ISSUE 6 WINTER 2021
FREE
WIN OVER £400 WORTH OF PRIZES OneMaidstone Christmas Hamper Competition! CHRISTMAS IN MAIDSTONE Maidstone based offers, events and gift ideas! A BIG YEAR FOR THE BID! Find out what the OneMaidstone Business Improvement District has been up to in 2021
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Contents Winter 2021 Edition A Big OneMaidstone Welcome
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Maidstone News
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Seasonal Special: Christmas Light Switch On
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Christmas In Maidstone, Gift/Activities 8 Christmas In Maidstone, Advent Offer 12 Shopping and Retail: Festive Opening Hours
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Fremlin Walk
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Custom & Co
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Seasonal Special: Christmas Light Switch On
Entertainment & Leisure: Jack and the Beanstalk - Hazlitt Theatre 17 Prison Island
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Health & Wellness: Wellness Market
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Special Events: Royal Star Arcade - Artisan Market
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Hospitality & Dining: Maidstone Distillery
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Nightlife: Ballin’
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Bid Projects: Yearly Review 2021 OneMaidstone:
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WIN! A Christmas Hamper
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Hospitality & Dining: Maidstone Distillery
24_ Nightlife: Ballin’
18_ Entertainment & Leisure: Prison Island Maidstone
Charity: Friends of Maidstone Museum
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Services: Regain Hearing
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30
Mid Kent College Pavilion
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Upcoming Events
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
8_ Seasonal Special: Christmas In Maidstone, Gift/Activities
Welcome
Welcome Letter From The BID Manager
I
t seems astonishing to think that 2021 is nearing its close, but the final months of the year are also some of the most exciting as Maidstone readies itself for the festive season.
The town is at its most atmospheric when the nights start drawing in and the shop windows, pubs and restaurants look at their most inviting. The Christmas lights will be twinkling from 18th November bringing warmth and light to the streets. The display this year includes a few extra elements and has been extended further along towards Sessions Square so that people arriving into the town by train at Maidstone East will be greeted by the lights as they exit the station. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a traditional pantomime and this year the Hazlitt Theatre is presenting Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring home grown talent in the cast – a panto for the community by the community. The stars of the show also appeared at the Maidstone Christmas Lights Switch On, alongside the Hazliit Dance Company, Hazlitt Youth Theatre, the band Gemini, Elf at the Door, IDMC Gospel Soul Choir, Hazlitt Choir and KMFM’s breakfast presenters. The end of the year is also a chance to reflect on the previous twelve months and for OneMaidstone this has been a timely moment to consider some of the projects that we have delivered for our businesses throughout this time, you will read more about some of these projects and activities in the following pages. This will give us a solid basis to look ahead to 2022 and to introduce you to some new ideas that we will be working on next year. In closing I and all of the team at OneMaidstone wish you a wonderful festive season, and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. From our homes and businesses to yours – Happy Christmas!
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 - CW Social caroline.ward@onemaidstone.com
Front Cover Image: Jack and the Beanstalk Hazlitt Theatre THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRIVATELY FUNDED BY ONEMAIDSTONE BID TO SUPPORT TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES.
One OneMaidstone Maidstone / Winter 2021
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News
OneMaidstone / Autumn 2021
Winter News Maidstone Business Boost Maidstone Business Boost (MBB) is the latest programme of Business Support for Maidstone Businesses provided by Maidstone Borough Council. The campaign will boost awareness of the support available that local businesses can access and apply for. MBB will be proactively targeting businesses and sectors that they know have suffered during
the pandemic, to identify the best method of support to help the business recover. The programme will run until March 2022. If you know of any businesses in need of support, please contact MBB@Maidstone. gov.uk where you’ll be able to make an appointment with the team, to find the best way they can help.
Street Pastors: Keeping clubber’s safe this New Year In our last issue, we told you about the work of Street Pastors. Not only do they patrol every Saturday night / Sunday morning, they also put on a special patrol on New Year’s Eve.
partying. Throughout the night we normally enjoy plenty of plaudits; ‘Thanks for helping me last time’, ‘you are wonderful, thank you for what you do for us’, ‘knowing you are there makes us feel much safer’.
Coordinator Nigel Downes says; “New Year’s Eve is normally one of the most light-hearted patrols of the year. In the main, people are out celebrating and enjoying themselves, however, this is not always the case. Many people find this time of year particularly hard for a number of reasons; loneliness, depression, loss of a loved one are just some of the reasons.We are there not only to look after those that have ‘over indulged’, but we are also there to care for the vulnerable”.
So, as another year ends, we say thanks to all who support us, and look forward to being there to care, listen and help in 2022.
At midnight, our team try to join in the celebrations on Jubilee Square; this is always a popular central spot for
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OneMaidstone / Winter 2021
News
Drive yourself to a new career. We’re hiring Bus
Drivers in Maidstone
Apply today at arrivabusjobs.co.uk
Care UK Virtual Dementia Tour This October, Care UK hosted a Virtual Dementia Tour at Invicta Court Car Home. Jacqui Pompeus, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “This event was incredibly popular amongst the healthcare sector and local businesses, and we’re looking forward to welcoming local people virtually for future events, which can be found on our website careuk.com/invicta-court
Contact: Customer Relations Manager, Jaime Jukes on 01622 291749, or email jaime.jukes@ careuk.com
The Home offers a full range of older people’s care services in luxurious surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team delivers permanent and shortterm nursing and residential care, as well as specialist dementia care.
One Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Retail Seasonal Special
Christmas
T
he OneMaidstone BID team have been very busy for the past few months arranging the 2021 Christmas Light Switch On. With our traditional lights switch on not being possible last year, we knew we had to make this year’s event even more special for our town!
The entertainment teams were fantastic with the KMFM Breakfast crew presenting and appearances from the cast of Hazlitt Theatre’s Christmas Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, The Hazlitt Dance Company, Hazlitt Youth Theatre, The Hazlitt Choir, the band Gemini, Elf at the Door, IDMC Gospel Soul Choir, The wonderful Mayor of Maidstone, and even the main man himself... FATHER CHRISTMAS! Not to mention our fantastic sponsors HSBC!
It felt like the entire town came out to dance, sing and switch on the Christmas Lights with us this year. Thank you everyone who joined us at the #maidstonelights2021 Switch On! We hope you had as much fun as we did! Head over to our social channels to watch videos and behind the scenes! Such a wonderful night, for such a wonderful community. Everyone at OneMaidstone wishes you all a wonderful festive season....what a way to kick it off!
The Mayor of Maidstone and Father Christmas pressing
A fantastic team came together and joined OneMaidstone BID to organise the evening. Gala Lights and Triple A Events made sure that everything from sound checks, to staging and, most crucially... the actual lights turning on, ran smoothly. Maidstone Borough Council arranged traffic and road closure logistics. The OneMaidstone BID Ambassadors were joined by The Street Pastors, Kent Police and Urban Blue Bus to ensure the event was safe for all involved.
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The OneMaidstone BID team
Seasonal Special Retail
Lights switch on 2021
Headover to our social media accounts to see videos of the event and follow us to stay up to date on events, offers and news in maidstone Instagram: @onemaidstone Twitter: @onemaidstone Facebook: @onemaidstonekent
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Christmas
Seasonal Special
In Maidstone
Trying to keep the kids entertain ed, finding original presents and making sure that nobody is mis sed off the list... It can be a little overwhelming sometim es. At OneMaidstone, we’ve pulled together a list of ideas, events and gifts that just might help!
Vesuvius 26 Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6LX As we get closer to Christmas, Vesuvius will be changing their specials every few weekends. You’ll be delighted to hear that they will be offering their famous Panettone al Caramello dessert which many regulars have already been asking about. Every year around Christmas time, as a seasonal tradition since they opened in 2012, they start to offer this dessert around mid November and continue to do so until the end of December. Don’t miss it!
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OneMaidstone OneMaidstone/ /Autumn Winter 2021
The Fragrance Shop UNIT 25 / 26, 26 Fremlin Walk, Maidstone ME14 1QP
Developed with a premium, sustainable, natural mindset, IKON conceives fragrances as a holistic experience. With vegan, cruelty-free, and responsible formulas and packaging, IKON aims to magnify the beauty and impact of simple yet high-quality ingredients, materials, and messages.
Seasonal Special
Maidstone Monopoly We’re officially on the map!
The Maidstone monopoly was released in October and features many well loved landmarks, attractions and local businesses.
www.elfatthedoor.com
Available at many outlets across town, including Waterstones and Rymans in the town centre.
Elf At The Door Santa’s Elves are coming to Maidstone After last year’s SOLD OUT season and grottos filling up fast... The Elves are returning to Maidstone with a fabulously festive combination of • Magic • Music • And a sprinkle of mischief too. PLUS a personal letter from Father Christmas and a present for each child
Blu Butterfly
Have the Elves come and pay a surprise visit this Christmas by booking online: www.elfatthedoor.com Instagram & Facebook: @elfatthedooruk
40 Earl St, Maidstone ME14 1PS Cocktail Making Workshop - £29.99 Book Online at www.blubutterfly.co.uk Facebook: @blubutterflyuk Instagram: @blubutterflyuk
One OneMaidstone Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Seasonal Special
ery
till Maidstone Dis
14 1HP ings, Maidstone ME ange, Market Build Unit 5, Corn Exch ide you ted fun, as we gu evening of spiri n s-o your nd g ha tin a r ea Join us fo assist you in cr of distilling and aft cr e th h ug thro e of fine spirit. very own bottl r bar, ry with a drink at ou you into the distille me lco we will learn u ly yo rm We will wa nce room where ough to our experie thr u we delve yo e re tak He l. we stil e befor l mini copper pot n on your persona create tio to tilla use dis of we s art sse the ce learn about the pro d an ft, cra ls and, ng stil e ati into the fascin beautiful miniatur will get to use our u Yo s. bottle irit cl sp 70 n n isa ow our fine art d create your very o hours, design an ls and tw ica of tan e bo urs c co oti ex the over oose from over 50 Ch u. yo th wi r with me ba ll unwind at the of spirit to take ho rsonal taste. We wi pe n ow ur yo to perfect a recipe e departure. another drink befor ! to seeing you soon We look forward m .co ry nedistille www.themaidsto
Treat a love d one or a fr iend to a Ke Self-Drive ri ntish Lady or ver experien ce with one vouchers. of our gift 3hr Cruise G ift Voucher £28 per person Allington Cas tle Cruise G ift Voucher Self Drive H £35 per person ire 2hr Gift Vo ucher - £70* Self Drive H ire 4hr Gift Vo ucher - £140 *£10 Supplem * ent for over 6 people www.kentishl ady.co.uk
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One OneMaidstone Maidstone / Winter 2021
Seasonal Special
Santa’s Grotto
The Maidstone Mall, Pad’s Hill, Maidstone ME15 6AT Santa Claus and his Elves are coming back to the Mall Maidstone right in time for Christmas! Santa will arrive from the North Pole on Saturday, November 13th in his new Grotto . He will meet and greet children every day until Christmas Eve, when he will take off again to distribute presents around the world. Entry to the Grotto is £5 per child and includes a gift provided by the Mall Maidstone. At least £2 of every entry will be donated to a Maidstone charity. Santa and his Elves will be located in a shop unit opposite Muffin break on the upper Mall Level of The Mall Maidstone, the Grotto will be open every day of the week: From 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Mondays to Saturdays, 10:30am -1pm & 2pm - 4.30pm on Sundays.
Christmas Tree
RECYC LI NG BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS * TREE COLLECTION NOW!
Book online at www.hokh.org/support-us/events *All trees must be booked for recycling before 11:59pm on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
We will be collecting in
ME14 3, ME14 4, ME14 5, ME 15 6, ME15 7, ME16 0, ME16 ME15 8, 8, ME19 4, ME 19 6, ME20 6 and ME20 7. £10 sug gested donatio n to Heart of Ken t Hospice.
Tree Collection
Your real Christ mas tree will be collected between Friday 7 to Sunday 9 Januar y 2022.
RCN: 298164
Let us collect and recycle your real Christmas tree in exchange for a donation.
Working in partnership with
Parkfoot Garage Heart of Kent Hospice
@heartofkenthosp
heartofkenthospice
01622 790195
www.hokh.org
info@hokh.co.uk
One Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Retail Season Special
Advent Calender 1st-24th December.
E
lves have taken over Prison Island Maidstone to spread Christmas cheer throughout the month of December. The guards that run the place all year round have now stepped away for the holidays and it’s the elves’ job to create the happiest prison on the planet. With help from local businesses and even some little things from the Prison itself, each day there will be ONE chance of winning a special prize. The elves haven’t made it easy, they haven’t told anyone anything about their plans. Think you can find the lost elf? If you are so lucky to find and return them...you might just walk away with a prize from their advent calendar… including Prison Island session, Panto tickets, Restaurant vouchers, Hair and Beauty treatments, Jewellery Vouchers and much much more Participating businesses include; Hazlitt Theatre, Gravity Maidstone, Feathers Maidstone, Get Ready Comics, Buenos Aires, Elite Pubs, Ballin’, Urban Hair & Beauty, Little Street, Cheeky Dinos, Louise’s Cupcakes, Buzz’s Bazaar, Custom and Co.
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Prison Island Maidstone Visit: www.prisonislandmaidstone.com E: prisonisland@escapekent.com T: 01622 671874
Shopping and Retail Retail
Maidstone Chri Trading Hours
stmas
December
Date
Fremlin Walk
The Mall
Royal Star Arcade
Wednesday
1st
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 6pm
8am - 11pm
Thursday
2nd
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Friday
3rd
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Saturday
4th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 12am
Sunday
5th
10.30am - 4.30pm
10.30am - 4.30pm
9am - 6pm
Monday
6th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Tuesday
7th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Wednesday
8th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Thursday
9th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Friday
10th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Saturday
11th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 12am
Sunday
12th
10.30am - 4.30pm
10.30am - 4.30pm
9am - 6pm
Monday
13th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Tuesday
14th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Wednesday
15th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Thursday
16th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Friday
17th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Saturday
18th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 12am
Sunday
19th
10.30am - 4.3 0pm
10.30am - 4.30pm
9am - 6pm
Monday
20th
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Tuesday
21st
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 6pm
Wednesday
22nd
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Thursday
23rd
9am - 7pm
9am - 7pm
8am - 11pm
Friday
24th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 5pm
8am - 11pm
Saturday
25th
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Sunday
26th
10.30am - 4.30pm
10.30am - 4.30pm
CLOSED
Monday
27th
10.30am - 4.30pm
9am - 5.30pm
CLOSED
Tuesday
28th
10.30am - 4.30pm
9am - 5.30pm
8am - 6pm
Wednesday
29th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 5.30pm
8am - 11pm
Thursday
30th
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 5.30pm
8am - 11pm
Friday
31st
9am - 5.30pm
9am - 5.30pm
8am - 11pm
Saturday (January)
1st
9am - 6pm
10.30am - 4.30pm
CLOSED
Details above are for guideline purposes only. Individual store times may vary, please check with stores for specific opening times.’
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Retail Shopping and Retail
Fremlin Walk is adding a little frost and magic to Maidstone this year with fabulous frozen festivities! There’s a line-up of magical family friendly entertainers each Saturday in December and in the lead up to the big day. Saturday 4th December at intervals between 12pm - 4pm Children, come along and meet the icy Snow Queen, she’s got some balloon shaped gifts for you to take home! You can also snap a photo with her in front of magical arctic photo spots.
named James. The Snowman is warm hearted and wears a green hat and scarf. We’re walking in the air at the thought of meeting this nostalgic celebrity snowman.
Plus, keep an eye out for those pesky naughty elves. We hear they’re planning a visit to the centre and will be causing mischief inside the Fremlin Walk stores.
30 years after the original Snowman film was released, an animated short film called The Snowman™ and The Snowdog, was released. This sequel sees canine companion, The Snowdog, accompanying James and the Snowman. The Snowdog is a cute and playful pooch who has mismatched socks for ears and a satsuma for a nose. They will both be at Fremlin Walk on Sunday 12th December and can’t wait to meet you for a festive photo opportunity.
Saturday 11th December at intervals between 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 18th December at intervals between 12pm - 4pm
The wishing fairies are paying Fremlin Walk a visit and kids are invited to bring their Christmas wishes with them on the day and be amazed as the fairies costumes glow up with every wish made!
Visit Fremlin Walk on the penultimate weekend before Christmas for a seriously cool performance from everyone’s favourite winter mischief maker, Jack Frost. He’ll be using his freezing fingers to put on a marvellous juggling act for the shoppers of Maidstone.
Don’t miss the gliding frozen fairies – They’ll be magically rolling around the centre at intervals.
Sunday 12th December at intervals between 12pm - 4pm The Snowman is no ordinary snowman. He is brought to life one winter’s night with the wish of a little boy
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Wednesday 22nd December at intervals between 12pm - 4pm See a traditional festive ornament bought to life with a radiant roaming snow globe.
Shopping and Retail Retail
www.fremlinwalk.co.uk
One OneMaidstone Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Shopping and Retail
Sparkle
COLLECTION
A UNIQUE LOVE STORY NEEDS A CUSTOM RING
SAME DAY JEWELLERY REPAIRS 35 ROYAL STAR ARCADE, HIGH ST, MAIDSTONE ME14 1JL BLUEWATER, 69 UPPER THAMES WALK, GREENHITHE DA9 9SR 01622 672434 BESPOKE JEWELLERY • ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING RING SPECIALISTS
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Entertainment & Leisure
One Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Entertainment and Leisure
Looking for something different to do this winter We spoke with the team at Prison Island to see what they have in store for visitors!
P
“
rison Island is unlike any escape room you will have ever done, it’s a very different experience entirely.There are no keys, no padlocks, no codes. We have 23 different cells that each contain its own very unique game. Some harder than others, but overall it’s a challenge for any prisoners planning to Beat The Bars. Even the simplest of tasks have been made a challenge. We have simpler games such as a football, basketball and laser shooting games, and then ramping up to our more challenging games similar to the game ‘The Floor Is Lava.’ In a team of up to four players, each team will compete in as many games as they can in a purchased time slot of 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hours. With our unique key system we have in place, the key runs the entire experience for the players. It tracks their time as well as their score, and also doubles up as the way into each game. After the allotted time is up, their scores are printed out and each team has a chance of winning a small prize,
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ranging between; money off purchases, gift cards for future game sessions, up to our star prize of a free 1.5 hour session. Think you’ve got what it takes to Beat The Bars? Before and after the players sessions, we have a spacious lobby area for inmates to relax in. With fully stocked fridges and snacks on hand, it’s the perfect way to wind down after an intense session at Prison Island.”
Entertainment and Leisure Retail
Prison Island Maidstone 60-61 High St, Maidstone ME14 1SR Visit: www.prisonislandmaidstone.com E: prisonisland@escapekent.com T: 01622 671874
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Health, Wellness and Grooming
Maidstone
Wellness Markets W
hat is Wellness Markets? Wellness Markets are markets that bring together small business’ that provide health, wellness or eco products and services. With the environment on the top of so many people’s agendas and so many shops closing, we wanted to bring people together to show the public how many local businesses were out there who could help you be more confident, shop more sustainably or even offer you alternative healthy eating ideas. So you will find a range of interesting stalls at a wellness market from handmade bags, upcycled home furnishings, soy wax candles, card reading, massage, locally made Christmas gifts and even refillable bottles or products. What makes Wellness Markets special? Wellness Markets is passionate about supporting local business while promoting health, wellness, and ecofriendly living. By running the markets as pop up shops, we can also help the High Street by encouraging people to come out and visit us. On top of this we have created a wonderful community of like minded people and love meeting them at each event.
Where can we find you? Once a month find us in The Mall, Maidstone in one of the empty units for our Pop-up Shop. To get in touch and either enquire about a stall or stay up to date with our events find us on: Facebook: @Wellnessmarkets or ask questions and chat to stall holders on @wellnessmarketscommunity Instagram: @wellnessmarkets Website: www.wellness-markets.co.uk Email: wellnessmarkets@outlook.com
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What do you love about Wellness Markets? The thing I love most about Wellness Markets is the community of people that’s been created throughout our time building our business. We have met lots of wonderful people who have really supported us. We’ve managed to survive through lockdown by offering monthly virtual markets on our Facebook page
Do you have any offers or events coming up? Our next Market is in the unit next to Poundland on the 27th November between 10am and 5pm. We are planning to run these once a month in The Mall, Maidstone coming back in February next year. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all our events.
Special Events
C
alling all market lovers! Come along to the monthly Royal Star Arcade Artisan Market in the heart of Maidstone. A market undercover in a historic, boutique shopping centre. We love supporting local, small businesses. Our December market will feature loads of Kentish craft makers, gorgeous bakes, food products and many more great Christmas gifts!
‘We had a great day and bought some Christmas presents from the great stalls and also had a yummy lunch from the Royal Star Arcade cafe – we had a lovely day – thank you so much.’
Along with all our artisan stall holders, The Royal Star Arcade has some excellent food outlets and coffee spots. Why not combine a lunch out with some great shopping for Christmas? Our markets are going to be taking place the 1st Saturday of each month. If you are interested in having a stall, you can get in touch online https:// royalstararcade.co.uk/artisan-market/ or you can drop us an email at market@royalstararcade.co.uk Give us a follow on social media (@royalstararcade) to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about the market as well as stall holder features.
Artisan Market Dates 4 December 2021 5 February 2022
5 March 2022 2 April 2022
2 July 2022 6 August 2022 3 September 2022
1 October 2022
7 May 2022
5 November 2022
4 June 2022
3 December 2022
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Retail Hospitality and Dining
L
ocated in the heart of Maidstone, our awardwinning distillery produces fine quality spirits using traditional artisan techniques on our impressive 450L copper pot still. We are reinstating the tradition of Maidstone pioneer and master distiller, George Bishop, who created quality and world-renowned spirits from our County Town back in 1785. Join us for a Distillery Tour or get hands on and distil your very own bottle of Gin with our exciting Gin Making Experiences. Stay for a drink at our popular Bishop’s Bar and browse our range of spirits and gifts in the distillery shop.
Gift voucher: Guided Gin Making Experience For Two Our Guided Gin Making Experience vouchers, presented as a gift postcard and sealed within our hallmarked envelope, make the perfect gift for any spirit connoisseur. Each voucher purchased can be redeemed for admission of one person plus a guest to a Gin Making Experience. Our guests will be warmly welcomed into the distillery with a drink at our bar, before being taken through to our experience room where they will learn the art of distillation on their personal mini copper pot still. Here we delve into the fascinating craft, and learn about the processes we use to create our fine artisan spirits. Guests will get to use our beautiful miniature stills and, over the course of two hours, design and create their very own 70cl bottle of spirit to take home with them. They can choose from over 50 exotic botanicals and perfect a recipe to their own personal taste. We will unwind at the bar with another drink before departure. ‘Pride In Our Spirit’ Distillery Membership Maidstone Distillery invites you to become a ‘Pride In Our Spirit’ Distillery Member! Members will receive a welcome pack including a ‘Kent Spirit of the Year Edition’ bottle of our signature George Bishop London Dry Gin, four Distillery Tour gift vouchers PLUS an exclusive memberonly engraved copper jigger – all of which is worth £140.00!
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Hospitality and Dining
“
“
Stay for a drink at our popular Bishop’s Bar and browse our range of spirits and gifts in the distillery shop.
In addition to this, as a Distillery Member you’ll enjoy a whole host of fantastic benefits including*: • A personalised membership card. • 10% discount at Bishop’s Bar, on our website and in the distillery shop. • The opportunity to join us for exclusive member only events such as new product tasting panels, meet the maker evenings and our annual foraging events!
Find us! www.themaidstonedistillery.com Instagram: @maidstonedistillery Facebok: @maidstonedistillery Twitter: @MStoneDistiller OneMaidstone / Winter 2021
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Nightlife
YULE HAVE A BALL! B
ALLIN’ Maidstone is a brand new sports and gaming venue open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The venue includes Kent’s Largest Screen with 22 additional screens, 2 American Pool, 4 Table Tennis and Beer Pong tables with a full kitchen providing an American based food menu. We host brunches and supper clubs which are all inclusive packages of gaming, food and drinks within a 2 hour sitting.
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We aim to allow our customers to enjoy the fun gaming with friends, showing all live sports including football, boxing, rugby, NFL and so much across showing all Sky and BT sport fixtures. We also host large sporting events such as live boxing shows with our last one holding 880 guests to watch 22 live boxing matches. Every Saturday evening from 9pm we pack away the gaming and turn into a Nightclub with Special Guest DJs, live acts, percussion and so much more.
Nightlife Retail
Ballin’ Maidstone brings something unique to Kent, with a variety of different gaming all under one roof. We show large sporting events with full production. Part of Ballin’s USP is the 1200 capacity nightclub offer alongside the gaming and live sports that we regularly host.
There is a wide range of sports being shown throughout November and December.
Ballin’ Maidstone is a premium brand catering for its guests with top quality service, looking after our customers at every stage of their evening with us. We provide nothing but the best quality food and drink and our aim is that our innovative events and activities position us at the top of our customers’ list of places to be. We have a busy Christmas period coming up including some exclusive Christmas food options and a number of festive parties booked in. We have a wide range of great sports throughout November and December to show and some exciting plans to add new gaming options to the venue. The Nightclub will host some top flight DJs and PAs on a weekly basis including a one off New Years Eve Black and Gold Venetian Soiree that really will be something special.
FIND BALLIN’ E: info@ballinmaidstone.com T: 01622 670 670 Visit: www.ballinmaidstone.com Instagram: @ballinmaidstone Facebook:@ballinmaidstone BALLIN’ Maidstone 87 - 88 Bank Street Maidstone ME14 1SD
One OneMaidstone Maidstone / Winter 2021
25 25
BID Projects
Elmer Parade
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Daily patrols on the streets of Maidstone from our Ambassadors. Supporting the local area and businesses, addressing issues and keeping an eye out for our town.
2021
2021 has been a big year at the OneMaidstone BID. We’re enthusiastic about improving our town, keeping Maidstone a thriving place and celebrating our local businesses and residents. Here are some of our favourite highlights from our 2021 projects.
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
BID Projects
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Working with Maidstone Borough Council to facilitate the Maidstone town Centre CCTV project.
The OneMaidstone BID Magazine and Social Media Channels
Building relationships, and celebrating local businesses. Sharing news, events and offers to residence across Maidstone. Follow us to keep up to date! • • •
Instagram: @onemaidstone Facebook:@OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone One Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Retail OneMaidstone
WIN! OVER £400 OF PRIZES
T
he wonderful businesses of Maidstone town centre have come together, with our team at OneMaidstone BID, to give away this one-off Christmas Hamper! For your chance to win all these fabulous prizes: 1. 2. 3.
Follow OneMaidstone BID on our social media accounts. Like and tag a friend in the comments. share the competition post to your feed or stories.
LUDE C N I S PRIZE • A £150 House of Fraser Voucher (donated by Crowe UK Llp) • A £20 gift voucher for The Entertainer (in The Mall Maidstone) • A £10 gift voucher for McDonalds Maidstone • A £10 gift voucher for Lush • A £30 gift voucher for Vinetta Flowers Gallery • A £20 gift voucher for Prison Island Maidstone
The competition will take place across all our social media channels (Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram) You can enter on more than one channel, and each entry is a new chance to win.
• A £20gift voucher for Making A Difference In Maidstone shop
Competition closes on December 15th at 5pm. The winner will be announced on our social media channels on December 15th at 7pm.
• 2x tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hazlitt Theatre*
• 2x tickets for Distillery Tours of Maidstone Distillery
• A £20 gift voucher for Flour Power FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! The OneMaidstone social channels provide daily updates of discounts, offers and event in Maidstone town centre. Follow us stay up to date! Instagram: @OneMaidstone Twitter: @OneMaidstone Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent
*Details to be confirmed T&C’s apply. Entrants must be 18+ The winner will be announced and tagged on our social media channels. The prize hamper is to be collected between December 16th and December 22nd, from the OneMaidstone BID office (Near the Maidstone Bus Station) or local delivery maybe an option Variations of prizes may apply, details to be confirmed
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
• A complementary gaming table for up to 10 guests from Ballin’ • Unity Mittens from Heart of Kent Hospice
NE
DSTO I A M E ON CH
MPER A H S A RISTM
Charity Retail
ELMER TRUNDLES BACK TO...
TOWN CENTRE TREASURE HOUSE
O
ne of the more unusual additions to Maidstone town centre is a pop-up shop featuring an Elmer, dinosaurs, brass rubbing, art gallery and events venue. Volunteers from Maidstone Museums’ Foundation (MMF) run the shop to promote the town’s brilliant museums, raise money for them and attract more Friends. Thanks to support from Fremlin Walk management, the shop has turned the former Thomas Cook travel agency into a treasure house of interest, visited by hundreds every month.
“I just loved this Elmer and wanted to give it a good home. As a former MMF vice-chair, I know what a tremendous job it does to support the town’s amazing museums.”
The shop’s colourful Elmer was one of more than 50 displayed around the town in August. It is decorated in the Nettipattam style that adorns elephants in the Indian state of Kerala. This Elmer has arrived in the shop courtesy of Elaine Craven, founder of Earl Street Employment Consultants – an MMF corporate sponsor - and Kerala Moments. In an auction of Elmers, her successful bid helped the Hospice raise over a staggering £312,000 Elaine said: “I just loved this Elmer and wanted to give it a good home. As a former MMF vice-chair, I know what a tremendous job it does to support the town’s amazing museums.” Ivan White, an MMF trustee and volunteer shop manager, said: “We run the Friends’ scheme and have raised thousands of pounds to support the Museum. Our visitors can also see Vera the dinosaur, a life-size model of a dinosaur egg, prints and photos of local scenes and try brass rubbing. We are very grateful to Elaine for Elmer.” MMF welcomes more corporate supporters to join Azets Blackwell Investments, Earl Street Employment Consultants, OneMaidstone and SNS Solicitors.
Above: Elaine Craven and Ivan White with Elmer
The shop is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and hosts events on the first Thursday of every month. The next is a Christmas Concert by Invicta Grammar School choir on Thursday December 2, starting from 6pm, with refreshments. Find out More at: www.maidstonemuseumsfriends.org.uk OneMaidstone / Winter 2021
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Services
OneMaidstone / Autumn 2021
Regain Hearing opens in Maidstone!
W
e are an independent, family owned audiology practice offering comprehensive hearing tests, effective tinnitus treatment and microsuction wax removal. Regain Hearing began in 2010 as a mobile service, then opened in Eltham in 2016, Broadstairs in 2018, Northfleet in 2019 and Chatham and Maidstone in 2021. Regain Hearing are specialists in treating hearing loss and tinnitus. Patients are often told that there is no cure for tinnitus and, whilst this may be true, the symptoms can be treated very effectively giving enormous relief to a great many sufferers. The new practice in Maidstone has been fitted with highly sophisticated diagnostic equipment, making it possible to take 3D scanned images of the ear canal
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
which determines the best aids for each patient. These images can be digitally sent to any of the manufacturers who can then make custom hearing aids. This is so much more accurate than using impression material and a lot more comfortable for the patient. Regain Hearing can also provide tympanometry (ear pressure testing) which can detect middle ear conditions and they have a Real Ear Measurement tool for ensuring a perfect fit. We pride ourselves on our customer service, being independent means that every patient is prescribed the best product for their individual needs without bias to any particular manufacturer. All hearing aids and tinnitus devices are sold with a 5 year warranty, 60 day money back guarantee and free aftercare service for the life of the product. We also offer a home visit service for our less mobile patients.
Services Retail
Opening Ceremony of the Maidstone practice on Saturday 4th December from 1pm - 4pm with Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Mortimer in attendance, live music by The Jelly Roll Jazz Band, a Town Crier and food and bubbly provided to all guests.
We have an excellent team of highly skilled and qualified audiologists, Hearing Care Assistants and Front of House staff who ensure that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.
Regain Hearing T: 0800 028 6763 E: info@regainhearing.co.uk Market Buildings, Maidstone www.regainhearing.co.uk, Facebook: @regainhearingeltham YouTube: Regain Hearing Ltd
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Services 'O
N E Q FO MA UO T I JA BO R 1 DS E N O 0% TO - KIN O N FE G FF E' B S 20 22
PAVILION EVENTS Pavilion Events provides an event management and long term rental service based within MidKent College. We have outstanding facilities to provide the perfect venue for room and studio hire, meetings, conferences, gala dinners and awards ceremonies at Medway and Maidstone. We also have state of the art offices at our Maidstone Campus avaliable for long term hire!
PAVILIONEVENTS@MIDKENT.AC.UK 01634 383388
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
Services
CAROL In aid of Heart of Kent Hospice
Wednesday 15 December 2021 Service: 7:00pm-9:00pm | Doors open: 6:30pm
All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE
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
Featuring Peter Brice and his Vox Cantium choir The Carol Service is free to enter.
To book:
We do ask that you pre-book your admission ticket in advance and you kindly make a donation to Heart of Kent Hospice.
Online visit www.hokh.enthuse.com/ carolservice2021
Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone
Or call 01622 790195 and quote Carol Service.
wearemaidstone.com
December Ad Offer
= £30
30 second advert Minimum 4 x daytime plays (7am-7pm) (7 days per week) No cost voice-over recording (Maidstone Radio presenter) Dry read of your script (non-professional artist) No commercial music / no sound effects No Minimum Contract
* Price valid for campaigns booked in December 2021 Ad will run for 30 days from commencement** ** Campaigns running more than 30 days will revert to standard price (£59pm) after offer period Email studio@wearemaidstone.com for full terms and conditions FIND US ON
studio@wearemaidstone.com
One Maidstone / Winter 2021
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Events
Things To Do
In Maidstone
November 27th January 2nd
27 Nov 2021 - 24 Dec 2021
Jack and the
Christmas at
Beanstalk Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street Book: www.hazlitttheatre.com
Kent Life Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU Father Christmas will be visiting: 27th & 28th November, 4th,5th, 11th,12th, 18th,19th December Book: https://www.kentlife. org.uk/event/meet-santa
27 Nov 2021 - 2 Jan 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)
12 Days of Christmas at the Castle Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL Put on your coats, gloves and scarves as you tread on frosty leaves and spot the 12 unique artworks located across the estate, all themed to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Book: www.leeds-castle.com
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OneMaidstone / Winter 2021
Events
Sat Dec 4th, 11th, 18th
Father Christmas’s Fireplace 2021 Maidstone Museums, St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LH Meet Father Christmas in his cosy library, leave your wish with him and receive a present! Will your name be on the nice list? We hope so! Book: https://museum.maidstone.gov. uk/whats-on/events/father-christmassfireplace-2021/
15 Dec 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
Saturday 04 Dec 2021
Glow Illumination
A Christmas Carol
Trail Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7AG As twilight breaks, a twinkling wonderland awaits…After the sun has gone down and the winter evening draws in, Cobtree Manor Park will, for the first time, transform into a magical, illuminated wonderland.
Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL European Arts Company presents a heart-warming evening in the presence of the author himself! Actor John O’Connor (Before We Die, Channel 4) faithfully recreates Charles Dickens’s famous performance of his best-loved ghost story. Book: www.hazlitttheatre.com
Tues 21st - Thur 23rd Dec 1pm & 5pm / Exchange Studio Fri 24th Dec / 1pm & 4pm / Exchange Studio
The Lost Christmas Presented By The Hazlitt Youth Theatre, Hazlitt Theatre Earl Street. A fun festive musical comedy for all ages. Book: www.hazlitttheatre.com
Book: www.glowarts.co.uk/ OneMaidstone / Winter 2021
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Now that our working patterns have changed, the way we commute has changed too. Our new 12 Day Bundle is flexible, convenient and a great value for money option for when you need to balance working from home with your days at work.
Buy online or via the Arriva UK Bus app
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One Maidstone / Winter 2021
*The 12 Day Bundle product expires 30 days after activation of first Day ticket. Find out more at arrivabus.co.uk/work