News Articles

MMF News articles are listed in chronological order with the latest first - click the titles to read the full article.

The Kent Lieutenancy – Serving the Crown for 500 years

October 2025

The Kent Lieutenancy has served monarchs for five centuries. Trevor Sturgess, a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent (DL), told an audience of 30 MMF members and guests that the important role originated in Tudor times when Henry VIII sat on the throne. In the latest talk in the Maidstone Museums Friends’ shop, Fremlin Walk, on April 9, 2025, “Serving the Crown: the Right Royal story of the Kent Lieutenancy

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Fran Wilson, former Council Leader, Walks Maidstone’s Corridors of Power

September 2025

Politics in local government used to be less fractious than it is today, according to Fran Wilson, twice leader of Maidstone Borough Council. In a talk “Corridors of Power” in the Maidstone Museum Friends’ shop, Fremlin Walk, on September 11, 2025, she spoke of a time when councillors of all parties mingled freely. “It’s a shame that that attitude and respect did not last.”

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MMF Tribute to the late Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL

September 2025

It is with great sadness that Maidstone Museums’ Foundation has learned of the death of our former President Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.
Sir Robert served as President from 2017 – 2024. After he stepped down from that role, he was accorded the honorary title of President Emeritus which he held until his death on September 5, 2025.
In 2017 MMF was delighted and honoured when Sir Robert accepted our invitation to become President.

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Messing about on the river

August 2025

A sunny evening voyage along the River Medway is a lovely way to see Maidstone and nearby attractions from a different angle.
More than 40 members of Maidstone Museums’ Foundation and guests enjoyed a relaxing cruise on Thursday August 14, 2025, savouring the scenery, buffet and drinks from the bar. Although recent

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New Museum products designed by young people win plaudits at Awards Ceremony

July 2025

MMF’s design awards for young people sparked a wealth of exciting product ideas that were celebrated at an awards evening in the Friends’ Shop.
The third MMF Heritage Design Challenge, promoted to schools across Kent, encourages young people to visit Maidstone Museum and create a product idea from something they have seen there. Winning products are sold in the Museum shop.

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Life Inside -Prison Stories

July 2025

Prisoners serving a life sentence are easier to work with than those facing shorter terms, according to John Mills, a prison officer for 15 years. His experience of working in prisons in Maidstone and Holloway showed that “lifers were the easiest group I worked with. Once a lifer is told to serve a life sentence, they make a life for themselves in prison.

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