June 2025
With the ending of World War II, Maidstone Zoo, although open during most of the conflict, resumed its mission to show off its animals and attract thousands of visitors. Since opening in 1934, some 1.5 million visitors had passed through the gates at Cobtree Manor. As Ivan White explained in his second fascinating talk about Maidstone Zoo
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June 2025
Sir Hugh Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, 12 times Mayor of Maidstone, has secured his place in local history with two major achievements. He founded a zoo that attracted thousands, including the young Princess Elizabeth – later Her Majesty the Queen – for nearly 20 years. The zoo closed in 1959. But his second huge achievement is still giving pleasure to visitors, an outstanding legacy to the County Town.
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May 2025
Maidstone Museum is delighted to invite members to an exclusive preview of the Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition on Friday 11th July 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Maidstone Museum.
Members of Maidstone Museum Friends’ will have the unique opportunity
March 2025
Maidstone is proving a role model for its management of the Business Improvement District (BID), so much so that representatives from other UK towns are beating a path to their door to find out how One Maidstone does it.
Michelle Woodland, Chief Executive Officer One Maidstone BID, and Steven Pankhurst, BID’s Business Crime Manager, told an audience
February 2025
Those strange structures off the Kent coast have played a key role in maritime and radio history. Frank Turner, from Gravesend, is passionate about the Maunsell forts, so much so that he is spearheading a campaign of restoration. He told their fascinating story to a 40-strong audience at the first MMF talk of the year held on February 13 in Maidstone Museum
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February 2025
MMF has once again been chosen by the highly regarded Willington Players to benefit from every ticket sold by the charity for their next production Calendar Girls.
This heartwarming and hilarious play is based on a true story and the hit 2003 film. When Annie’s husband dies of leukaemia, she and her best friend Chris decide to raise funds for the local hospital. They create a calendar featuring friends from the Women’s Institute…
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We are accepted by the Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator for charitable fundraising in England, Wales & Northern Ireland. It says, to you, that we help promote best practice, defend the sector and demonstrate compliance with the law.
Maidstone Museums’ Friends are pleased to be members of the Association of Independent Museums.
AIM represents, connects and strengthens the UK’s independent museums and heritage organisations.
Maidstone Museums’ Friends are part of a wider network across the the UK of those local groups who support culture and Heritage. We are members of the British Association of Friends of Museums (BAFM)
For all questions please contact:
Mr Ivan White, MMF Membership Secretary info@maidstonemuseumsfriends.org.uk
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We keep your information safely and securely, and only Trustees of MMF are given access to your data
Should you wish to request access, corrections or removal of your personal information please contact us by contacting:
Ivan White, MMF Membership Secretary
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