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TIMEBALL NEEDS MORE HELPERS
The Timeball Tower Museum on Deal's seafront is looking for more
people to help with manning the popular attraction. The building is normally
open 11am to 4pm daily and the trustees have been finding it difficult
to cover all the hours. The hope is that people with an interest in the
local community will volunteer. Any necessary training will be provided
and times and days tailored to suit individual needs. For more details,
call Stephen Chappell on 
01304 368255 or Mike Carey on
01304 373417. (June 26, 2009)
A BERRY GOOD AWARD
A Walmer pub has scooped a top award for the second year running. The Berry in Canada Road has been named as local Pub of the Year by the Deal, Dover and Sandwich branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CaMRA). Landlord Chris Barnes is delighted to have gained the accolade in 2008 and 2009 in recognition of his pub's selection of real ales and its friendly traditional atmosphere. The award is due to be formally presented on Monday, 6 July. (June 26, 2009)
ALL SET FOR A FORTNIGHT OF MUSIC AND ARTS
The 2009 Deal Festival of Music and The Arts starts on Saturday,
4 July. It runs until Saturday, 18 July and features a wide range of events.
Among the highlights are a talk by writer Germaine Greer on Tuesday, 7
July and a concert by the national award-winning Black Dyke Band on Saturday,
4 July. The main Box Office is at The Sound House, High Street, Deal (
01304 381134) and details of the full prgramme are available on the Festival
Website. (June 26, 2009)
OVERNIGHT CLOSURES FOR THE A258 DOVER-TO-WALMER ROAD
The section of the A258 Dover to Deal road between the A2 Duke of York's
roundabout and the Ripple Road junction at Walmer is due to be closed
to traffic between 8pm and 5am starting on Monday, 29 June and lasting
approximately one week. The closure is to enable the installation
of vital safety improvements in the form of cat's eyes and friction surfacing
at several junctions. Diversions via the A256 and the A258 Sandwich Road
will be signposted. Kent Highway Services have a 24-hour helpline on
08458 247 800 (June 26, 2009)
"NEW INN" HOME FOR GERRY'S PHOTOS
Walmer resident and keen photographer Gerry Costa now has a new showcase for his work. A selection of his camera studies of Deal are on permanent display at the refurbished New Inn pub and restaurant in Deal High Street. Gerry, whose photos are also featured on a number of pages in the WalmerWeb and DealWeb websites, said: "I'm quite excited by this new and wonderful opportunity of showing my work in Deal". Gerry also has a website for his photos which you can see at www.kentimagesse.co.uk. (June 17, 2009)
REPORT ON DEAL TOWN COUNCIL IS NOW PUBLIC
An independent report on alleged irregularities in the operation of Deal Town Council has been published. Prepared by the East Kent Audit Partnership, the Audit Report raises serious concerns about how the town council has handled its finances and treated staff. Although the report was completed some months ago, the council felt unable to make it public until an employment dispute involving a former deputy town clerk had been settled. Following agreement to an out-of-court settlement to the clerk, reported to be £20,000, the report is now available for inspection on the town council's website at www.deal.gov.uk and also in Deal Library. (June 17, 2009)
ELECTION RESULTS
The outcomes of the three sets of elections held locally on Thursday, 4 June are as follows:
European Parliamentary Elections - South East UK Region (for 10
seats).
Conservatives gained 4 seats with Daniel Hannan; Richard Ashworth; Nirj
Diva; and James Elles elected as Members.
UK Independence Party gained 2 seats with Nigel Farage; and Marta Andreasen
elected as Members.
Liberal Democrats gained 2 seats with Sharon Bowles; and Catherine Bearder
elected as Members.
Green Party gained 1 seat with Caroline Lucas elected as a Member.
Labour gained 1 seat with Peter Skinner elected as a Member.
The newly-elected MEPs take their seats in the new European Parliament on Tuesday, 14 July 2009. Until then the existing MEPs remain in office.
Kent County Council Election - Deal Electoral Division (for 2
seats).
The two Conservative Party candidates Julie Ann Rook (3914 votes) and
Christopher James (Kit) Smith (3660 votes) were elected as County Councillors.
Unsuccessful candidates were:
Terence James Birkett (The Labour Party) 2420;
Michael Robert Eddy (The Labour Party) 2342;
Antony James Hook (Liberal Democrat) 2592; and
John Charles Trickey (Liberal Democrat) 2521.
The two Liberal Democrat candidates Patrick Anthony Acarnley (953 votes) and John Charles Trickey (1005 votes) were elected as Deal Town Councillors.
Unsuccessful candidates were:
Terence James Birkett (The Labour Party) 806;
Patricia Rosetta Jane Cook (The Conservative Party) 558;
Christopher James David Tough (The Labour Party) 712; and
Tracy Jane Wilton (The Conservative Party) 561.
(June 8, 2009)
TOP MARKS FOR DEAL'S COASTAL WATERS
The waters at Deal beach are better than ever. According to the Marine Conservation Society's latest Good Beach Guide, the beach now has a "Recommended" rating - the highest possible award. Last year's assessment was only a "Basic Pass". The Society's checks on sea water quality cover the UK and involve water samples taken between May and September. Of some 777 tested last year, only 370 were recommended for swimming, surfing or paddling. In Kent, 21 beaches gained "Recommended" status, five were "Good" and one failed. (June 5, 2009)
PLANS FOR REFURBISHED ASTOR THEATRE UNVEILED
James Tillitt, the artistic director of Deal Arts Management, has been explaining how his group of volunteers plan to refurbish and operate the Astor Theatre in Stanhope Road, Deal. With the lease for the theatre finalised in mid May, essential works are underway and it is hoped the building will re-open in September. Speaking to Walmer parish councillors and local residents at the annual parish meeting on Wednesday, 20 May, Mr Tillitt said that the initial refurbishment involved complete electrical rewiring, installation of a soundproof wall between the auditorium and bar and improvements to the toilets and the building's heating system. A clerk of works had been appointed. Additional funding would be needed to enable further works to the auditorium and balcony, installation of new lighting and sound equipment and better seating. A fund raiser had been recruited and a series of activities to bring in the essential extra cash were planned for the coming months.
Mr Tillitt was optimistic that the new Astor would become the home of a range of activities that would have wide appeal. Among the early plans were screenings of classic films and Saturday afternoon children's cinema shows, amateur and professional dramatic productions, musical events ranging from popular bands to Deal Music Festival classical concerts and other activities such as tea dances and markets. Encouragement of public interest and support would be vital and the Arts Management team would be using all available forms of promotion including a website, other Internet services like Facebook and a coordinated press campaign. Mr Tillitt explained that he is the only paid member of staff for the Deal Arts Management enterprise which had been set up as a community interest company and would benefit from any profits made. It was intended to apply for charitable trust status. (June 5, 2009)ANOTHER ANTIQUES FAIR MOOTED FOR MAY 2010
Following the success of this year's Walmer Brocante, members of Walmer Parish Council's events working group are keen to arrange a third antiques and collectibles fair over the May Bank Holiday on Monday, 3 May 2010. Their ideas for the event will be considered by the full parish council when it meets this coming Wednesday (10 June). (June 5, 2009)CALL FOR LOCAL ACCESS TO WALMER PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Concerns that Dover Council no longer publishes a full list of all planning applications in local newspapers have prompted Walmer parish councillors to suggest that the district council should make copies of all Walmer area applications available for inspection in its local office in Deal Town Hall. Although not legally obliged to, the parish council currently tries to alert neighbours of any new applications. The proposed availability of full copies in Deal is seen as being helpful for residents who cannot easily travel to the main Dover Council offices at Whitfield. Although a weekly list of planning applications is published on the district council's website at www.dover.gov.uk, there are concerns that not everyone has easy access to the Internet and those that do must remember to check regularly. (June 5, 2009)CASH GRANTS WILL BOOST LOCAL PROJECTS
Two more local organisations are to get help with projects in the latest round of grants by Walmer Parish Council. The organisers of the Deal Festival of Music and the Arts will receive £400 towards the cost of running Walmer based events in this year's Festival. And the Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival and Regatta Association has been awarded £400 to help with the cost of organising the annual Teddy Bears' Picnic family event on Walmer Green. (June 5, 2009)REGULAR DAY AND TIME FOR WALMER'S POLICE AND COUNCIL SURGERIES
The monthly opportunities for Walmer residents to raise concerns and put forward ideas to the local police and parish councillors now have a fixed day, time and place. Walmer Parish Council has agreed that all its future Police and Parish Council Surgeries will be held from 10am to 11.30am on the second Saturday in the month at the Royal Marines Association Club, 37 The Strand, Walmer. No appointment is needed and people can simply drop in for an informal and confidential chat. The next session is on Saturday, 13 June. For more details call the Parish Office on
01304 381506. (June 5, 2009) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICE
Walmer-based solicitor Donna Payne has drawn attention to a weekly advice centre for anyone suffering domestic violence. The Domestic Abuse Support Service provides free and confidential support to victims to help them on the options available - such as seeking alternative accommodation, involving the police, obtaining legal advice and ensuring personal safety. The Support Service is open on Tuesdays 9.30am - 1pm at the Dover Discovery Centre, Market Square, Dover. Donna explained: "This project aims to bring all the help available for victims of domestic violence into one place and on a regular basis. After someone has been brave enough to seek help we have to do all we can to make it easy for them or, often as not, we lose them."
The Support Service is looking for volunteer advisors. Donna said that anyone who felt they might have expertise they could share and would like to know more should contact Elly Toye at Dover Council (e-mail: ). Others who want to help but do not feel qualified can still play a vital part. Donna says she is launching a free injunction service and needs helpers for office duties and giving lifts to and from Court as well as process serving Court Orders. She added: "Every person has some quality and experience that will be of help to the victims of this shameful crime and, trust me, they need all the support they can get." Donna can be contacted on 01304 372441
or by e-mail
. (June 3, 2009) PHONE BILL AND CREDIT CARD SCAMS THAT COULD LEAVE YOU POORER
Kent Police have drawn attention to two scams that could leave people
out of pocket. The first involves a phone call from someone purporting
to be from British Telecom (BT) suggesting there is an outstanding
bill and if this is not paid straight away the line will be disconnected.
If the victim challenges this or becomes suspicious, the crook tells them
to put the phone down and they will then prove they are able to disconnect
the line. The crook remains on the line and this gives the impression
that the line has been cut off. The victim is then duped into providing
bank account details. The crook may then state there is a problem with
the card details provided and ask the victim for details of other bank
cards. This is, of course, a ploy to obtain vital information so they
can plunder the cards. The Police say that if anyone receives this type
of call it should be reported to both the Police and to the BT Malicious
Calls Bureau on
0800 661441. If any credit card details are unwittingly provided, people
need to inform the relevant card provider immediately.
"DEAL TODAY" WEBSITE BECOMES "DEALWEB"
There are some important changes to the Deal Today community website which has been re-designed to create a new DealWeb website. The old Deal Forum bulletin board on the site has also been incorporated into the WalmerWeb Forum to create a new Deal and Walmer Forum. All the features of the former Deal site - including news, history, photos and listings of local businesses and voluntary groups - have been retained and there are plans to add a range of helpful new services. The DealWeb website is at www.dealweb.org.uk and the location of the Forum is http://ccgi.northdowns.plus.com/phpBB3/index.php, although most folk will probably find the quick links on the DealWeb and WalmerWeb websites much more convenient. (May 28, 2009)TOWN'S VISITORS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE ON FOOT
Deal has become the first town in the south of England to receive "Walkers are Welcome" status. So far only 21 other places have earned the award by demonstrating a commitment to making visitors welcome and promoting the idea of exploring their areas on foot. The Deal scheme is backed by the town council, the chamber of trade and a group of local walking enthusiasts. They plan to produce a walkers' guide to Deal and involve local pubs and restaurants in welcoming visitors. (May 28, 2009)NATIONAL DESIGN AWARD FOR PIER RESTAURANT
The new restaurant at the head of Deal Pier has won a prestigious architectural award. The modern timber and glass building is among just seven projects in the south-east to receive one of this year's Royal Institute of Architects' awards for architectural excellence. It will now go on to be considered for the RIBA's annual Stirling Prize for the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year. Opened in November 2008, the new restaurant was designed by architectural group Niall McLaughlin for clients Dover District Council and cost £1,130,000. Now open every day from 8am to 10pm, the pier-end restaurant is managed by husband-and-wife team Jasin and Ferah Kaplan who also operate the award-winning Telegraph Chippie in Telegraph Road, Deal. (May 28, 2009)ASTOR THEATRE COULD RE-OPEN IN LATE SUMMER
Following protracted negotiations about the lease for the Astor Theatre building in Stanhope Road, Deal, arrangements between Deal Town Council and Deal Arts Management are now in place. James Tillitt, the artistic director of the arts group, says that with the signing of the lease with the Town Council, the way is clear to refurbish the building and embark on fund raising for fitting out. The project has the backing of the Town Council, Dover District Council and Walmer Parish Council who have earmarked a total of £60,000 towards the scheme. More is needed and the Deal Arts group will be seeking grants and public support for what they hope will become a dynamic cultural centre for the area. They are aiming to have the Astor back in business by the end of the summer. (May 17, 2009)LOCAL ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY, 4 JUNE
Local voters go to the polls on Thursday, 4 June. In Deal and Walmer the following seats are being contested:
European Parliament (South East UK). Currently there are 133 nominated
candidates for 10 available seats. Details of the candidates and their
political affiliations can be seen on Dover Council's website at: www.doverdc.co.uk/council__democracy/
elections/forthcoming_elections.aspx
Kent County Council Deal Division. There are two seats available and the candidates are Julie Rook (Con), Kit Smith (Con), Terry Birkett (Lab), Mike Eddy (Lab), Anthony Hook (Lib-Dem) and John Trickey (Lib-Dem).
Deal Town Council Mill Hill Ward. There are two seats available and the candidates are Tracy Wilton (Con), Pat Cook (Con), Terry Birkett (Lab), Chris Tough (Lab), John Trickey (Lib-Dem) and Patrick Acarnley (Lib-Dem).
Polling Stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 4 June. (May 17, 2009)WALMER'S TOP GARDENS ON SHOW
There's a chance to see seven of Walmer's best private gardens on Sunday, 31 May. The annual event in aid of the three local parish churches is from 11am to 5pm and an entry pass to the gardens is £3.50. A good place to start and finish is Elizabeth House, facing St Mary's Church in St Mary's Road, which will be selling refreshments and entry passes. For more details, see WalmerWeb's events listings for May. (May 17, 2009)
LOCAL HOUSEHOLDERS WARNED: "BE WARY OF DOORSTEP CALLERS"
Kent Trading Standards have received reports of possible "rogue traders" operating in the Dover, Deal, St Margarets and Kingsdown areas. They are offering to do gardening, guttering and general maintenance work. They are described as white English males, both in their early 20s, both approximately 5ft 8in. They are said to be using a red/orange car and green commercial vehicle with red writing. There is a risk with this type of unsolicited approach that any work can be unsatisfactory - possibly unnecessary - and overpriced.
Trading Standards advise that you do not agree to work from unexpected
callers on your door step. Ask friends or relations for recommendations
of good traders or ring Consumer Direct on
0845 404 0506 and ask for the list of trusted traders in the "Buy
With Confidence" scheme. New laws for doorstep selling now extend
the seven-day cooling off period to trader visits that are requested by
the consumer, as well as cold-calls. Traders commits an offence if they
fail to provide a cancellation notice. The cancellation notice must contain
certain information including the trader's identity and address and it
must be given to the consumer when they agree to have the work done. In
certain circumstances consumers can give the trader permission in writing
to begin the work or provide the goods straightaway. The consumer can
still cancel within seven days, but will have to pay for the trader's
reasonable costs up to the time that they cancel. (May
13, 2009)
EVENING CLOSURES FOR RE-SURFACING ON KINGSDOWN ROAD
Kent Highway Services are planning to resurface a section of Kingsdown Road, Walmer, between Friday, 29 May and Monday, 8 June. The works will be from the junction with Upper Street to the junction with Hawkshill Road and will involve evening road closures and diversions. As Kingsdown Road is a bus route and there is no practical alternative, the works are being carried out between 7pm and 2am. The road will be open during the daytime. Notice boards giving the anticipated start date will be displayed in the immediate area and Kent Highways say they will keep disruption to a minimum with access maintained to properties for the duration of the works. For more information, call Kent Highways on
0845 8247800. (May 8, 2009)END OF INTERLUDES FILM SHOWS
The curtain has come down on the Interludes film nights in Deal. Local resident Denis Hart, who introduced the film shows when the town's Flicks cinema closed, said he was sad that it had not been possible to continue to arrange screenings of classic movies and films with a local interest. Unfortunately there had not been sufficient support and it had not proved possible to cover the costs of hiring halls and booking the films. (May 8, 2009)
Kent Police are asking people who regularly visit the coast - and boat users in particular - to report anything they feel is unusual or suspicious at ports, along the coast or on the water. It's part of a new initiative called "Project Kraken" which aims to tackle crime and security threats affecting the marine community - from vandalism and theft to national security issues such as drug importation, immigration crime and terrorism. The scheme has the joint backing of police in Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Sussex and the Port of Dover.
Detective Sergeant Simon Hiscock, from Kent Police Frontier Operations, said that the marine community could play a vital role by "acting as our eyes and ears". Information from the public helped in building an intelligence picture needed to support his team's work. He felt that sometimes the public were unaware of the key role that they could play in community intelligence gathering and the difference this can make to other people's quality of life. To report suspicious activity call Kent Police on 01622 690690
(or 999 in an
emergency). There is also the counter terrorism hotline on
0800 789321. (May 6, 2009) MARINES' CYCLE MARATHON TO AID BANDSTAND APPEAL
The current fund-raising drive to renovate and run the Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green is set to receive a valuable boost thanks to a marathon sponsored cycle ride being planned by 15 Royal Marines musicians. The Portsmouth-based servicemen are to cycle from Deal to Torpoint in Cornwall, a distance of 356 miles. Their journey starts at the Bandstand on Monday, 18 May and will take five days. The team has already received pledges of nearly £10,000 and is hoping that further public support will double this. The money will be split between three charities - the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, St Lukes Hospice in Plymouth and the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund. Details of the ride can be seen on www.bandiesonbikes.co.uk. (April 24, 2009)
HIGH-SPEED "CAT" TO LINK DOVER AND BOULOGNE
Cross-channel ferry operator LD Lines has announced that it plans to start a high-speed catamaran service between Dover and Boulogne, starting on Friday, 29 May. The latest move by the company follows its arrival at Dover Port earlier this year and introduction of conventional ferry services to Boulogne and Dieppe and could create 160 new jobs. Crossing time for the new catamaran is expected to be one hour. (April 24, 2009)
2009 BAND CONCERTS START ON 3 MAY - AT A NEW TIME
The 2009 season of free band concerts at the Deal Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green starts on Sunday, 3 May with music by the Betteshanger Welfare Brass Band. There's an important change this year. All the Sunday afternoon concerts (apart from the Royal Marines Concert at 2pm on 12 July) begin at 2.30pm - a change from the start time of 2pm in previous years. Details of all the concerts are featured in a free leaflet available from a number local outlets including the Landmark Centre and Deal Library and also on the Deal Bandstand Trust website and in Walmerweb's coming events listings. (April 24, 2009)
LEISURE CENTRE BLAZE CLOSES HEALTH SUITE
The sauna and health suite at Tides leisure centre in Deal are
out of action following a fire which the authorities are treating as possible
arson. The blaze broke out in the early evening of Wednesday, 15 April
and is thought to have been caused by youths putting plastics cups on
the hot coals in the sauna. The police are asking anyone with information
to contact them on
01304 240055 or, if they wish to be anonymous, to call Crimestoppers on
0800 555111.
(April 24, 2009)
| BROCANTE SUCCESS - DESPITE CHILL AND MARKET PROBLEM | ||||||
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Hundreds of bargain hunters braved a chilly northerly wind and overcast skies on Sunday, 19 April to flock to Walmer Parish Council's second Brocante antiques and collectables fair at Walmer Green. With more than 100 stalls offering an amazing array of bric-a-brac laced with genuine antiques and sought after treasures, there was something for almost everyone. |
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A major disappointment for the organisers was the non-appearance of the French Market. The group of traders who provide this popular attraction became victims of the latest blockade of channel ports by French fishermen. They decided that delays on Friday and uncertainty of being able to return home on Monday were good reasons not to risk the trip to England. WalmerWeb's camera went along to the Brocante and you can see larger versions of the pictures here by going to our local events photo album #2. (April 19, 2009) |
CHEAPER PARKING IN DEAL
Users of the Sainsbury's carpark in West Street, Deal can now obtain a free 30-minute parking ticket from the ticket machine. The free parking started on Friday, 20 March and is designed to cater for customers who only want to nip into the store for a couple of quick purchases. Longer term parking is £2 for up to two hours but the fee is refundable for people spending more than £10 in the supermarket.
Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade says that Dover Council has agreed to introduce free parking after 4pm from Friday, 1 May in its Middle Street, Union Road, Town Hall and St George's car parks. The Council is expected to review the concession in September. There are also hopes that a "pay for parking by mobile phone" scheme could be introduced in June. This might also let users extend their parking period without needing to return to their vehicle. (April 17, 2009)SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES ON OFFER AT CHAMBER'S AGM
People running local businesses are being urged to make a point of attending the Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade's Annual General Meeting on Friday, 24 April. Walmer-based solicitor and Chamber member Donna Payne said that everyone with an interest in local commerce is welcome to attend the event at the Town Hall in Deal High Street, starting at 7.30pm. They need not be members of the Chamber of Trade.
An essential part of the evening will be a Business Support Event in which representatives from Dover District Council will be there to help with advice and information on a range of topics including: the Business Rates Hardship Fund, grants and support available through the Business Link scheme, local Tourism initiatives, how commerce can benefit from events in the district, opportunities to provide goods and services to the Council and enhancing two-way communication with the District Council. Donna Payne stressed the importance of the event for local businesses and said: "We hope to get as many there as possible so they can benefit from the Dover Council input." (April 16, 2009)| BUSY WEEKEND FOR YOUTH TEAMS |
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| Local young rugby players let their hair down after a great continental weekend. |
| Fresh back from a weekend tournament in Luxembourg, Deal and
Betteshanger Rugby Club's youth teams are celebrating a good performance
in the face of tough opposition from teams from France, Belgium and
Luxembourg. Kevin McLachlan, the director of youth rugby for the Walmer-based
club, said: "On the whole, our young sides performed well against
older teams and won more games than they lost."
"The under-10s had a great weekend’s rugby with some excellent displays of running and passing - a future first team in the making! The under-12s played with strength and determination, showed great team spirit and won three games, drew one and lost one, finishing with a very respectable second place only losing to Metz who were a team of giants!"
Kevin was especially pleased with his under-14s team. He explained: "They had a great run of games putting up a good fight against CSCE Luxembourg, the host’s under-15s "A" team. The "B" team were not as strong with Deal winning and then Deal had a comfortable win against a local French team. Deal played two matches on the Sunday, the first was against Melun which Deal won. The final saw Deal play Luxembourg "A" team suffering a narrow defeat." Although the season is drawing to an end, the club will be hosting a free family fun day on Saturday, 25 July from 12noon. For details, contact Kevin on
01304 379047. (April
11, 2009) |
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QUILTS ON SHOW AT THE |
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The latest in a series of month-long art displays in The Landmark Centre's cafe in Deal High Street showcases the work of two local quilters. Joan Weston from St Margaret's and Terrance Gilbert from Walmer have built a considerable reputation for their mastery of the craft of quilting and patchwork. |
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| Brightening up the walls of the Landmark cafe: quilts by two local artists |
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Their styles are very different, Terrance favouring traditional American designs and Joan specialising in quilts inspired by her travels abroad and the work of impressionist painters such as Monet and Klee. Their quilts have featured in a number of local and national quilting shows. Terrance is the UK organiser of the international "Helping Hands" charity quilt-making project and, in addition to her leisure-time enthusiasm for painting and quilting, Joan is head of the art department at Dover Girls Grammar School. Their display at The Landmark Centre continues until Saturday, 25 April. (April 8, 2009) |
NEW SIGNS COULD HELP SOLVE LORRY PROBLEM
Residents of Church Street in Upper Walmer could well be hoping that a new sign erected by Kent Highways Services at the Court Road junction with their road will help deter drivers of large vehicles from using it as a route to the A258 Dover Road. The "Unsuitable for HGVs" notice follows growing concerns by several residents and Walmer Parish Council over the problems of lorry drivers finding that a narrow bend and parked cars often made the Church Street impassable. The resulting need for reversing plus delays and congestion for other road users was considered potentially dangerous. Kent Highways staff are also advising satellite navigation equipment manufacturers of the unsuitability of various roads in the county for large vehicles so that the information can be incorporated in future software upgrades. (April 8, 2009)CHANGE FOR A258 DOVER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
The 30mph speed limit on the A258 Dover Road southern approach to Walmer from Dover is about to be extended. Kent Highway Services say that a traffic order shifting the start of the speed limit 90 metres to the south of the Ripple Road junction comes into effect on Monday, 13 April. The advisory signs for motorists will be relocated. (April 5, 2009)CASH GRANTS WILL BOOST LOCAL PROJECTS
Three local organisations are to receive help with projects in the latest round of grants by Walmer Parish Council. Walmer Parish Churches will receive £1,000 towards refurbishment of the Walmer Parish Hall. The Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade gets £100 towards the cost of a promotional stand at the March 29 Travel and Leisure Show in Dover. And councillors confirmed that a previously agreed grant of £1,000 to help with repairs to the spire on Walmer Baptist Church will remain available for a further three years to enable the project to be completed. (April 3, 2009)BILL FOR SEAFRONT SHELTER DAMAGE WILL EXCEED £22,000
New work to restore the Victorian Shelter on Walmer seafront is to be carried out this year at a cost of £18,000. In discussions with Roger Walton of Dover District Council, Walmer parish councillors heard that the money had been earmarked for spending on new vandal-resistant roofing, windows and frames. Mr Walton said that criminal damage over the past two years had already cost over £4,000. Parish councillors suggested that replacing a CCTV camera, better lighting and enlisting the help of local Neighbourhood Watch volunteers might help to thwart the persistent attacks by yobs. (April 3, 2009)FREE SWIMMING FOR THE OVER-60S
Residents age 60 and over now qualify for free admission to swim at the Tides Leisure Centre in Deal. The scheme is part of a Government funded initiative to encourage older people to take up healthy exercise. Proof of age - such as a bus pass, driving licence or passport - is required when turning up for a free swim. For details, see the Vista Leisure website or call 01304
373399. (April 2, 2009) FIRST STEPS IN CANNON STREET GASWORKS SCHEME
Work has begun to prepare for a clean-up of the former gas works site in Cannon Street, Deal - a vital first step in redeveloping the site for housing and community amenities. Current investigation of soil conditions will determine what needs to be done to clear the site of any pollution and allow demolition of a gas storage tank. The long-awaited redevelopment is due to include 80 new homes, a community centre and a doctor's surgery. (April 2, 2009)Organisers of Kent County Council's Clean Kent Campaign have reminded householders that, as part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, the Government placed a responsibility upon the householder when employing people to take their waste away. The law states that if your waste is flytipped and traced back to you, you could be prosecuted if you have not verified the person is a registered waste carrier. If checks have been made then you are protected.
So when dealing with waste removal services or trade people like plumbers,
builders or gardeners, it's wise to check they have a valid waste carriers
licence. The details for a company and its waste carrier licence number
can be verified on-line by visiting the Clean
Kent website and following the link to the Environment Agency. Alternatively,
call the Environment Agency on
0870 850 6506.
0845 345 0210. All calls are confidential. Householders who want to dispose
of rubbish themselves should take it to the local household waste recycling
centre. For details, see www.kent.gov.uk/recycleforkent.
(March 30, 2009) ALL SET FOR WALMER'S ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES FAIR
Walmer Parish Council's second Walmer Brocante antiques, collectables and craft fair is on Walmer Green, next to The Strand, on Sunday, 19 April from 8am to 4pm. Last year's big free event drew large crowds of bargain hunters. Once again, there will also be an opportunity for people to have expert valuations on their valuables and family "treasures". For more details, call
01304 381506. (March 30, 2009) ROADWORKS FOR COURT ROAD AND ST RICHARD'S ROAD
Kent Highways has announced the dates for resurfacing works at Court Road, Walmer and St Richard's Road, Deal. The Court Road scheme involves the entire road from Salisbury Road to Station Road and will be for one day between 12 and 22 April. At St Richard's Road, the works are for the full length of the road from Court Road to Mongeham Road and will take two days in the period between 10 and 25 April. The road engineers say that they will erect notification signs one or two days immediately before the actual start. Although pedestrian access to properties will be maintained, there may be some disruption to residents' off-street parking where works are in progress. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation and there will be no on-street parking within the working area. Kent Highway Services 24-hour helpline is on
0845 824 7800. (March 30, 2009) NEW BID TO TAKE OVER SEAFRANCE FERRY
Brittany Ferries, which currently operates routes to France from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth, is reported to have put in a bid to take over the SeaFrance cross-channel ferry company. Brittany says it would maintain the SeaFrance services from Dover to Calais. LD Lines which has recently introduced a new service linking Dover and Boulogne had also shown interest in taking over the SeaFrance operation but has now withdrawn any offer. (March 25, 2009)GAS MAIN WORKS FOR WELLINGTON ROAD
Part of Wellington Road, Deal is closed to traffic to allow gas main works. Kent Highways says the section involved is from outside 22 Wellington Road to the junction with Victoria Road. The one-way traffic flow between Blenheim Road and Victoria Road will be reversed during the works. The scheme is expected to take around seven days. (March 25, 2009)
QUIZ RAISES £500 FOR GOOD CAUSES
Dot Hardy of the Deal and District Lionesses reports that their February quiz night was very successful and raised over £500. The cash has provided a donation to the Women's Refuge in Dover and will help with the Lionesses annual coach trip for local retired people. The next monthly quiz night is on Saturday, 21 March in the Royal British Legion, Market Street, Deal, starting at 7.30pm. It's £5 per head and this includes a buffet supper. Dot says her group looks forward to welcoming old friends and newcomers. For more details, see the March coming events.
On Saturday, 4 April, the Lionesses will be mounting their annual Easter Egg Tombola in Deal Shopping Precinct. Proceeds will go to the MacMillan Nurses. If anybody would like to help the Lionesses future fundraising for local charities, call
01304 368510 for more information. Dot says that although the group is serious
about helping local good causes, the members have a lot of fun whilst doing
so. They meet at the Royal British Legion on the second Thursday in the
month. (March 17, 2009) THE CIRCUS IS BACK IN TOWN
Voted Best Small Circus in Great Britain 2008, John Lawson's Circus is at Victoria Park, Deal (opposite Tides Leisure Centre) from Wednesday, 25 to Sunday, 29 March. The times are: weekdays 4.30pm and 7.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 2pm and 5pm. The brand new show features tight rope walkers, jugglers, knife throwers and death defying trapeze performers flying above the arena in a glittering space rocket. Described as the UK's funniest clowns, Kakehole and Popol will also be on hand with their unique brand of music, magic and mayhem. Admission for all seats is £7. Special offer: Mention the Deal Today website and you'll get £1 off for each person. (March 11, 2009)NEW PLAYING FIELD TAKES SHAPE
Local people in north Deal have been demonstrating their gardening skills in a community drive to create a new Playing Field in Western Road. Residents recently braved chilly weather to plant trees and hedging on the new site. Members of the North Deal Community Partnership which is creating the new amenity also enlisted the help of the Groundwork scheme for a supply of free shrubs and trees and some of the heavy manpower. The Partnership is now planning to raise funds for individual play areas for under-fives and young people and are looking at the possibility of a special walking area for dog owners. There's more about the North Deal community projects on www.northdealcommunity.co.uk. (March 5, 2009)GO AHEAD FOR BANDSTAND RENOVATION
Good support for a fund-raising appeal to pay for refurbishment of the Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green means that work can start next week. With £18,000 in the coffers, Bandstand Trust chairman John Perkins is confident about going ahead with the renovation so that the building is looking good-as-new for this year's visit by the Royal Marines Band on Sunday, 12 July. More money is needed and details can be seen on the Bandstand's website at www.dealbandstand.org. (March 5, 2009)
CHANGE FOR DEAL'S "YOUTH MAYOR"
Deal's "youth mayor" Cofie Behan has stood down due to concerns over his mother's health. The role will be now undertaken by Charlotte Vickason (13), the deputy "youth mayor". Her new deputy will now be Daniel Austen (also 13). (March 5, 2009)
ROADWORKS FOR COURT ROAD
Kent Highways are planning to fill potholes along the entire length of Court Road, Walmer - between the junctions with St Richard's Road and Station Road - over a three-day period commencing on Wednesday, 11 March. The patching works are to prepare for full resurfacing, which is scheduled for April. The road engineers say that tarmac laying can be delayed by bad weather but they will erect notification signs 1 or 2 days before they expect to commence. Although pedestrian access to properties will be maintained, there may be some disruption to residents' off-street parking where works are in progress. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation and there will be no on-street parking within the working area.
Similar patching works are currently underway along St Richard's Road, Deal and will also be followed by full resurfacing in April. Kent Highway Services 24-hour helpline is on
0845 824 7800. (March 2, 2009) CAR PARK CHARGES ARE THE BIG ISSUE
The cost of car parking in Deal continues to cause controversy. Local MP Gwynn Prosser is reported to have criticised a decision by Dover Council not to pass on the Government's reduction in VAT. However the Council says that producing new signs and recalibrating all ticket machines is too expensive and that it is considering free parking days to recompense motorists. Meanwhile a number of Deal traders are pressing for the Council to scrap charges altogether for the rest of 2009. They say this would help keep people shopping locally and be a lifeline to struggling small businesses in the High Street.
According to one local newspaper, there is a glimmer of hope at the shoppers' carpark outside Sainsbury's in West Street. The manager of the store Alan Jarvis is reported to be sorting out free 30-minute parking. A change to a flat-rate £2 charge for two hours parking, introduced in January, provoked much criticism. Although shoppers could have the £2 refunded if they spent more than £10 in the store, the new arrangements were seen as a problem for people only wanting to nip in for a couple of items. (February 21, 2009)
UPPER WALMER IN THE 1920s AND 1930s
Life in Upper Walmer in the 1920s and 1930s is recalled by local resident Mrs Audrey West in a new page in WalmerWeb's local history section. Among her earliest memories are the people who ran local shops and businesses, the greater number of schools and pubs and development of the Hawksdown estate. To read Audrey's article, CLICK HERE. (February 21, 2009)
CONCERT TO BOOST ROTARY CHARITIES
The Railway Swing Band will be presenting a concert for the Rotary Club of Deal in St George’s Church, Deal on Wednesday, 18 February at 7.30pm. Organiser Stephen Misson says that, as well as regular guest singer Didi, the evening will feature the band's new male singer Kai McKenzie. When their usual male vocalist became ill before a Christmas concert, Kai stood in for him at the last moment. Stephen says: "He performed to perfection and to much audience acclaim. We also have a new drummer in the shape of 13-year-old Jonathan Ward, a person who obviously has a great future in front of him. To see such a young person playing so confidently is indeed heartening."
Tickets are £8 (including glass of wine) and available from Cinque Port Music ( 01304
362181), The Sound House music store in Deal High Street or on the door
on the night (subject to availability). Proceeds from the concert will go
to a number of good causes supported by the Rotary Club. (February
5, 2009) LOST TIMBER CARGO PASSES WALMER
On Wednesday afternoon (21 January) walkers along the coastal path at Walmer and the promenade at Deal were treated to a grandstand view of a massive trail of floating timber being carried along the Kent coast. It followed its loss from a freighter, the Russian-registered "Sinegorsk", which shed its 1,500-tonne load during rough seas 14 miles off Newhaven on Monday. Fishermen on Deal Pier kept a wary eye as the hundreds of planks drifted past their lines. By Thursday, much of the timber had beached along the Thanet coast. (January 24, 2009)DEAL'S BID TO ATTRACT MORE WALKERS
A group of local walking enthusiasts is behind a bid to gain a national "Walkers Are Welcome" accolade for Deal. So far 12 towns in the UK have received the award for their strong practical initiatives to encourage people to explore their areas on foot. These can include printed guides, waymarking, good maintenance of footpaths and advice on public transport services. Promoters of the scheme suggest that it helps gain national recognition with the resultant publicity helping to attract more visitors and benefiting the local economy. A vital part of preparing Deal's application is a public petition. People can sign copies which are currently available at several locations in the town including the East Kent Mercury office at 13 Queen Street, Deal. (January 8, 2009)
NEW £2 FLAT CHARGE FOR PARKING AT SAINSBURYS
Parking fees at the large carpark outside Sainsbury's in West Street, Deal will change on Tuesday, 13 January. Motorists will then have to pay a flat charge of £2 for a stay of up to two hours between 9am and 6pm. The fee will be refunded to shoppers in the supermarket who spend more than £10. Sainsbury bosses say it should help to free up spaces for customers but the move has been slammed by local Labour councillor Ben Bano. He says the £2 minimum charge will be a problem for people who only need to nip in for a few items. Currently parking is free after 5pm and he criticised the extension of the parking charge times to 6pm, saying that this would penalise people who currently shopped on their way home from work. (January 8, 2009)