News Tell MBC about the heritage that is important to you
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is excited to announce the start of a new project to create a Heritage Strategy for the Borough and everyone is invited to get involved.
A consultation is now open and closes on 28 November for local organisations and individuals to help shape the new strategy and give their views on the heritage that is important to them.
The Heritage Strategy will give everyone the opportunity to work with the council to highlight what is valued. It will encourage participation in the huge wealth of heritage that exists across the borough and promote what is often hidden. It will also be used to help support bids for future project funding.
Cllr Tony Harwood, MBC Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management said:
“Maidstone has had a tumultuous history, which has helped shape our national story. Our heritage and culture provides us with a sense of place and belonging, leavings its mark not just in physical landscapes, ancient monuments and buildings, but in our art and culture, politics and law, spiritual beliefs and superstitions, fashions, industry, agriculture, as well as palaeontology, archaeology and cultural activities, events and festivals.”
The aim of the strategy will be to create a shared vision about the borough’s heritage, drawing on the thoughts of organisations, businesses and the people of Maidstone.
Tony continues:
“Please help shape the new strategy by taking part in this consultation and giving your views on the heritage that is important to you. This will help to start the preparation of a new Heritage Strategy for the Borough, which will be created in 2025.”
Take part in the consultation here
As part of the consultation an art competition for anyone under 18 years of age who lives or goes to school or college in the Borough is also being launched on 8 November.
Young people are being invited to draw or paint a picture of what heritage in the Borough they most value. The winners will see their artwork incorporated into the final Heritage Strategy and will each win a £25 voucher.
There are two prizes up for grabs:
* Best artwork ages 11 and under
* Best artwork ages 12 to 18
Cllr Harwood adds:
“Draw or paint a picture of your favourite borough heritage; it could be a building, a place, an object or an event, or something else. How about the Maidstone Mela or Allington Castle or even East Farleigh Bridge?”
The winning artwork will be judged and winners will be informed by email by 6 December 2024.
The competition opens on 8 November 2024 and closes on 28 November 2024.
Please upload a photograph of the drawing or painting to https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/heritage-strategy-questionnaire/surveys/heritage-strategy-art-competition1 with a description of the heritage asset drawn or painted. Include name, school/college, age and also parent or guardian’s contact email and telephone number with entry. Good luck!
Formal consultation on a draft Heritage Strategy will take place in Summer 2025 before the final Heritage Strategy is considered by MBC Cabinet in Winter 2025.