects

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Charity

Raise Money and Ramble!

H

eart of Kent Hospice’s Bluebell Walk 2022!

Help raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice by signing up to the annual ‘Bluebell Walk’, Sunday 1 May 2022.

Get your walking boots ready, pack a picnic and choose your route! The Bluebell Walk see’s walkers of all ages enjoy a ramble through the Kent countryside while enjoying the beautiful bluebell vistas and raising money for the local Hospice.

Last year the Hospice cared for over 1,700 patients and their families in their own homes or at the Aylesford-based Hospice. The services cost £5million a year to run and they depend heavily on loyal supporters, with over £4million raised through generous donations and fundraising activity.

“The Bluebell Walk is a such a lovely event. Many people take part in the event to spend time outdoors and see the bluebells, while other choose to remember loved ones and celebrate the care they received from the Hospice. We ask walkers if they are able to raise sponsorship, to enable us to continue to provide outstanding care to the growing number of local people that need us now and in the future.”

- Rachel Street, Chief Executive at Heart of Kent Hospice If you’re interested in joining the walk, more information and booking details can be found at www.hokh.org/support-us/events/bluebell-walk-2022/

Six-mile route: Adult Ticket - £12 (£10 Early Bird) Child Ticket - £4 (£3 Early Bird) Family Ticket - £30 (£25 Early Bird) Mini Bluebell Walk: Adult Ticket - £6 (£5 Early Bird) Child Ticket - £4 (£3 Early Bird) Family Ticket - £16 (£13 Early Bird) Early bird prices available until March 20th, see our website for the early bird discounted rates.

Contact: events@hokh.co.uk or 01622 790195.

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Special Events

CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE? MAIDSTONE DINOSAUR EGG HUNT!

Did you know that in 1834 an Iguanadon was discovered in Maidstone?

Do you think we can find anymore?!

This Easter, Maidstone town centre will be hosting a DINOSAUR EGG HUNT! With the support of the wonderful businesses in town, there will be 20 eggs to find! Each egg, designed by local artists and children from Maidstone, will show a letter…collect all of the letters to crack the code!

Dinosaur Egg Trail maps can be collected from Maidstone Museum or participating locations. At the end of the trail, hand your completed form back to Maidstone Museum and receive a FREE GIFT! PLUS your chance to enter the free draw to win 1 of 100 Spike Dinosaur soft toys - Maidstone Museum soft toy!

When 2nd-16th April 2022 (Subject to Museum opening times) Keep an eye on our socials for more EGG-citing Easter and half-term events! @Onemaidstone @OneMaidstone @OneMaidstoneKent

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Special Events

Maidstone Celebrates

CHINESE NEW YEAR IN STYLE M

aidstone residents turned out in the hundreds on Saturday 5th February, braving the cold to celebrate Chinese New Year and usher in the Year of the Tiger. Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone Borough Council arranged the first Chinese New Year celebrations since the onset of the pandemic.

The celebrations began with the dotting of the eye’s ceremony, which involved waking the Chinese Lions and was conducted by dignitaries such the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Faye Gooch, the Leader of the Council Cllr David Burton, Cabinet Member Cllr Martin Round as well as Gurvinder Sandher the Artistic Director of Cohesion and Michael Lam a member of Maidstone Cultural Group and local business owner.

After the awakening of the lions the artistic programme began as they processed on Jubilee Square and Week Street delighting the large crowds with their mischief.

In addition, there was also dazzling performances from the London Chinese Opera Studio who showcased a performance of the Emperor’s Concubine as well as the SOAS Chinese Music Ensemble who performed traditional Shanghai Tea Room melodies.

Gurvinder Sandher the Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented “We are so thankful to the residents of Maidstone who turned out in their multitudes and braved the cold temperatures to celebrate Chinese New Year with us. We are also grateful to our event partners Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone

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OneMaidstone OneMaidstone//Spring Spring 2022

Borough Council who worked with us to bring this event together. These are first Chinese New Year celebrations taking place in the County Town since 2019 and we believe that the event was a wonderful showcase of how arts and culture can bring the diverse communities of the area together. The Year of the Tiger is a significant one as it symbolises strength and the overcoming of darkness which is apt given the past couple of years. We hope to bring the celebrations to Maidstone again next year.”

Maidstone Borough Council has recently been allocated funding from the Welcome Back Fund, part of £56 million provided to councils across England from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic. It builds on the £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) allocated to councils in 2020 and forms part of the wider support government is providing to communities and businesses. A share of this money has been used to fund the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Special Events

“The Year of the Tiger is a significant one as it symbolises strength and the overcoming of darkness which is apt given the past couple of years.”

Images courtesy of Cohesion Plus

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Shopping and Retail

What’s on at the

Artisan Market

The Jubilee

n 2022, we are committed to having some great events at The Royal Star Arcade.This includes our monthly market which is becoming more and more popular. We feel supporting small businesses really helps promote our town and all the talented people out there who are so great at what they do! The markets take place on the first Saturday of each month.

This year comes with celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria gave the arcade its ‘royal’ prefix. It’s something we are very proud of. As The Royal Star Arcade has this special royal connection, be sure to watch out for a special event planned in June.

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2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September, 1 October, 5 November and 3 December. Please come along, we’d love to see you! www.royalstararcade.co.uk/artisan-market

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Join Us We have some of our very popular kiosks currently available in the Royal Star Arcade – if you would be interested in having one to sell your products or offering a service for your business, please enquire at: www.royalstararcade.co.uk/kiosk-shops

Shopping and Retail

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UP TO DA

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We feel supporting small businesses really helps promote our town and all the talented people out there

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

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New To The Arcade In the last couple of months we have had some new tenants which we would like to introduce: •

The Iris Hair and Beauty has opened their doors and offer some great services for your beauty needs. www.the-iris.co.uk

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The very popular Rainbow Skull Grill has just opened their restaurant, and everything is Vegan! www.rainbowskull.co.uk/

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Dreamy by Daniela has also just opened its doors offering flowers, candles and lovely soaps.www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ DreamySoapsByDaniela

Royal Star Arcade Artisan Market

Find Us @royalstararcade www.royalstararcade.co.uk We look forward to seeing you in the upcoming months.!

Royal Star Arcade Artisan Market

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Shopping and Retail

Watch this space Fremlin Walk is very excited to announce that 2022 will be another fun packed year full of fun events, big competitions and delighful displays. Getting back to what the centre loves best, Fremlin Walk is looking forward to creating a fun and relaxed environment for the shoppers of Maidstone.

Full details will be announced ahead of each campaign, so keep updated on the centre’s what’s on page for more information.www.fremlinwalk.co.uk/whats-on/

@fremlinwalk

YOU CAN BE FEATURED TOO! If you’re a business within the One Maidstone BID (Business Improvement District), get in touch to find out how:

Email: info@onemaidstone.com Instagram: @OneMaidstone 14 14

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Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Season Special

Maidstone Museum M

aidstone Museum has a huge range of events, exhibitions and talks. From storytimes for under 5’s, to monthly talks about the exhibitions, the museum has something for everyone. Plus, entry to the main museum is free! Find out more at the museum’s visitor centre, or online at museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Talks Gallery Gander – May 2nd Thursday of every month - 10:30 - 11:20 An exclusive in-depth look at 10 highlight objects around the galleries with one of our collections team.

Gallery TOUR

Gande

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Mother’s Day Cream Tea and Costume Sat 26th Mar 2022 - 15:00 - 17:00 Although the day before Mother’s Day, we know you’ll enjoy a luscious cream tea and a chance to see our wonderful costume collection behind the scenes in the storerooms.

e l l a ry

2nd Thursday each month £5 per person

Special Event

Exhibition The Plaxtol Protocol Wed 9th Feb 2022 to Sat 16th Apr 2022 - All Day

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Uncover hidden stories in our amazing collections with the curator MaidstoneMuseum museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Over in a West Country village, there is an imaginary folk museum with surprisingly close links to the county of Kent, called Leasingstede Museum.

The Plaxtol Protocol is a touring exhibition created by artist Jane Williams, which examines these intriguing connections, and highlights previously ignored aspects of local history, such as Maidstone’s Lost Festival. It will feature many of Leasingstede’s rareties and curiosities, and other stuff cleared out to make space for the curators’ new coffee machine and microwave.

Find Maidstone Museum Maidstone Museums, St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone Kent, ME14 1LH T: 01622 602838 E: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk Visit: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/ @MaidstoneMuseum @MaidstoneMuseum @MaidstoneMuseum OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

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Season Special

Mother’s Day in Maidstone

Sunday March 27th Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

Something Special Paperchase on Fremlin Walk has a wonderful selection of gifts Mother’s Day gifts!

Little Book Of Mum Journal £7.00

Floral “Love You Mum” Succulent £4.50

Head over to Sainsbury’s for a lovely selection of Mother’s Day Cards.

Pigment Happy Jackson My Lovely Mum Mothers Day Card £2.00

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Grandma I Really Love You Mothers Day Card £2.50

Best Mummy In The World Mothers Day Card £2.00

Season Special

Something Beautiful Why not treat your mum to a beautiful floral arrangement from Vinetta Flower Gallery on Pudding Lane! www.vinettaflowergallery.co.uk @vinettaflowergallery

Something Smelly Nothing says ‘I Love You’ like being spoiled with a beautiful perfume from The Fragrance Shop on Fremlin Walk

Something Delicious Looking for something to eat? There’s a huge selection of restaurants in Maidstone, from across the world!

La Taberna, Earl Street T: 01622 664969

Frederic Bistro, Earl Street T: 01622 297414

Vesuvius, Lower Stone Street T: 01622 750937

OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

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Entertainment and Leisure

This is a little world for big imaginations, so come along and delight in watching your child learn through play.

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Entertainment and Leisure

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Find Little Street Unit 40, Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone ME14 1JL T: 01622 296868 Visit: https://www.little-street.co.uk @littlestreetroleplay @littlestreetmaidstone

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Health, Wellness & Grooming

The Iris Hair & Beauty opened her doors on the 11th December 2021.

We had a lovely warm welcome from friends, family and the public celebrating the opening.

ready, making your day out or evening out stress-free.

Again we will spoil you with a glass or 2 of Prosecco.

The Iris offers future clients a luxurious experience, in our freshly renovated salon, whilst having their hair transformed. We offer a glass of Prosecco along with other refreshments to compliment your experience.

We have a private ‘Room to hire’ upstairs that can benefit any beautician or therapist to run their successful business alongside The Iris, please enquire if you are interested.

The Iris also offers a ‘Get Ready’ service. You (and friends) can come along to the salon and enjoy our private upstairs lounge area, being pampered by makeup artists and hairstylists. We offer private lockers for you to leave the clothes you came in wearing, to leave fully

With amazing offers, discounts for recommending friends and loyalty schemes - The Iris hopes to see you very soon!

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With Love,The iris xx

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

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Health, Wellness & Grooming

Find The Iris Hair & Beauty Unit 5,The Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JL T: 01622 249391 Visit: the-iris.co.uk E: collette@the-iris.co.uk @theiris_hairandbeauty @theirishairandbeautyx @theirishairandbeauty

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Health, Wellness & Grooming

Le Lotus: Raising The Bar

About

Le Lotus is a luxury nail salon with an exclusive in-house bar for customers. More than just an average nail bar, our goal is to create a beautiful social space to relax with your loved ones or a well-deserved break when you need one.

Services

We offer professional nail services to both men and women. Whether you are looking for a pampering pedicure session to take care of those hard-working feet, to transforming your nails into a beautiful set, our professional team is here for you.

We’re Different

Unlike traditional nail bars where customers purely come in to have their nails done, Le Lotus focuses on providing an experience. Our in-house bar is definitely unique. From freshly ground coffee beans by our barista to beautiful cocktails freshly made to order by our bartender, our drink menu has plenty of options for everyone.

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Offers

We will gift one free drink with us when you book using code ONEMAIDSTONE. Plus 10% off when you come in a group of 3 or more.

(Code valid until May 31st)

Health, Wellness & Grooming

Find Us

98 High Street, Maidstone, ME4 1SA T: 01622 204369 @lelotusmaidstone @LeLotusMaidstone

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Retail

RÉDÉRIC

Visit our website to view our menu and make your

next reservation at

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www.fredericbistro.com OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

Hospitality and Dining Retail

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ell us about Frédéric Bistro!

We are an independent bistro (a husband & wife team!). We serve french rustic bistro food which means there’s nothing pretentious about our food, just good quality ingredients simply cooked which let the quality of the produce shine through.

How do we find you?

In market building, on the corner of Earl Street (dubbed Eat Street!!)

Find Frederics

What makes your restaurant special?

Market Buildings, Maidstone, ME14 1HP

We like the idea that you can simply drop in for a coffee, a cake, a light lunch, a business meeting or a hearty meal, all at the same time! We have a full kitchen brigade and we make all our food on the premises. We have our own separate pastry kitchen with Sarah heading up the team of patisserie chefs. We make our own pastry like puff pastry, choux pastry for our patisserie range which is unashamedly french!

T: 01622 297 414 E: fredericbistro@gmail.com Visit Bistro: https://www.fredericbistro.com Visit Wine: https://fredswines.co.uk

What is something that customers just have to try?

We love the hearty cassoulet, a twist on the famous dish from my native southwest France. For pudding, we love the Paris Brest a wheel-shaped choux patisserie filled with hazelnut creme mousseline (5 times richer than creme patissiere!)

Do you have any special events?

We organise themed wine tastings, paired with cheese, every month. They are both informative and great fun!

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Retail Hospitality and Dining

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ello! We’re The Rainbow Skull Vegan Grill!

We’re an LGBTQ women-led company, with an alternative goth style bar, fully vegan food and drinks. We opened in February in The Royal Star Arcade and our alcohol license is coming soon!

We’re pretty sure we’re Maidstone’s only fully vegan restaurant (not including the wonderful Viva Las Vegan Coffee Shop on Earl Street). We’re an LGBTQ safe space and all are welcome - everyone will fit in!

We run weekly specials, so come along to say hello and see what we have to offer!

Find The Rainbow Skull The Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone Visit: www.rainbowskull.co.uk Vegan restaurant directory: www.happycow.net ​​ App: Vegan Friendly @therainbowskullgrill @therainbowskullvegangrill Delivery: Deliveroo

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Service

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03/02/2022 14:34

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Retail

M

aidstone has its own radio station called, appropriately enough, Maidstone Radio. It’s a volunteer-run community radio station dedicated to serving the community of Maidstone and the surrounding area. It has been broadcasting to the people of Maidstone since its launch in December 2019, with a mix of music from the 60s to today, alongside features and interviews of local interest, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The station is run by a group of 50+ volunteers who are a mixture of radio presenters, producers, journalists, researchers, fundraisers, IT professionals, and music librarians. Despite the challenges from Covid-19 the team continued to broadcast from their home studios when they were unable to use the station’s main studio and were shortlisted for ‘Digital Station of the Year’ at The Community Radio Awards in 2020.

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A key focus during the early days of the pandemic and lockdowns was to keep the people of Maidstone up to date with the latest information on how the changing landscape affected local services, and also what help was available to support the people and businesses of Kent’s County Town.

2021 provided an opportunity for Maidstone Radio to get out and about, and the Maidstone Radio Roadshow could be heard broadcasting live from events around the town including the launch of the Lockmeadow Local Producers and Craft Market, the ever-popular Doggy Fete, and the Maidstone Mela in Mote Park. The team will be out at more events throughout 2022, including helping to launch Maidstone’s new Innovation Centre at the Kent Medical Campus and Proms in the Park!

Service Retail

The team will be out at more events throughout 2022, including helping to launch Maidstone’s new Innovation Centre at the Kent Medical Campus and a special Valentine’s Day celebration at Love Food at Lockmeadow.

Other aspects of the station’s output include providing an opportunity for charities and other local organisations to promote their work, and publicising local events and job opportunities through the daily Events Guide and Job Spot features. On the music side, the station features music from, and gig information for, local artists and bands.

Although entirely volunteer-run, there are of course significant costs to running a radio station, from everyday items such as rent and power, to the cost of equipment.

Another significant expenditure is music licensing in the form of PRS and PPL royalties. The station is funded from a mix of grants and other donations, but also offers businesses a cost-effective promotional channel through advertising or programme sponsorship, with packages starting from just £59 per month, which includes on-air adverts, plus a listing on the station’s web site.

If you would like to advertise your business, promote your organisation or event, or enquire about joining the team of volunteers, just send an email to studio@ wearemaidstone.com.

Maidstone Radio can be heard online via their website at www.wearemaidstone.com, or just ask your smart speaker to “play Maidstone Radio”, and join the growing audience for the station.

Find us Maidstone Radio T: 07860041829 Visit: www.wearemaidstone.com E: studio@wearemaidstone.com @MaidstoneRadio @WeAreMaidstone @maidstoneradio OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS!

Retail

Instagram: @OneMaidstone Twitter: @OneMaidstone Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent

Specialist Insights:

Gullands Solicitors Advice for business owners in Maidstone

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he past few years have provided unforeseen challenges for many local businesses, and continue to do so. In true Maidstone community spirit, local firm Gullands Solicitors, have provided some key advice for businesses to remain prepared and to consider how the law can help in the coming years.

Your payment terms •

Ask for payment upfront before your provide your products or service.

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Is a client unable to pay? Could you consider a payment plan?

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Having a finance team who are on the ball and managing debtors is critical to ensuring the cash flow and survival of your business.

Shortening your supply chain •

Can you remove uncertainty and delay by seeking alternative and local suppliers?

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Local suppliers will help to secure local jobs and put money back into the local economy.

Exiting restrictive contracts •

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Is it time to review and exit those contracts that are too restrictive, difficult, or unprofitable to fulfill?

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•

Can you use Force Majeure clauses if you are struggling to meet obligations due to circumstances beyond your control, such as staffing shortages?

Managing your workforce •

Make sure you’re up to date on regulations.

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From 1 April 2022, The National Living Wage rises to £9.50ph.

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Review employer obligations, such as The Modern Slavery Bill.

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Many businesses are placing a greater emphasis on transparency and compliance towards social responsibility and want from their suppliers a minimum standard of transparency.

Technology •

With the increased use of technology comes increased risk for businesses.

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Review with your IT team or supplier ways that you can reduce the risk of cybercrime and fraud and to protect data and digital assets.

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You must also ensure you are following all of the rules of GDPR and data protection.

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With increased working from home, review, and update employee guidance to ensure your business and staff remain safe.

Retail

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) No matter what size your business, your customers and clients are increasingly making decisions based on one or more of the above and it is important to be one step ahead.

Environmental

Social

Governance

Climate change

Working conditions, including use of child labour

Executive pay

Resource depletion

Local communities

Corruption

Waste and pollution

Health and safety

Political affiliations and donations

Deforestation

Employee relations and diversity

Board composition, diversity, and structure Tax strategy

These ESG’s are increasingly important factors in everyday business operations and provide an opportunity for growth. Start to consider these factors and their increasing relevance to your business.

If you would like to discuss any corporate of commercial legal issues for your business, please get in touch with our team today.

Contact us at: Visit: www.gullands.com E: info@gullands.com T: 01622 689700 or 01474 887688

OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

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KITS COTY

M2

KENT EVENT CENTRE 30

bredhurst

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LEEDS CASTLE

Leeds, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL T: 01622 765400 le.co.uk E: enquiries@leeds-cast W: leeds-castle.com in the Visit the ‘loveliest castle ting castle, beautiful world’ and enjoy the fascina in the whole family Enterta gardens and grounds. s The Maze, the Knight with Adventure Golf, the land train and Stronghold Playground, boat trips.

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KENTISH LADY RIVER

CRUISES

, Bishops Way, Undercliffe Boat House 6XG Maidstone, Kent, ME15 ps@kentishlady.co.uk T: 01622 753740 E: boattri .uk lady.co W: kentish the River Medway and A fabulous way to explore . one’s importance in history to learn about Maidst relax View the wildlife or just and enjoy the countryside. and hour one Three hour, on special trips to Allingt Castle.

ESCAPE ROOMS

whatman park

HAZLITT THEATRE

DISTILLERY

HAZLITT THEATRE

3 KENT LIFE HERITAGE FARM PARK

Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU

T: 01622 763936 rg.uk E: enquiries@kentlife.o W: kentlife.org.uk

s and always with Brilliant day out for familie Cuddle corner is and do. something new to see a ng the farm. Discover a favourite and explori . Special events run history ting wealth of interes s. through the school holiday

MAIDSTONE BARRACKS

Maidstone Visitors

Attractions Map! There are so many things to do and see in Maidstone, that it’s quite hard to keep track sometimes! Make sure you don’t miss out on what our town has to offer and pick up your copy of the new visitor attractions leaflet. The leaflet contains a map of the town centre and an area map with the attractions available in our wonderful Maidstone.

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UP TO DA

!

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STA

3BD

Town Centre

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Get your copy from Visitor Information at the Maidstone Museum. If you would like to collect some for your customers or clients, please contact: tourism@maidstone.gov.uk.

The Visitor Attractions map leaflet was managed by Maidstone Borough Council with funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund.

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One OneMaidstone Maidstone One Maidstone / Winter Spring/ Winter 2022 2021 2021

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St Andrew's Rd, ME16 9AN

KENT LIFE Lock Ln, Maidstone ME14 3AU

For more information on all

Kent History and Library Centre

events and places to stay see W: visitmaidstone.com

sessions House

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Maidstone United FC P

MAIDSTONE EAST

county hall

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THE RIVER MEDWAY

THE CLIMBING EXPERIENCE

R ST PETE

St Peter’s Wharf shopping

Brenchley Gardens Maidstone Museum

Queen's Own Royal West Kent 18 Regiment Museum H’S ST ST FAIT

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FREMLIN WALK

A229

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T ’S STREE

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EMLIN WALK FR

HAZLITT THEATRE HAZLITT THEATRE

NE G LA DIN PUD

ROYAL STAR ARCADE

EARL ST

MEDWAY ST

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16

TON E ST

● Hollywood Bowl Maidstone ● Odeon Cinema ● Gravity and Urban Golf

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The Kentish Lady

ER S

LOCKMEADOW

P Carriage Museum

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LOW

MAIDSTONE WEST

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MAIDSTONE COURTS

ILL

prison island escape rooms

broadway shopping centre

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K ST BAN

BUS STATION

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17

JUBILEE SQUARE

P THE MALL BR

THE OLD BOAT CAFE

the escape hub 12

the maidstone 21 distillery 9

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H ST HIG

A20

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the extraction room

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Archbishops Palace

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All Saints Church

LOCKMEADOW

10

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A229

Mote Park

watersports centre Outdoor Adventure

In Maidstone Sunday 20th March 2022

7:30pm

Be Bop A Lula

UP TO DA

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Thursday 24th March 2022

7:30pm

Magical Bones

Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone Relive the original tours that unleashed Rock’n’Roll to the world. Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

Friday 25th March 2022

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!

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Things To Do

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Events

Exchange Studio, Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone One of the most explosive names in street magic.

Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

6.30-9pm

Saturday 26th March 2022

Heart of Kent Hospice

Mother’s Day Cream

New 2 You Fashion Show

Tea and Costume 2022

3-5pm

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, ME16 0SF

Maidstone Museum, Maidstone

Fashion show, showcasing ladies pre-loved outfits for almost every occasion.

A luscious cream tea and a chance to see our wonderful costume collection behind the scenes in the storerooms

Tickets: https://www.hokh.org/support-us/ events/new-2-you-fashion-show/

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OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

Tickets: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Events

Wednesday 6th April 2022

10:30-11:30am

Stories and Rhymes

Monday 11th April 2022

6pm

Pop Divas Live!

Maidstone Museum, Maidstone

Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone

Listen to a story and rhymes, join in with actions, and make a themed paper craft to take home.

Under 5’s

Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

Tickets: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Friday 22nd April 2022

7:30pm

The Cavern Beatles Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone A Magical History Tour through the works of the greatest pop music phenomenon.

Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

Saturday 23 April 2022

6- 8pm

Sunday 1st May 2022

From 8pm

Heart of Kent Hospice

Heart of Kent Hospice

Concert of Favourite Music

Bluebell Walk 2022

Harrietsham Village Hall, Church Rd, Simon Proctor, the Heart of Kent Orchestra and guest Harrietsham, Maidstone ME17 1AP Fundraising charity walk concert pianist Oliver Poole.

Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone

Tickets: www.hokh.org/support-us/events/ concert-of-favourite-music/

Tickets: www.hokh.org/support-us/events/ bluebell-walk-2022/ OneMaidstone / Spring 2022

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The Wine Weekend is coming to Maidstone!

This summer, Maidstone will be the proud hosts of the 1-day celebration of viticulture, in the heart of Kent’s wine region.

WIN!

A luxury hamper!

Scan the QR code for your chance to win and to keep up-to-date with The Wine Weekend!

The Wine Weekend

Saturday 16th July 2022