Traffic and Transportation Meeting – Cancelled
We are sorry to announce that due to a last-minute cancellation of attendance we are not able to hold our Traffic and Transportation Committee Meeting tonight (7th June 2022).
Updated Map for Bearsted In Bloom
Please note if you have downloaded a map prior to today, please note that one of the properties has been removed from the trail. The updated map can be found on our events page.
Office Closure over Bank Holiday Weekend
Please note the office now closed until Monday 6th June 2022.
Tickets are now sold out for the Jubilee Picnic on the Green, there will not be tickets available on the gate.
Bearsted In Bloom – Entry date extended to Wednesday 25th May
BEARSTED IN BLOOM – entry date has been extended to Wednesday 25th May 2022.
If you know anyone who has an interesting, creative or beautiful outside space, please ask them to enter our Bearsted in Bloom competition.
Annual Parish Meeting and Mynn Awards 2022
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On Wednesday 27th of April Bearsted Parish Council held their Annual Parish Meeting giving those in attendance an insightful update on their achievements over the past two years and also those of the local clubs, organisations, and societies.
The evening was well attended with over 70 residents and representatives gathering at Bearsted Golf Club to enjoy a chance to get together, catch up and share their experiences during what has been a challenging time for many within our community.
Michael Bollom took the chance to announce his retirement from the Parish Council explaining that after four years of service to residents his business commitments required more of his time. Before he left, he gave a detailed account of each of the committee’s accomplishments which were vast, widespread, and informative to many that did not understand the work that the Parish Council does. Special recognition was made to Brian Clifford who had sadly passed away with his wife being presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Following a short interval, the Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Fay Gooch presented a number of Community Certificates and Mynn Awards to many well-deserving residents which were as follows.
Liz Watts received a Community Certificate
A previous Mynn Award winner received recognition for her community spirit and dedication to
reducing plastic waste and increasing sustainability.
The Bearsted and Downswood Angels received a Community Certificate: Lisa Marie Foley, Georgia Barnes, Diana Blewett, Wendy Jennings, Kat Mann, Pamela Hargreaves, Ann Hirst, Wendy Patony, Olivia Cost and Jo Tribley
The group received recognition for their compassion, empathy, and dedication to helping those in
need during a difficult 18-month period. They coordinated food packages, easter eggs, gift packs to
children, and other items required during people’s time of need.
Judy Buckley was nominated for a Mynn Award by John Wale
Having worked closely with the Bearsted Woodland Trust Judy became the Website Editor and Newsletter Editor receiving commendation from Green Flag judges saying ‘it’s the best website we have seen for a charity”.
These communications are key elements to the public face of the Bearsted Woodland Trust and Judy’s tireless contribution has been hugely important to the Trust and the local community.
Anne Chalk was nominated for a Mynn Award by Rosemary Blout
Anne kept the Bearsted Green WI informed during the pandemic not only of activities but of local information, scams, and local criminal activities. She kept her group’s spirits up with poetry and uplifting photography of works of art and the countryside.
Mark Shaw was nominated for a Mynn Award by John Corbyn, presented by Curate Catherine Ngangira
Mark has a long history of commitment to and involvement in the community and church activities. His work has encompassed both young and old and includes 25 years of dedication to Roseacre Raisers.
Having set up ‘Home Angels’ for frail people needing assistance he went on to develop ‘Snow Angels’. Both groups offer practical help when required. Mark also arranges the Senior Citizens Christmas meal, takes a practical role in organising the Joint Churches Palm Sunday, and leads the Holy Cross’s Church Men’s Group.
Vernon Finch (not present) was nominated for a Mynn Award by Vanessa Wilson (not present). The award was accepted by his wife
The former Headmaster of the Bearsted School was integral in realising the need for a bigger equipped school to educate the children of Bearsted, introducing a professional level stage to enable the school’s much loved musical interests to be hosted for all to see.
Vernon was dedicated, innovative, and ahead of his time, keen to install a sense of musical appreciation in students that lead to musical instrument lessons taking place and even formed an orchestra. He demonstrated total dedication to the school, making a difference in the lives of the children of Bearsted and Thurnham.
John Leaf was nominated for a Mynn Award by Thomas Nugent
As the coach of the club’s youngest members along with being the Welfare Officer and referee co-ordinator John has dedicated himself to MPE FC showing up every weekend come rain or shine. He carries the goals from his garden down to Mallards Way in order to provide local children with a fun, safe, and enjoyable introduction to football.
John also marks out the tracks for the Downswood Olympics and can always be found behind the BBQ whenever events are taking place.
Bearsted Parish Council Chairman Retires
At our Annual Parish Meeting which took place on Wednesday 27th April 2022, Cllr Michael Bollom announced his retirement from the Chairmanship and his position as Parish Councillor. Having served the community for four years his retirement comes due to his ongoing business commitments.
A Chairman, vice-Chairman, and Committees will be voted in at Bearsted Parish Council’s Annual Meeting of the Council held at the King George Memorial Hall, Manor Rise on the 10th May 2022 from 7.30 pm.
We wish to thank Cllr Bollom for his service, dedication, and commitment over the years to Bearsted Parish Council and wish him every success in his new business ventures.
Bearsted in Bloom 2022 – Entry date has been extended to 25th May
New map 080622
To download the Trail Map click here
We are excited that Bearsted in Bloom has returned this year to celebrate the hard work of our local gardeners who make Bearsted so beautiful.
The event will run on the 11th of June 2022 with a trail being available for those residents who would like to visit the spaces. (yet to be published).
Local garden centre Notcutts have kindly provided £50 vouchers for the winners of each category which are:
- Outstanding small space (front or back gardens)
- Outstanding produce (anywhere you are growing produce)
- Outstanding creative (front or back gardens)
- Community contribution ( a place in the local area, a business or other area the community enjoys)
If you would like to enter a space please complete our application form which can be downloaded here before the 20th May 2022.
For further information please call 01622 630165
Terms and conditions
- At least 3 spaces must enter for each category for the event to take place.
- Appraising can only take place on the 11th June 2022.
- 3 appraisers will mark gardens, with the highest score in total being classed as outstanding.
- Areas being apprised are overall appearance, plants and design.
- Those who achieve an outstanding award will be notified by Bearsted Parish Council within 3 days and a public announcement made within 5 days.
- Please do not have any form of fire alight in your space.