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'Crockenhell' Maze in Church Road, Crockenhill, returns for third year

A 'spooktacular' home-made maze is returning to a village for the third time to provide some screams for its residents.

The huge wooden frame structure has been constructed in the front garden of a family home in Church Road, Crockenhill, to raise money for charity.

Michael, top centre, and his family have now turned the maze and fundraising into an annual attraction. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
Michael, top centre, and his family have now turned the maze and fundraising into an annual attraction. Picture: Michael Steel Clark

Michael Steel Clark, one of the seven organisers, says the idea first came about six years ago.

"I decided one Halloween to get dressed up and jump out at people from the bushes in my mum's front garden," he explained.

"I was then involved in a big motorbike crash in Swanley during 2017.

"The following year we chose to do a maze in the front garden to raise money for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance service, as they really helped me out at the time.

"In the end we raised £350 and it just snowballed from there."

Michael and his stepdad Andrew building the maze. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
Michael and his stepdad Andrew building the maze. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
The 'Crockenhell' maze in the family's front garden. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
The 'Crockenhell' maze in the family's front garden. Picture: Michael Steel Clark

Last year, the family had around 300 people queuing down the street to try out the attraction.

They also raised £560, this time for Darent Valley's paediatric ward, where Michael's two-year-old son was cared for.

The money went towards new toys and games for the hospital.

After being put on hold during Covid, the family's maze is back for the third time and it's been named 'Crockenhell'.

Michael said: "People will be able to walk through the attraction – there will be lights, smoke machines, as well as myself and my Uncle Barry hiding, all dressed up.

Last year the family raised £560 for Darent Valley Hospital. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
Last year the family raised £560 for Darent Valley Hospital. Picture: Michael Steel Clark

"Previously we've had a butchers room, with my brother-in-law chopping up meat and fake pigs heads.

"We have also had a babies' room, with loads of dolls hanging from the ceiling.

"I can't reveal too much as I don't want to give it away, but I can assure you this maze will be more scary than ever."

This year the family are raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in honour of their uncle who was diagnosed with the condition a couple of months ago.

Michael added: "It wasn't nice to hear that he had it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

The sweets ready to be handed out. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
The sweets ready to be handed out. Picture: Michael Steel Clark

The 32-year-old, along with seven of his family members, have spent the last six months collecting Halloween decorations for the event.

They have also spent hours assembling more than 300 bags of sweets, to hand out to children.

Michael's mum, Alison, designed the maze and his stepfather, Andrew, has been building it.

"It costs us a couple of hundred quid, but we don't take any money raised – all of it goes to charity," Michael said. "90% of the maze is recycled year on year.

"I have to say, Halloween is now turning into my favourite holiday.

Adults and children queuing to try out the maze last year. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
Adults and children queuing to try out the maze last year. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
The family's Halloween props and gadgets they have collected over the years. Picture: Michael Steel Clark
The family's Halloween props and gadgets they have collected over the years. Picture: Michael Steel Clark

"Honestly it is getting out of hand – we might go into the back garden eventually.

"We are just fortunate that my mum has a big garden and I decided to be stupid all those years ago."

Crockenhell Maze will be open on Monday, October 31, from 5 to 9pm at The Beeches, Church Road.

Any donations will be appreciated.

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