OneMaidstone Magazine Autumn 2022

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IN MAIDSTONE

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Welcome

Letter from the BID Manager

Autumn is a season that we approach with relish at OneMaidstone BID and this year it has been ushered in with some torrential rain to cool the lingering heat of what was a sultry Summer.

There is a nostalgic back to school feeling to this time of year and as such gives us a good reason to explore some of our town centre retailers and look for perhaps a new coat, umbrella or even, one of my own favourite things, some new stationery!

Alongside this the season is of course famously one of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ to quote Keats, and our restaurants and food retailers will be offering some of the best of the seasonal produce. What better excuse than crisp Autumn weather to indulge in some warming and comforting food and drink?

If you’re in town throughout September you will have had the opportunity to visit the awe inspiring ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture. The spectacular work of art is 8.5 metres tall and constructed from over 100,000 blades, weapons and knives surrendered from knife amnesties across the UK. It acts as both monument and talking point and represents our community’s concerted effort to confront a challenging issue and to keep our town safe.This feeling of contemplation will be extended into Remembrance Day, as the town recognises and supports the contribution and courage of our armed forces, a sentiment of particular importance to us as a garrison town and home to our own 36 Engineers and Queen’s Gurkha Engineers.

As a wonderful area for agriculture Kent will be deep into its harvest and in that spirit, we invite you to come to the County Town to reap our excellent goods, services and leisure options.

Ilsa Butler

ILSA BUTLER OneMaidstone BID Manager

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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 information 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 info@onwardsocials.co.uk

Front Cover Image: courtesy of CEP Agency

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

Autumn News

The Queen’s Passing

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family for their tragic loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Flowers and tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were welcomed at Jubilee Square in Maidstone town centre along with a book of condolence at Sessions House, which was sent to Buckingham Palace following the funeral.

Maidfest

We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the businesses in Maidstone Town Centre who took part in our summer initiative ‘MAIDFEST’. This Summer, OneMaidstone BID brought together businesses from across the town centre to take part in our digital promotional festival. Street Fusion Festival run by MBC.

The 3-day event took place on the same weekend as The Wine Weekend and the 10 year Madistone FC anniversary at Gallaghers Stadium, capitalising on the extra footfall in town and bringing visitors into our town centre to show them what Maidstone in all about.

Deep Clean on Pudding Lane

This July Pudding Lane received another deep clean, a service provided by OneMaidstone BID. In addition to the regular cleaning measures, deep cleans concentrate of a specific area of the town centre and are carried out regularly, ensuring that all areas of town receive a deep clean service at least once a year.

Maidstone Proclaims New Sovereign In Historic Ceremony

An historic ceremony took place in Maidstone on September 11th to proclaim the new King Charles III, with hundreds of local residents witnessing the momentous occasion in Jubilee Square.

Maidstone, as the County Town of Kent, was the first borough to make the announcement in the county, with other boroughs and districts in Kent following shortly afterwards.

The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Derek Mortimer said: “I am immensely proud that Maidstone should lead the proclamations of our new King Charles III for Kent, this is a historic moment for our County Town.”

New Defibrillator on Bank Street

Maidstone Town Centre has a new 24 hour, public access defibrillator thanks to Switch Youth Services with support from Maidstone Borough Council. Based at the top of Bank Street, outside the Town Hall, the defibrillator also has a serious trauma pack attached.

Switch Youth Services, based in the High Street, is a youth charity that uses a youth café to provide support for young people between the ages of 11-21.

A fundraising campaign, including a significant contribution from K.A. Hodgson Roofing, resulted in the defibrillator going live on Tuesday 19th July being used on Saturday 23rd July by members of Urban Blue Bus.

If you find yourself needing to use it to help somebody else, call 999 when at the defibrillator. A member of the 999 team will help you understand whether it needs to be used and give you the code to access the equipment if required. Inside the box is a big green button that starts the system, once pressed, the system will talk you through how to operate it.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Maidstone Borough Council

Image credit: Courtesy of Switch Youth Services

The Knife Angel

Throughout September, Maidstone was host to The Knife Angel. An 8.5m high sculpture, made from over 100,000 blades, weapons and knives surrendered from knife amnesties across the UK.

Facilitated by OneMaidstone BID, Maidstone became the 25th location to host The Knife Angel on it’s national tour, raising awareness and providing accoampanying educational resources for the community.

“The sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, was specifically created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour whilst solidifying our critical need for social change. Not only does the Angel act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, but it is also acts as a beautiful memorial designed to celebrate those lives who have been lost through these violent and thoughtless actions.”

- The British Ironworks Centre, creators of the sculpture.

Lighthouse Church

Thank you to Lighthouse Church for allowing us to host The Knife Angel at their church on Station Road. Following The Knife Angel’s departure, Lighthouse Church will display the unique commemoration plaque, serving as a reminder of “Maidstone’s commitment in a continual effort against all forms of violence”

- Clive Knowles, The British Ironworks Centre.

Educational Workshops

We would like to thank Hazlitt Theatre and Hazlitt Institute of Performing Arts for hosting The Knife Eagle, facilitating the accompanying educational anti-violence workshops during The Angel’s stay and arranging the Candlelit Procession for The Angel’s departure. The team’s hard work and commitment, allowed for students from across Maidstone to visit The Knife Angel, learn about and become ‘Anti-Violence Champions’ for our borough

Police and Crime Commissioner

Thank you to Kent’s elected Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott for his support and continued work in our community.

Our deepest thanks also go out to Maidstone Borough Council, Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), Golding Homes, Mid Kent Mind, Urban Blue and the Street Pastors for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Our final thanks goes to British Ironworks Centre for creating such a powerful and important piece of art which has helped us to raise awareness and educate our community about these important matters.

The Knife Angel was created by The British Ironworks Centre and brought to Maidstone by OneMaidstone BID.

This July, OneMaidstone BID were delighted to bring Maidstone The Wine Weekend.

Hosted at Kent’s County Hall, Sessions House, the one day event brought together over 20 vineyards, wineries and viticulture based businesses in a unique celebration of Kentish Wine.

The attendees enjoyed tastings of the wide varieties on wine on offer, learned about the wines and vineyards, booked trips and tours to the vineyards, took pictures with The Mirrored Lady and purchased their favourite wines to take home.

More than 100

available to taste on the day!

Thank you!

We would like to thank all of the exhibitors, who each brought their own unique touch to the day.

Sessions House and Kent County Council for hosting the event.

All of our event partners and sponsors …and finally a big thank you to everyone who attended! We hope to see you next time!

If you would like to stay up to date with future Wine Weekend events, follow us!

Credit:The Mirrored Lady, guest performer provided by CEP Agency

Headline Sponsor In partnership with Supported by

ONEMAIDSTONE BID AMBASSADORS

As part of OneMaidstone BID’s commitment to safety and security in our town centre, we’ve been running the Ambassadors service for the past 5 years. We’ve spoken with our Ambassadors to let you know a little more about what they do…

What is an Ambassador?

An Ambassador is an integral part of OneMaidstone BID providing support and security for the public and stores in the town centre. As part of our main day to day role focusing on ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour), working in partnership with local authorities including police, Maidstone Borough Council and levy payers. High level of first aid and community safety. We also have a great knowledge of the town centre which in turn gives us the ability to provide excellent customer service. We have had relevant training from the SIA, CCTV, First Aid and CSAS (Community Safety Accreditation Scheme) which grants us with extra powers.

Why are Ambassadors important for Maidstone?

We provide a visual presence in the town. Being the eyes and ears on the ground helps us to support and communicate affectively with all stores and our partners. We like to feel that we are easily approachable to provide the best environment to feel safe enough to shop in and use all the areas of the town. We believe that in the last 5 years we have given a lot of time and support into the town to drive out ASB, Shoplifting and drink and drugs.

Daily Tasks and Support:

Responding to daily emails of issues in the town centre, providing stores with the Maidsafe radio system to contact help when needed. The new DISC System which allows the users to view problematic individuals within the town centre and report problems to pass on information to the appropriate authorities. We do in depth walks of Maidstone including the outskirts and all parks and retail parks. We visit up too 60 stores a day within our shifts to gather information and feedback to provide stores with the best service OneMaidstone BID has to offer. We are always reporting to Maidstone Borough Council to let them know of any issues in the town such as overflowing bins, graffiti and Fly tipping.

Meet Our Ambassadors!

Favourite thing about being an Ambassador?

Lee

An Ambassador for 4 and half years.

“Giving back to the community and to feel like I can make a difference in the town centre, I particularly enjoy interacting with all the people I come across day to day. Working closely with local police and store security to provide support. I love that no two days are ever the same. I also love working outdoors this is where I feel I’m at my best.”

Steven

An Ambassador for 6 months

“I really enjoy working closely with businesses to provide safety and support with theft and ASB. Using my knowledge of the local problematic offenders and sharing this with the local police force and town centre PCSOs to make Maidstone a safer place to visit. I really enjoy the variety of the day to day this job offers me.”

This summer, Maidstone town centre brought you free family summer of fun.

Businesses and organisations across town came together to create a wonderful storytelling book-themed summer, to keep you busy, and reading, during the Summer holidays.

Some of the activities arond town!

OneMaidstone BID hosted THE BIG BOOK HUNT trail and competition, with the winner winning a Maidstone Family Hamper. Prizes were generously donated by many fantastic businesses across town and we’d like to thank all of the businesses who hosted one of our trail clues or donated a prize. We’d also like to thank everyone who took part!

Reconnect Festival

Summer Events

Hazlitt Theatre and Hazlitt Institute of Performaing Arts hosted a wonderful selection of theatre workshops including Reconnect Festival, AMPFEST, storytime readings and their Robin Hood open air theatre tour.

And so many more! From book signings in Waterstones through to parent and toddler sessions at Lockmeadow Entertainment, and Summer Make It session at Maidstone Museum. It truly was a summer to remember in Maidstone!

There are more activities and events planned in Maidstone Town Centre for Autumn and Winter so follow us on socials or visit www.onemaidstone.com/eventdirectory/ to stay up to date!

The Mall, Fremlin Walk and Royal Star Arcade hosted storytelling characters, arranged by OneMaidstone BID.

Maidstory was brought to you by:

Hazlitt Institute of Performing Arts Storytime ReadersStorytelling Characters

Robin Hood AMPFEST

Gullands launches Maidstone High Street Heroes Awards 2022

Gullands launches Maidstone High Street Heroes Awards 2022

It’s been a tough couple of years for Maidstone’s high street businesses and we want to recognise the role they play in our everyday lives and the face to face customer service they provide, which you just don’t get from online only businesses. We want to say thank you to the businesses and their employees who above and beyond with their customer service.

It’s been a tough couple of years for Maidstone’s high street businesses and we want to recognise the role they play in our everyday lives and the face to face customer service they provide, which you just don’t get from online only businesses. We want to say thank you to the businesses and their employees who go above and beyond with their customer service.

to find and say thank you to the businesses and their employees in and around the town centre who have gone above and beyond their job to help you.

Go to www.gullands.com and simply fill out the form to nominate them and tell us a little more about what made your experience in Maidstone town centre so good, or what it is they do to help customers.

Go to www.gullands.com and simply fill out the form to nominate them and tell us a little more about what made your experience in Maidstone town centre so good, or what it is they do to help customers.

Entries open on 6 October 2022 and we will announce the winners at a special networking event for town centre businesses on 10 th November at The Gallagher Stadium.

So, if you have benefited from fantastic customer service this year from a business based in Maidstone’s town centre that you would like to say thank you to, then we would like to hear from you.

Also, are you a business owner or manager of a Maidstone town centre business who would like to nominate one of your employees for the excellent service they provide to your customers?

if you have benefited from fantastic customer service year from a business based in Maidstone’s town centre that you would like to say thank you to, then we would like to hear from you.

Also, are you a business owner or manager of a Maidstone town centre business who would like to nominate one of your employees for the excellent service they provide to your customers?

Entries open on 6 October 2022 and we will announce the winners at a special networking event for town centre businesses on 10th November at The Gallagher Stadium. All businesses nominated will receive our special recognition branding to display to customers and the winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Winners will each receive a trophy and winning branding to display.

All businesses nominated will receive our special recognition branding to display to customers and the winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Winners will each receive a trophy and winning branding to display.

Help us to find and reward Maidstone’s High Street Heroes 2022, whether retail, hospitality, or another type of business that you have been served by. We want to find and say thank you to the businesses and their employees in and around the town centre who have gone above and beyond their job to help you.

Help us to find and reward Maidstone’s High Street Heroes 2022, whether retail, hospitality, or another type business that you have been served by. We want

John Roberts, Managing Partner at Gullands comments: “We are delighted to launch the Maidstone High Street Heroes Awards for 2022, our way of saying thank you to the business owners and their staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. It is important that we protect our high streets and the face to face services they provide. Many have had a couple of difficult years due to the pandemic and many may also be concerned about rising inflation and costs. Let’s do what we can and support them as much as possible and say thank you for being there to help and serve us.”

John Roberts, Managing Partner at Gullands comments: “We are delighted to launch the Maidstone High Street Heroes Awards for 2022, our way of saying thank you to the business owners and their staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. It is important that we protect our high streets and the face to face services they provide. Many have had a couple of difficult years due to the pandemic and many may also be concerned about rising inflation and costs. Let’s do what we can and support them as much as possible and say thank you for being there to help and serve us.”

HALLOWEEN!

WALKING ESCAPE ROOMS with Hazlitt Theatre

Take It To The Grave

BOOK NOW

The Stage Manager’s Secret

BOOK NOW

24 – 29 October 2022

This October half term, Maidstone will be welcoming a host of bright and colourful scarecrows to the town centre. How many can you discover?

Local schools and community groups have been busy creating scarecrows based on the themes of ‘Maidstone Faces’ or ‘Famous characters from literature’. We’re offering prizes to the best school and the best community group and we’re asking members of the public to help us decide the winners by voting for their favourites.

autumn

You will be able to find scarecrows at Fremlin Walk, The Mall, Lockmeadow, Royal Star Arcade and other businesses around the town centre throughout the half term week.

Brought to you by Maidstone Borough Council, Supported by OneMaidstone BID:

in Maidstone Remembrance Week

November 7th-13th

Remembrance Service at The Mall November 11th at 11am

The Mall Maidstone, Upper Mall near Muffin Break

- The Royal British Legion

Heart Of Kent Hospice Poppy Dress

The Heart of Kent Hospice Shop in The Mall will be hosting a unique window display this Remembrance Week. A dedicated volunteer has been knitting since January to create 245 hand-knitted poppies that will be made into a dress. The dress will be accompanied by a mannequin in military dress and a child mannequin dressed as an evacuee - a powerful reminder of how war affects everyone in society.

BID to

up

date!

Aylseford & Maidstone Official Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club

“Our purpose is to facilitate veterans and serving Armed forces personnel to meet face to face in a relaxed, safe, social environment to enjoy breakfast and banter, to combat loneliness and allow veterans to ‘return to the tribe.”

The Aylseford & Maidstone Official Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets at the Malta Inn, Allington Lock, Sandling, ME14 3AS.

Visit www.afvbc.net/ to find out more about the 420+ clubs and 150,000 members across the world.

The Poppy “The red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future”

Armed Forces Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Training

In support of Remembrance Week and support for our forces, OneMaidstone BID have arranged for this free training session to take place in our community. The course, developed by the NHS Armed Forces Network, is aimed at anyone in the local community who would like to improve their knowledge of mental health/mental ill health and learn more about the specific issues with regards to the Armed Forces Community.

Course outcomes

• Identify some common mental health issues and associated behaviours

• Understand the impact of stigma and discrimination

• Understand some of the risk factors for suicide

• Feel more confident in having conversations with people experiencing suicidal and/ or mental distress

• Identify some of the treatments and support available for people with mental ill health

• Know where to signpost/get help

• Understand how to look after your own mental health

The training is offered free of charge and is CPD accredited. We have a maximum of 16 delegates on each course. Post course, delegates are sent a resource pack and a CPD certificate of attendance. The resource pack contains dedicated suicide prevention resources that have been localised for your region.

For more information or to book a place on the course, please email Jane Burt (SERVES Instructor and Carers, Families & Mental Health Lead for the Kent Armed Forces Network) j.burt1@nhs.net

Trinity House, 20 Church St, Maidstone ME14 1LY

10am – 4pm

Brought to you by OneMaidstone BID

A little bit about

CRAFT BREWED...

We bring a chilled atmosphere to Maidstone where you can come and enjoy a nice cup of coffee from 7:30am as well as a nice chilled glass of craft beer from 12pm

There are three floors:

Ground floor

Seating for those who want to sit and watch the world go by out of our large fronted windows.

First floor

The large sofas round a fire place for people who like to chill with friends or family.

Top floor

Tables and chairs and all the plug sockets for people on there own who want to work out of the office or groups for a meet up and catch up.

We are a little coffee shop with craft beer or a craft beer shop with coffee.

2 Types of Coffee

We have two types of coffee beans on offer: A guest blend that changes so we can offer local roasts and national roasts, and our signiture blend.

10 Beer Taps

We also have 10 beer taps that never stay the same. We want to give our customers a different choice every time your come in. There’s always one lager, two ciders and 7 different IPA’s, Pale ales, stouts, porters etc.

We’ve also added cocktails, spirits and food to our menu too. Come and visit us!

Opening Times:

7.30am - 11pm Mon-Thurs

7.30am - 12am Fri-Sat

8.30am - 10pm Sun

Location:

Craft Brewed. 9 Market Buildings, Maidstone ME14 1HP

Christmas

OneMaidstone

Harmony Maidstone is dedicated community arts, theatre, music and activities charity that support human beings to reach their full potential. We provide a safe, friendly and encouraging environment for everyone to freely and comfortably express their creativity.

Harmony has been in existence for over twenty years now, however a newly appointed Director, Zoe Sparkle, is now leading the regeneration for a new generation!

Our Workshops!

“We also aim to create a hub where young people can come and feel accepted and nourished, build confidence and resilience, where they can hang out, build new friendships and explore their creativity”

Dance, Drama , Performance, Music, Costume, Design, Lighting and sound, Set Creation and Visual Art

Our Supporters!

Harmony would be nothing without the volunteers who give their time and skills to benefit this fabulous charity. If you’re able to donate to Harmony or you think you could become a #harmonyhuman please get in touch!

Your support helps us provide creative and fun services for both young, and not so young, in underprivileged areas and those struggling with their mental health.

Thank you

Festive season at

Christmas Market

Thursday 17th November Onwards

Late Night Shopping

Thursday 17th November 9am-7pm

Thursday 24th November 9am-7pm

Friday 25th November 9am – 5:30pm

Monday 12th - Saturday 17th December 9am-7pm

Sunday 18th December 10.30am - 4.30pm

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd December 9am – 7pm

Saturday 24th December 9am-5:30pm

Sunday 25th December CLOSED

Monday 26th - Tuesday 27th December 10.30am – 4.30pm

Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st December 9am - 5:30pm

Sunday 1st January 2023 10:30am-4:30pm

Monday 2nd January 2023 10:30am-4:30pm

Keep an eye on our website for details of our Christmas events!

Things To Do In Maidstone

7th - 13th November 2022

Remembrance Week

A chance for Maidstone to remember those who have fallen, and thank those who have served or are currently serving. See page 20 for more details

Thursday 17th November 2022 5-7pm

Maidstone Lights Switch On

Jubilee Square, Maidstone

Brought to you by OneMaidstone BID

Tickets: www.onemaidstone.com/event-directory

21st-24th December 2022 Various Times

The Polar Express

Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone

Presented By The Hazlitt Institute Of Performing Arts. A magical journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas.

Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

26th November - 31st December 2022

Sleeping Beauty

Various Times

Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone

The pantomime that everyone’s been dreaming of!

Tickets: www.hazlitttheatre.com/

22nd - 30th October 2022 10am - 5pm

Halloween Spooktacular

Kent Life - Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone

A spooky week full of family fun and games.

Tickets: www.kentlife.org.uk/event/halloweenspooktacular

Sunday

2022

Children In Need Pudsey Bear Superhero Party

BALLIN’ Maidstone

20% of all sales will be going to the Children in Need Charity.

Tickets: www.ballinmaidstone.com

Selected dates in November

Experience Christmas

At Kent Life

From 10am

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU

A true Christmas Experience, the highlight of the visit will be meeting Father Christmas in his magical grotto!

Tickets: www.kentlife.org.uk/event/meet-santa

27th Nov, 1st Dec,

Dec 2022

Traditional Christmas

Wreath Making Workshop

Maidstone Town Centre, exact location to be confirmed

Join our festive wreath making workshop with Vinetta Flower Gallery, and take home a unique door wreath for all your friends and family to admire!

Tickets: www.vinettaflowergallery.co.uk/productcategory/floristry-workshops/

Thursday 17th November 2022 7pm

Over 40’S Speed Dating

Mu Mu’s, Maidstone

Your chance to meet a ton of people in one fun night.

Tickets: www.originaldating.com/maidstone

Saturday 10th December 2022 10am - 3pm

Christmas Craft Market

Maidstone Museum

FREE ENTRY. Explore the museum galleries and enjoy the Christmas craft market!

Tickets: www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk/ whats-on/events/christmas-craft-market-2022

1st - 31st December 2022 4pm - 8pm

Glow Lights Illumination Trail

Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7AG

A magical, festive, night-light illumination trail showcasing the beauty of nature.

Tickets: www.glowarts.co.uk/

3rd - 17th December 2022 10am - 6pm

Father Christmas Fireplace

Maidstone Museum

Will your name be on the nice list? We hope so!

Tickets: www.museum.maidstone.gov. uk/whats-on/events/father-christmassfireplace-2022/