CALL FOR EASIER DISABLED ACCESS AT DEAL STATION

TIME SHIFT COULD SAVE ENERGY AND CUT BILLS

Local green group Deal With It is urging people to support a national campaign to change clock times and gain better use of daylight. The "10:10 Lighter Later" campaign suggest having a three-year trial in which the clocks in Great Britain shift forward by one hour throughout the year – to GMT+1 in winter and GMT+2 in summer. This arrangement is known as Single Double Summer Time (SDST) and was last used during World War II.  Deal With It co-ordinator Rosemary Rechter, says: "The idea is simple. We shift the clocks forward by one hour throughout the entire year. We would still put the clocks forward in spring and back in autumn, but we would have moved an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, when more of us are awake to enjoy it. In doing so we reduce our carbon footprint and our energy bills."

NEW WEBSITE TO PROMOTE OPEN GOLF 2011 AMENITIES

Businesses and private individuals wishing to offer accommodation to visitors to the British Open 2011 golf tournament at Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich could find a new official website useful for advertising their services. Created by Dover Council with several other local authorities and tourism bodies, the site at www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk aims to cover every aspect of the event which runs from 10 to 17 July 2011. Inclusion in the accommodation listings is free for existing "quality graded" hotels and guest houses. For those offering temporary accommodation there is a £60 fee which covers website inclusion and an official visit to provide important advice on facilities, charges, fire precautions and public liability.

CAMPAIGN TO HALT CARE HOME CLOSURE PLAN

NEW YOUTH THEATRE GROUP IN COUNTY-WIDE FESTIVAL

Members of the Astor Youth Theatre in Deal have been chosen to participate in the second Kent Youth Theatre Festival to be held in Maidstone over the weekend 3 and 4 July. Zoe Dawes of the Astor Community Theatre in Stanhope Road says it's exciting news. She explained: "The Maidstone event is a free, two-day event open to all youth theatres and related youth arts groups. It involves professionally led workshops and activities, professional performances and a collaborative youth theatre performance on the Sunday evening."

The county council's Arts Development Unit are the organisers and the aim is to bring together young people, their leaders and artists to share experiences, to develop and showcase their skills and to meet new people. The July event is a follow-up to a one-day Youth Theatre Festival held in March 2009. The latest venture will have a theme of "Welcoming the World" and celebrate different cultures, explore types of communication and be linked to the values of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

A highlight of the July weekend will be a large-scale performance piece masterminded by internationally acclaimed artistic director Amani Naphtali and involving youth theatre groups from across the county. Rehearsals will take place before and during the festival weekend and it's the turn of the Astor Youth Theatre later this week when Amani is coming to help them rehearse and prepare for the big event.

Zoe Dawes said: "This is the first time a youth theatre organisation from Deal has taken part in the festival and it is a great opportunity for our local young people to be involved in a very special event." The Astor Youth Theatre is also participating in a community play “Seaside Story” which is also currently in rehearsal and will be performed on Friday, 30 July on the streets of Deal.    (June 22, 2010)

OPEN-AIR MOVIES AT WALMER CASTLE

The open-air screenings of classic films returns to Walmer Castle for a second year in July and August. This year's Screen On The Green movies are "The Graduate" on Thursday, 29 July, "Some Like It Hot" on Friday, 13 August and "Much Ado About Nothing" on Friday, 20 August. For details, see www.thescreenonthegreen.com or call 01304 361919.    (June 20, 2010)

PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BANDSTAND IMPROVEMENT

Cash is needed to help the volunteers at the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust carry out plans to build a permanent performance area on the side of the bandstand facing The Strand at Walmer Green. Dover Council has granted planning permission for the scheme which would avoid the current makeshift arrangement with an ugly scaffolding platform whenever the extra stage is needed. Trust chairman John Perkins says that his members hope to be able to go ahead in October but there is a need for donations to help pay for it. Individuals and groups who may be able to help can get in touch on 01304 382283.    (June 20, 2010)

FILMS COULD RETURN TO SEAFRONT "REGENT"

Deal could have its own cinema again, if final approval is given for Dover Council to sell the former Regent cinema and bingo hall building to east Kent company Silver Screen Cinemas. The plan to sell the seafront building was agreed by members of the district council's cabinet on Monday (7 June) and has to be formally approved by the full council when it meets in July. Silver Screen Cinemas already show films in Dover and Folkestone and the sale of the Regent building is on condition that its future use is as a cinema.

Several other local community groups had expressed interest in taking over the building, suggesting it might serve as a performing arts centre, community church or multi-screen cinema. Although most appear to accept the district council's plan to sell the building, Allan Thomsett, a leading member of a campaign to develop the building as a not-for-profit community cinema, has condemned the decision. He is reported as saying that the council should think again about selling a building that, in his view, belongs to the people of Deal.    (June 10, 2010)

NEW STORE FOR DEAL HIGH STREET

National discount store chain Poundland has opened in the former Woolworths' store in Deal High Street. Television soap actress Sammy Winward, who plays stable hand Katie in ITV's "Emmerdale", formally opened the doors of the new shop on Saturday (5 June). Poundland claims to be Europe's biggest "single price" discount retailer and its new Deal store is its 283rd.    (June 10, 2010)

CASH GRANTS FOR LOCAL GOOD CAUSES

Voluntary and community groups in Deal and Walmer are being invited to apply for money to help with their work. As part of the Kent County Council's annual community grants scheme, local county councillor Julie Rook has £19,771 available to help local groups. Applicants need to have a current bank account and be able to prove that their project - either revenue or capital - has a wide benefit for the local community. Last year the Astor Theatre, local Scouts and Deal Centre for the Retired were among those who benefitted from the KCC scheme. Before any final decision on this year's awards, Julie will be inviting representatives of all parts of the community to vote on which applications should receive a grant. Application forms are available from Ann Charman at Kent County Council on 01622 696389 or by email: .  Applications must be submitted by 27 August 2010.    (June 10, 2010)

DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE "WATCH" SCHEME SUPPORT

This year's National Neighbourhood Watch Week is from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 June. Kent's County Watch Liaison Officer Mick Wright says he is hoping that local supporters of the anti-crime-and-nuisance scheme will offer to help their local neighbourhood group to spread the word and promote it to those not yet involved. Mick also recommends taking a look at the Kent NhW website at www.kcnwa.org which provides much information on the scheme, advice on crime prevention and contacts for local NhW associations across the county. The Dover area has it's own page on the website at: www.kcnwa.org/cgi-bin/public.pl?action=area&area=Dover.     (June 8, 2010)

PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR'S CENSUS

Work to build an accurate register of all the household addresses needed for the 2011 Census has started and will continue until the end of August. The Office for National Statistics says that its teams of "address checkers" will be covering 3.6 million properties across England and Wales. Although the status of most properties will be obvious from outside, the checkers may need to call to gain more information where, for example, it is not clear if a building has a number of separate flats and households. All official checkers wear a photo ID showing a purple Census logo and carry explanatory leaflets. The national Census is held every 10 years and is designed to provide an accurate picture of the population and help in planning future services. There are more details at: www.census.gov.uk.     (June 7, 2010)

TARGETTING LITTER LOUTS

Concerns have been raised at the amount of litter along a popular route used by pupils from Walmer Science College walking to and from shops on the Dover Road in Upper Walmer. Walmer parish councillor Mrs Marguerite Beard-Gould has drawn the attention of Dover Council to the problem, especially on a footpath linking Salisbury Road and Church Street. She also supported a suggestion by one local resident that a new litter bin could usefully be installed at the Church Street end and the district council is being asked to try to provide one. Local police community support officer Lisa White said that there was also a litter problem in the nearby St Mary's churchyard. This was now included in her main priority areas in an effort to discourage young people congregating and leaving litter.     (June 7, 2010)

IT'S GOODBYE TO PARK'S CONKER TREES

Horse chestnut trees in Deal's Victoria Park are among the latest victims to a nationwide disease that targets this popular source of conkers. County councillor Julie Rook says that all but one of the trees have had to be removed and, now, the last remaining chestnut in the centre of the play park seems likely to suffer the same fate. There are also concerns that its roots could damage the play area surface. Up to five new "replacement" trees will be planted elsewhere in the park.     (June 7, 2010)

KATIE JOINS THE WALMER PARISH TEAM

Walmer Parish Council has a new administrative assistant at its parish office in Victoria Road, Deal. She is Katie Amaouche who took up her appointment in mid May and will be working with parish clerk Kirsty Holroyd and assistant clerk Mandy Brooks.     (June 7, 2010)

PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN STOP AT DEAL

Pressure on Network Rail and Southeastern Trains to include a stop at Deal for the high-speed Javelin train service to London is mounting. New local MP Charlie Elphicke says he is seeking a meeting with Network Rail to press for timetable improvements and a high-speed link to Deal. He condemned the current lengthy wait for commuters from Deal changing onto the high-speed train at Dover as "very poor". Although he appreciated the train operators had financial concerns, Mr Elphicke was hopeful that a stop at Deal could be achieved within existing budgets. It was, he said, vital for the town's economy.

Doubts about the accuracy of Southeastern's passenger traffic predictions are also being voiced. Local pressure group Trains4Deal reckon that the company's computer models fail to recognise that many Deal commuters, fed up with the delays if they use the current local rail service, drive to Dover or Folkestone to catch the high-speed service. They say they have enlisted the help of the University of Kent's European regional transport experts to probe the computer model and check its accuracy in forecasting passenger demand and train operating costs. For more on the Trains4Deal campaign, see www.trains4deal.com.     (May 27, 2010)

EXTRA FERRY FOR DOVER-BOULOGNE ROUTE

Ferry company LD Lines is adding a second ship to its Dover to Boulogne cross-channel service from the coming weekend. The new vessel - the Norman Trader - joins the existing ferry Norman Bridge and will allow the company to provide up to 14 sailings a day. For details of timetables and the new services, see www.ldlines.com or call 0844 576 8836.     (May 27, 2010)

JAMES IS NEW YOUTH MAYOR FOR THE TOWN

Castle Community College pupil James Madden (16) has been appointed as "Youth Mayor" for Deal. He will be supported by "Deputy Youth Mayor" Maria Sharkey (14). Their honorary positions are the result of elections held among students at the two schools earlier this month. The two will be invited to attend town council meetings and champion local causes of particular interest or concern to local young people.     (May 27, 2010)

HOUSEHOLDERS URGED TO BE WARY OF LATEST ROUND OF SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards have produced a list of scams currently operating in the county. Although some relate to areas away from Deal and Walmer, there's a good chance that the dodgy traders and callers mentioned could fancy a trip to our bit of East Kent. So be on your guard if you are targeted by any of these:

• Workmen claiming to be from Kent Highways have been to Charing recently offering to tarmac drives and paths for unsuspecting residents. Kent Highways do NOT offer such services to members of the public.
• Gold and silver traders are in Kent again offering to purchase your unwanted valuables. Local jewellers also offer this service.
• Many of the bags posted through doors today may NOT be from genuine charities. Many are from businesses that sell your unwanted clothing for profit.
• Bogus callers are phoning consumers claiming to be calling from the local GP surgeries and giving the impression they are from the NHS. They offer alternative medicines such as Pomegranate tablets but really want to access your credit card or bank details. One company was traced back to India.
• Even if websites have co.uk as part of the address and are claiming to sell tickets to large events, they may be a scam. Be aware that there are bogus companies whose main aim is to part you from your cash.
• Householders across Kent have received charity collection leaflets with white bin liners, claiming to be collecting for the RNLI. Although RNLI do collect unwanted items they use printed sacks with proper details; they do not use plain bin liners so the latest request is unlikely to be connected to them. You can check any charity by phoning on 0845 3000 218, or visit the website www.charity-commission.gov.uk.
• There have been several reports about bogus callers telephoning householders, claiming to be from a mobility assessment company. They will not disclose the name of the company and are extremely forceful in their methods. They want you to invite them into your home. If you change your mind about dealing with them they threaten to bill for time wasted. Trading Standards are warning consumers to hang up if in doubt.
• Unsolicited telephone calls have been received, suggesting that home computers may be at risk from viruses and offering to help with a special support service. It is just a ploy to access your password and hack into your accounts.
• Two men have been calling on older residents in the Sevenoaks area and claiming to be from County Hall in Maidstone. One asks to inspect the pipe work and the other wants to inspect the loft after the first man has gone. Don't let anyone into your house, unless you have already made an arrangement to see him or her beforehand. Insist on proof of identity and, if not satisfied, call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or contact the police.
• Five men - wearing combat trousers and white polo shirts (with a red logo and telephone number on the left) - are travelling round Kent in a white van and claiming to be looking for work. They have already targeted Folkestone Road in Dover and there are reported sightings in Canterbury and Ashford. They have been climbing onto roofs and "finding" loose chimney breasts. Be aware that nothing is so urgent these men must do it immediately!

IT'S ALL ON SHOW AT OPEN DAY

Deal Centre for the Retired, which caters for the needs of local "over 50s", is holding an open day on Saturday, 5 June. The organisers say that many will be unaware of the wide range of activities and services the centre in Park Street, Deal, offers. They are keen that existing and potential users and their friends will drop in to sample everything from a cup of tea to a light meal and from a host of musical events to hearing about some of the regular health and welfare services and social activities run by the centre. The open day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. For more details see www.dcr.btik.com or call 01304 372608.     (May 27, 2010)

LOCAL LIONS CLUB IN MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Deal and Walmer Lions Club is looking for new members. As part of a major international organisation, the local Lions group combines social activities with active support for the work of the area's worthy causes through fund raising and other initiatives. They normally meet on the third Tuesday of each month. For more details, see the club's website at www.tinyurl.com/y5pmowz or call Cliff Critchet on 01304 373533.     (May 20, 2010)

NEW MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR FOR DEAL

Councillor Ben Bano, age 60, is the new Mayor of Deal. He was installed at the Town Council's mayor-making ceremony on Wednesday, 12 May, taking over from previous mayor Councillor Bill Gardner. The town's new deputy mayor is Councillor Marlene Burnham.     (May 20, 2010)

MORE INTEREST IN FUTURE OF "REGENT"

Competition to take over the former Regent bingo hall on Deal seafront is hotting up. Deal Community Church has announced that it would like to open it as a venue for church services combined with a community centre offering facilities for concerts, meetings and even weddings. Dover District Council says this is the latest of five different proposals it has received for future use of the building. A report will be prepared to enable councillors to make a decision.     (May 20, 2010)

NEW OWNERS FOR MILITARY BAND PROMOTERS

Former Royal Marine Mike Scurfield and his daughter Kerry Wilton are the new owners of local military band recording and promotions company Cinque Port Music. They take over from Walmer couple Pam and Steve Misson who have decided to retire. Pam and Steve are well known for their work in promoting band concerts in East Kent and bringing top rank bands to the Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green. The first venture for Mike and Kerry is a concert by the Central Band of the Royal British Legion at Margate's Winter Gardens on Sunday, 6 June. For more details, call 01304 829656.     (May 20, 2010)

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING FOR WALMER RESIDENTS

Next Wednesday (26 May) there's an opportunity for Walmer residents to meet their local parish councillors, hear what the council and other local organisations are doing and voice their concerns and ideas for the future. Walmer Parish Council will be holding its annual Parish Meeting in the Sea Scout Hall in Marine Road (close to the paddling pool on Walmer seafront), starting at 7pm. Among those due to attend are representatives of Dover Council, the local police and Deal Area Youth Council. The meeting is open to all local residents . For more details, call parish clerk Kirsty Holroyd on 01304 381506.     (May 20, 2010)

CALL FOR SHOPPERS TO SUPPORT LOCAL CINEMA BID

Over the next three Saturdays, shoppers in Deal High Street are being invited to support a campaign to bring a cinema back to Deal. The group behind a move to convert the former Regent cinema and bingo hall on Deal seafront into a community cinema will be asking the public to add their names to a petition to restore local film entertainment. They consider the 4.500 signatures gained in an attempt to save the town's Flicks cinema before it was closed by owners FS Leisure in November 2007 indicate the strong level of local concern. Allan Thomsett, previously the manager of Flicks, says the group has been working on the scheme for the past two years. They have gained the support of 48 local businesses and have submitted a business plan to Dover District Council, the owners of the building.

Allan explained: "The Regent gives us the space for two 140-seater cinemas and a third screen for community use, a licensed bar, a lounge area and a internet cafe. With years of experience and a passion for the cinema, we want to cater for the needs of all the people of Deal and surrounding areas." As well as screening a wide range of films including the lastest blockbusters, classic movies, European film noir and Bollywood epics, the group anticipates live video link-ups for concerts and sporting events.

They are keen to involve the community and their plans include a Saturday morning kids club, a senior citizen afternoon club, a "care in the community" afternoon club for mentally and physically disabled people, a mother and toddlers group, an "adults only" night for the weekly film, a teenagers film night and a variety of special screenings for international films. They also hope to attract school bookings and some private users. Allan Thomsett added: "We understand that this is a big project for the community but we are optimistic that people will wish to support or help our campaign." The group has a website which gives more information on their bid for a local cinema at www.deal-films-cinema.co.uk.     (May 16, 2010)

ELECTION RESULTS

The Conservatives have won the Dover and Deal seat in the Thursday, 6 May Parliamentary elections. Labour MP Gwyn Prosser was unseated after three terms in office by Conservative Charlie Elphicke who polled 22,174 votes. With a turnout of 70.38% of local electors, voting in the poll was as follows:

• BRIGDEN, John Gerard (Liberal Democrats) 7,962
• CLARK, David Robert (Christian Peoples Alliance) 200
• ELPHICKE, Charles Brett Anthony (The Conservative Party Candidate) 22,174 Elected
• LEE-DELISLE, Edward George (Independent) 82
• MATCHAM, Victor Peter (UK Independence Party) 1,747
• PROSSER, Gwynfor Mathews (The Labour Party Candidate) 16,900
• WALTERS, Michael Philip (English Democrats - "Putting England First") 216
• WHITING, Arthur Dennis (British National Party) 1,104

(May 7, 2010)

The team of volunteers who regularly help conserve the public open space at Walmer's Hawkshill Common are looking for more people to help - mainly with scrub clearance. They meet at 10am in the car parking area on Liverpool Road (opposite Grams Road) on the first Sunday and third Monday of each month throughout the year. The work sessions usually finish about 1pm. Tools are provided but helpers need to provide their own refreshments and wear suitable clothing and stout shoes or boots. Call Stan Stockley on 01304 373304 for more details.    (April 30, 2010)

Y-FRONT WALK FOR HEALTH CHARITY

Deal Lions Club are inviting people to join in a 5-kilometre sponsored walk on Deal and Walmer seafront on Sunday, 16 May to raise funds for health charity Kent Prostate Cancer Support Association. A novel twist - possibly based on comic-book hero Superman's enthusiasm for apparently using underpants as part of his costume - is that all the walkers are being asked to wear Y-fronts or other underwear outside their clothes. Individuals and groups who fancy becoming "super heros" for a good cause can get further details by contacting Paul Teroni on 01304 371680 or Mike Carey on 01304 373417.    (April 30, 2010)

EIGHT HOPEFULS IN THURSDAY'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

Deal and Walmer voters heading for the polls on Thursday, 6 May are faced with choosing from eight candidates seeking election as the MP for the Dover and Deal constituency. They are: John Brigden (Liberal Democrat), David Clark (Christian Peoples Alliance), Charlie Elphicke (Conservative), George Lee-Delisle (Independent), Vic Matcham (UK Independence Party), Gwyn Prosser (Labour), Mike Walters (English Democrats "Putting England First") and Dennis Whiting (British National Party).

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 6 May. People with postal votes need to to ensure they reach the Returning Officer before 10pm on 6 May. If too late to put in the post, the completed ballot paper can be delivered to the voter's local polling station on 6 May. Further information is available from the local Elections Helpline on 01304 872344. The counting of votes will take place at Dover Town Council's offices in Maison Dieu House, Biggin Street, Dover shortly after the close of polling and it is expected the result will be announced in the early hours of Friday, 7 May.    (April 30, 2010)

ELECTION HOPEFULS TO BE QUIZZED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

Local green action group Deal With It is joining a national campaign to raise environmental issues with local candidates in the parliamentary elections. Deal With It co-ordinator Rosemary Rechter says "The aim of the national Ask the Climate Question campaign* is to put climate change firmly on the election agenda." She considers that the politicians failed at last year’s Copenhagen Climate Summit and wants to make sure that the next MP for Deal and Dover is committed to delivering real progress on climate change. The three main questions her group will be putting to parliamentary candidates are:

• Will you commit to putting the UK on track to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, through genuine emissions reductions here in the UK?
• Will you commit to ensuring at least 15% of all energy comes from renewables by 2020?
• Will you commit to providing the UK’s fair share of the money that developing countries need to adapt to climate change and develop their economies in a low carbon way – on top of existing overseas aid commitments?

DOVER COUNCIL'S DEAL OFFICE NOW IN LIBRARY

HAVE A SAY ON NEW WASTE AND RECYCLING SCHEME

EXPERT VIEWS ON OUR FUTURE WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE

Climate change and rising sea levels could have a dramatic impact on wildlife and the countryside close to Deal. What might happen forms the basis of an illustrated talk organised by local "green" group Deal With It and the RSPB Kent to be held at the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street on Friday, 16 April at 7pm. It is open to the public and admission is free.

Principal speakers will be Michael Walter, site manager of the Blean Woods nature reserve, and Dr Geoff Meaden, recently retired as principal lecturer in geography at Canterbury Christ Church University. Over the past 28 years Mr Walter has observed many changes in wildlife patterns at the national nature reserve that he feels are probably connected with climate change.  He says: “There is a real danger of prey and predator life cycles becoming decoupled, and of many species - from insects through to trees - becoming extinct on the site.  The whole appearance and ecology of the reserve - and much of the Kent countryside - could change dramatically in the next fifty years or so."

Dr Meaden anticipates that the accelerating rate of sea level rise within the first half of this century could see a desperate struggle to maintain most of the land between Deal and Sandwich. He says: "Since the land will be too expensive to defend, it is more than likely that the authorities will allow this freshwater marsh and grassland to revert to salt marsh. The Prince's, Royal St George's and Cinque Port golf links will be temporarily isolated on a narrow coastal shingle ridge before they too disappear beneath the sea during the next century." For more details of the meeting, see the Deal With It website.    (April 1, 2010)

PETROL PRICE HIKE SPARKS BOYCOTT

VITAL WARNING ABOUT BOGUS FACEBOOK E-MAILS

Internet security software company McAfee has issued a warning of a password stealer in an e-mail purporting to be from the Facebook social networking site. They say that if you get an e-mail that appears to be from Facebook saying the company has reset your password and urging you to open an attachment to get a new password, it is a scam. Don't open it!! The attachment contains a password stealer that can potentially access any username and password combination used on your computer, not just any login credentials for Facebook.

NEW MOVES IN CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER RAIL SERVICES

Local campaigners for improved train services and inclusion of Deal in the new high-speed service to London have condemned the limited information provided by Southeastern Trains to a Dover Council watchdog committee. Members of the Trains4Deal group say they are shocked that the train company representative only provided statistics for Deal and failed to cover Walmer Station or offer comparative numbers for Dover and the much smaller communities at Sturry and Minster that do receive fast train stops. It is understood that Dover councillors have asked for further figures. Meanwhile Trains4Deal organisers are submitting a formal objection to the Office of Rail Regulation suggesting there is sufficient potential demand to warrant two trains an hour including an hourly high-speed service for much of the day. For more on the Trains4Deal campaign, see www.trains4deal.com.     (March 18, 2010)

EASTER OPENING TIMES FOR THE TIMEBALL

Despite a muddle over the text in this year's local tourism leaflets, the volunteers at the historic Timeball Tower Museum on Deal's seafront say it WILL be open over the Easter weekend. Although the Timeball is featured in the official visitors' guides, opening is only listed as May to September. The Easter opening times are: Saturday, 3 April (12noon-4pm); Sunday, 4 April (12noon-4pm); and Monday, 5 April (11am-4pm). The building provides a working example of a once vital means for ships off the Deal coast to accurately set their chronometers. The iron ball on the roof would drop at exactly 1pm every day but it now descends every hour when the building is open to provide a visitor attraction. Museum displays include communications, semaphore and signalling. For further details, go to: http://dealtimeball.tripod.com/.     (March 18, 2010)

COUNCIL TAX UP BY "AVERAGE" 2.34%

LIBRARY IS NOW THE PLACE FOR OLD BATTERIES

CHURCH APPEAL TO RESTORE HISTORIC "HATCHMENTS"

Crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is reminding Kent residents that they never "cold call" individuals and that any cold callers claiming to represent them are misleading the public. The warning follows reports that two households in Deal and Birchington received calls on Tuesday (9 March) from individuals claiming to be from Crimestoppers selling security systems. The Crimestoppers organisers advise anyone who receives a call that they believe to be suspicious to call Action Fraud, operated by the government's National Fraud Authority, on 0300 123 2040.   (March 10, 2010)

Walmer’s popular Spring Brocante will take place this year on Monday, 3 May on Walmer Green from 8am to 4pm. This major antiques, collectables and crafts fair, organised by Walmer Parish Council, is now in its third year. Over 5,000 visitors attended the 2009 event, which featured over 120 stalls selling everything from musical and military memorabilia to furniture, housewares and vintage clothing, books, embroidery and local arts and crafts.

Experts from The Canterbury Auction Galleries will be at this year's fair to value people’s collectables and advise owners how to convert these into cash at auction. Funds raised from the valuations will be donated to the RNLI, the Brocante’s designated charity for 2010.

The chairman of Walmer Parish Council Councillor Pat Heath said his organisers had already received over 75 bookings for pitches. He added: "Anyone interested in a stall is advised to reserve a space as soon as possible.” To book a pitch, contact 01304 381506 for a booking form or visit www.walmercouncil.co.uk.   (March 5, 2010)

FISH AND CHIPS ON THE FORUM

Although the WalmerWeb and DealWeb community websites only tend to feature local news and events, canny organisers of activities and projects from further afield have spotted that the local Walmer and Deal Forum offers a useful way of drawing attention to what they are planning.

One of these is the Great British Fish and Chip Supper – a nationwide event on Friday, 21 May 2010 to help raise vital funds for the Spinal Injuries Association. The idea is for groups of people to get together for a fish and chips meal and donate a bit more than the actual cost to the charity. Community Fundraising Officer Elizabeth Wright, in a message on the Deal and Walmer Forum, says: “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family" and gives details of how to take part. To go to the Forum, CLICK HERE*. And if you decide to run a local "fish and chip" event in support and need publicity, let us know.   (March 5, 2010) *Sorry - the Walmer and Deal Forum is no longer available.

MINTERS YARD ACCESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BEWARE OF "HOME WORKING" AND "TRUSTED TRADER" SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards has issued warnings about two dodgy schemes that seem designed to cheat people out of their money. The first is a home working scheme to fill envelopes. Based in North London, it requires applicants to make a £30 initial payment. However, people don't receive the envelopes or their money back. The advice is to check any trader on one of the independent website's which highlight scams and in a search engine like Google before sending any money.

Dover Council is inviting people to comment on three draft plans for future housing in the district. The draft Private Sector Housing Strategy 2010-2015 sets out the council’s priorities over the next five years for improving the condition of existing housing. Over 85% of housing in the district is in the private sector, either owner-occupied or privately rented. A second document, the draft Older Persons Housing Strategy 2010-2015, suggests what the Council can do to meet the housing needs of older people. It deals with creating new homes and improving the condition of existing homes as well as providing information and support services to enable the elderly to live independently. The draft Affordable Housing Delivery Plan 2010-2015 sets out how Dover Council will encourage high-quality, affordable housing across the district. The three drafts will form an important part of a new five-year Housing Strategy linked to the council’s Local Development Framework.

NIGHT-TIME ROADWORKS ON A2

Local motorists who use the A2 between Boughton and Dover in the evening and early morning hours need to be aware of road works by the Highways Agency on various sections over the next nine weeks. These will involve resurfacing, replacing the road studs and construction of a number of maintenance vehicle parking bays. The works are from 8pm to 5am and, to ensure safety of road users and the workforce, there will be various lane and carriageway closures. For more details on the roadworks, go to Dover Council news releases or call the Highways Customer Care Line on 0845 6000414.   (February 18, 2010)

SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL MERGE

Kent education chiefs have agreed that Walmer and Deal's two secondary schools should merge next year. Castle Community College and Walmer Science College will amalgamate to form a trust school on the current Castle school site in Deal. A principal reason put forward for the merger is declining numbers of secondary school pupils in the local area.   (February 12, 2010)

ONE-WAY ROAD IDEA NEEDS PUBLIC SUPPORT

A suggestion by one resident that Walmer Castle Road should become a one-way street has been discussed by Walmer Parish Council. Members heard that Kent Highway Services would not consider this until a residents' survey had been undertaken to determine the level of support for the idea from other local people. Parish councillors agreed to write suggesting that a residents' association carry out a formal survey of all residents in and around Walmer Castle Road likely to be affected by any change.   (February 12, 2010)

PRESSURE GROWS FOR BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Environmental campaigners and a group demanding better rail services for Deal have stepped up their demands for improved local public. transport. The Deal With It environmental lobbyists have launched a petition calling for better, more frequent, faster and affordable services. These, they say, would enable people to travel to work or to study without using a car. The public can sign the petition, which will be sent to Southeastern rail, Stagecoach buses, the Department of Transport and local councils and MPs, at several locations in Deal including the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street or online at www.ipetitions.com/cleanertravel/Deal/Kent.

Meanwhile, members of the Trains4Deal action group have expressed astonishment at the absence of any thought on adding Deal to the high-speed train services in Kent County Council's draft plan for transport. The report, however, calls for a new high-speed service to Hastings via Ashford. Supporters of the local campaign for Deal Station to be included as a stop for the current Javelin high-speed service between Ramsgate, Dover and St Pancras are convinced that there is little appreciation by the rail operators and government of the size of Deal. One minister is reported as describing Deal as "a village" where it would be unrealistic to expect the fast train to stop. The campaigners say they believe the potential custom for the service is being underestimated and the inclusion of Deal is important to the local economy.   (February 12, 2010)

SNOW CLEARANCE LAW IS DAFT SAY WALMER COUNCILLORS

Walmer Parish councillors have branded the current situation where householders and businesses are discouraged from clearing snow from pavements fronting their property for fear of being sued if anyone has an accident as "ridiculous". They have written to the Environment Agency pressing it to lobby for a change in the law.   (February 12, 2010)

WALMER PUPILS GO UNDERCOVER

The 390 pupils at the Downs Church of England Primary School in Walmer can look forward to better protection from the elements when venturing outside thanks to a new purpose-built canopy system. Installation is due to start in March and Mr Ford, the school’s site manager, anticipates that not only will pupils and staff benefit when moving around outside the buildings but parents, waiting at the end of the school day, are likely to appreciate having shelter from extreme weather. Headteacher Mrs Karunaratna expects the work to be funded from the existing school budget.   (February 12, 2010)

TIME TO JOIN IN OPEN STUDIOS EVENT

Time is running out for local artists to sign up for this year's South East Artists Open Studios event. Now in its fifth year, it takes place over a three-week period in July and enables local artists and craftworkers to put their work on display to the public. They are asked to open their studios for at least two weekends and more often if they wish. The art event ties in with the Deal Music Festival and, say the organisers, has steadily grown in popularity each year. The deadline for inclusion in the 2010 Open Studios is Saturday, 20 February. Participation this year will cost £90 and this includes publicity, public liability insurance and membership of South East Artists. For more details, call David White on 01304 363118 or Katherine Love on 01304 371848.   (February 5, 2010)

MILL HILL RESIDENTS INVITED TO PLAN NEW CENTRE

Residents in the Mill Hill and St Richard's Road areas of Deal are being invited to have their say on the possibility of developing the local St Richard's Church into a more inclusive community centre. There's an open meeting to talk about the future use of the building at St Richard's Church Centre in Mill Hill on Thursday, 18 February at 2.15pm, with refreshments beforehand at 1.45pm. For more details, call the Reverend David Flewker on 01304 374076.   (February 5, 2010)

PIER'S "STORM LIGHTS" FOR ANOTHER WEEK

PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN LINK

COUNCIL TAX PHONE SCAM

IT'S OFFICIAL - DEAL IS A FAIRTRADE TOWN

PRICE CUT FOR DESIGN GUIDE

Remaining copies of the Walmer Design Statement, first published by Walmer Parish Council in 2006, are now available at a reduced price of £2.50. The glossy 40-page book provides an illustrated description of the parish, identifies its special features and unique architectural characteristics and serves as officially recognised guidance when Dover Council's planners are determining local planning applications. For anyone keen to learn more about Walmer, it is a "must have" for their bookshelf. Stockists for the Design Statement are the Walmer Parish Office, Walmer News and The Deal Bookshop.   (January 13, 2010)

SNOW CHAOS

The heavy snowfall on Thursday, 7 January caused misery for many local residents. It was especially bad for drivers faced with hazardous driving conditions in untreated side roads and even on some main routes. Kent Police say they received numerous calls saying roads were icy, that cars were stuck and that some roads were impassable. A number of cars got trapped in the ice and snow on the A258 Dover Road near the St Margaret's junction. Early morning pranksters rolled a giant snowball onto Victoria Road at Deal. It was cleared by local police around 8.30am.

On Saturday morning (9 January), drifting snow blocked the main roads into Deal, causing fresh chaos for drivers. High winds overnight on Friday had blown snow from the fields, filling a dip at Oxney Bottom on the A258 Deal-to-Dover road and also making the open marsh area between Worth and Burgess Green on the A258 Deal-to-Sandwich road impassable. Early morning deliveries of newspapers and supermarket supplies were prevented from getting to Deal and Walmer - leaving many shoppers frustrated by empty shelves. By midday the traffic was moving again, albeit slowly.

For weather and travel prospects for the coming days, the following websites could prove useful:
Rail travel: National Rail Enquiries website and Southeastern's live timetable website.
Road reports: Highways Agency website.
Local weather: Met Office forecast for Dover Area.

Walmerweb and DealWeb have photographs of the local snow scenes at Walmer in Winter photo album and Deal events photo album.   (January 10, 2010)

CHARITY SLIM TO HELP SET UP FREE FAMILY LAW SERVICE

Walmer-based solicitor Donna Payne is inviting anyone planning to shed a few surplus pounds over coming months to turn their slimming into a charity fund raiser. She explained that when she launched a free service for victims of domestic violence in 2009, it became clear that, locally, there was a serious lack affordable legal advice in all areas of family law. For example, people in Dover district (where there are over 50,000 households) have to travel to Folkestone or Canterbury to reach a Children’s Contact Centre. As a result, Donna has decided to set up Cordomus, a registered charity with a centre in Deal for families in crisis. The plan is to provide free family law advice and representation, mediation services and family therapies. All this will need money and Donna is applying for grants and a Legal Services Commission contract. She also hopes to persuade well-wishers to regularly donate £1 a month. To further boost much-needed initial funding, Donna is promoting a sponsored slim