Local News Archive: January to June 2011
 
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HELP WALMER BLOOM THIS SUMMER

Walmer Parish Council’s Walmer in Bloom Committee is calling on local residents to help brighten up the parish this year by taking part in its annual garden competition. Walmer householders, businesses and community organisations can all enter, but this has to be by Wednesday, 6 July. Preliminary judging will be during the week beginning 11 July and followed by final judging the week after. Chairman of the Committee, Cllr Mrs Sue Le Chevalier said: "Each year, the residents of Walmer make a dynamic impact on the local scenery, whether it be with carefully sculpted flower beds or vibrant cascading hanging baskets and containers. You do not have to have a large front garden to be in the competition as we have a 'Minimum Space, Maximum Impact' category."

Attractive front gardens and displays are likely to qualify for "Commended" certificates and the best ones go on to the final round of judging. Winners will be invited to a presentation event at the Sea Scouts Headquarters, Marine Road, Walmer on Sunday, 11 September to receive certificates and prizes. The competition receives good support with prizes and sponsorship from a number of local organisations and businesses. Included are: The Deal Society, Paynes’ Solicitors, Bank House Property Services, G M and M Johns Butchers, Grandma’s Attic, Jane’s Bakery, J Dilnot Smith and Son, Le Vaillant Owen, Maurice and Mark Green Carpets, The Berry Public House, The Strand Launderette, Town and Country Stores, Wale and Son, Walmer Fish and Chips and Walmer Nursery. For details and to enter contact the Walmer Parish Office on 01304 381506.     (June 29, 2011)
 
FUEL BUYING CONSORTIUM COULD CUT RURAL BILLS

The Rural Community Council For Kent and Medway is looking into the possibility of a scheme to help cut the cost of fuel for people in areas without mains gas supplies. Miranda Hayes, the Director of Finance and Resources for the organisation, explained: "Following the creation of a successful community fuel-buying consortium by the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, we are looking to see if there would be interest in setting up something similar in parts of rural Kent not already served by local fuel-buying consortia. The consortium in Oxfordshire has been able to bulk-buy fuel for rural communities, and thus reduce fuel bills to people in parts of the county without mains gas." People who would like to see something similar in their part of rural Kent, or would simply like to know more about the Oxfordshire scheme, can contact her on 01303 813790 or by     (June 29, 2011)
 

NORTH DEAL COMMUNITY PARK PROJECT NEEDS VOTES

Plans to upgrade the North Deal Playing Field and create a community park hinge on a successful bid for cash from the Meridian Jubilee People’s Millions competition. The public is being asked to help by voting for the scheme in a round taking place tomorrow (29 June). Sue Beer of the North Deal Community Partnership says her team has got permission from Dover Council to transform the underused field. She explained: "We have consulted very widely with children and young people, with dog walkers and with the general public, all of whom told us just what they wanted. Our priorities for the first phase are a new play area for 8- to 13-year-olds; planting and other landscaping; and a circular walk with a dog exercise area. Phase 2 will include new gates, a play area for under-8s; seating, a performance area and lots more greenery."

The Jubilee Peoples Millions is organised by the Big Lottery Fund and ITV to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. There are 60 awards of up to £60,000 for new projects in 2012 to improve local places or the lives of people in the community. The public votes on who gets the money. To gain vital funding Sue and her Partnership colleagues are asking everybody who likes their project to vote for them. To learn more, see www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/2011-finalists/meridian-east or contact Sue Beer on 01304 381110 or visit www.northdealcommunity.co.uk.     (June 28, 2011)
 

PUBLIC'S VIEWS SOUGHT FOR MINERALS AND WASTE PLANS

As part of its work as the planning authority for minerals and waste sites, Kent County Council is inviting the public to have a say in which sites should be allowed in coming years. The council recognises that some sites are needed to provide minerals and construction materials or facilities for dealing with all the waste that is produced in Kent. Recently the planners asked landowners to propose sites that might be developed and used for mineral extraction or waste in the future. They were sent 96 proposals to consider and these are now set out in consultation documents for the Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework.

At this stage, the planners know not all of the suggested sites will be suitable and that's where the public has an opportunity to give its views. The planners say these will be taken into consideration as they compare the sites and decide which ones should go into final development plan documents and which should not. Sites that have been proposed in or near Deal include:

  • Southwall Road, Deal and Pike Road Eythorne Extension (Household Waste Recycling Centres and Transfer);
  • Tilmanstone Works, Eythorne (Secondary and Recycled Aggregates; Inert/Construction, Demolition and Excavation Landfill and Landraise; Composting; Treatment/Materials Recycling Facility);
  • Richborough Underground Limestone Mine (Crushed Rock Site);
  • Richborough Power Station (Energy from Waste and Environmental Improvement to Closed Bio-Degradeable Landfill Sites);
  • Richborough Hall (Treatment/Materials Recycling Facility); and
  • Land North of Stevens & Carlotti, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich (Secondary and Recycled Aggregates; Composting).
Anyone with an interest is being urged to be involved in the consultation which closes on Tuesday, 26 July at 5pm. Details of the consultation documents can be seen at www.kent.gov.uk/mwdf or the planners can be contacted by     (June 23, 2011)
 

OPEN GOLF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

Kent Highways has published its traffic management arrangements for the Open Golf Championship taking place at Sandwich between 10 and 17 July. Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the championship throughout the week - with as many as 50,000 a day as the final match play approaches. To deal with this, a traffic plan will be in force in Sandwich and a number of surrounding areas - including parts of north Deal and Sholden. There could be heavy traffic on many local roads during the peak hours of 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm and drivers are being advised to include additional time for any journeys.

All the restrictions start on Tuesday, 12 July and remain in force until Monday, 18 July or completion of the Open Golf Championship (if earlier). For more information see: www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk or contact Kent Highways (East Kent Division) on 08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre) or  

The local road traffic arrangements affecting Deal and Sholden are as follows:

  • ETHELBERT ROAD, DEAL - Ethelbert Road will be closed at the junction with Golf Road, with residents advised to use Sandown Road for access.
  • GOLF ROAD, DEAL - All northbound traffic prohibited from the junction with Ethelbert Road, except permit holders. Road closed immediately to the south of the junction with Godwyn Road.
  • REDHOUSE WALL - The junction from Golf Road into Redhouse Wall will be closed. Residents can access their properties via Royal Cinque Ports Visitor Car Park.
  • GOLF ROAD, DEAL / GUILFORD ROAD, SHOLDEN / ANCIENT HIGHWAY, WORTH - These roads will become One Way only "tidal flow", from a point immediately north of 138 Golf Road, including the entire length of Guilford Road and Ancient Highway to the junction with Waldershare Avenue. The one-way flows are: 6am to 2pm - northbound only; 2pm to 10pm - southbound only. Cyclists and horse riders will be prohibited between 6am and 10pm on these sections of the roads.

There will also be temporary Parking and Waiting Restrictions on many roads in Sandwich and some neighbouring areas. It will mean no waiting at any time and no loading or unloading between 7am and 11am and between 4pm and 8pm.

The following roads in Deal, Sholden and Worth are affected by the parking and loading restrictions:

  • THE MARINA - East Side – from the junction with Godwyn Road to the junction with Albion Road; and West Side – from the junction with Godwyn Road to the junction with Harold Road.
  • GODWYN ROAD - South Side – for its entire length; North Side – from the junction with Golf Road for a distance of 20 metres eastbound; North Side – from the junction with The Marina for a distance of 20 metres westbound.
  • GOLF ROAD, DEAL – from the junction with Godwyn Road to its northernmost point.
  • GUILFORD ROAD, SHOLDEN – for its entire length.
  • ANCIENT HIGHWAY, WORTH – for its entire length.
  • GUILFORD ROAD, WORTH – for its entire length.

Some footpaths that are popular with local walkers will also be affected by temporary restrictions or closures. They are footpaths at Worth which fall within the boundary of Royal St George’s Golf Links:

  • EE249 – The Public Footpath between Princes Drive and Guilford Road.
  • EE231 – The Public Footpath (part of the Saxon Shore Way) between Princes Drive to North Stream. The alternative route is via EE230 - Public Footpath between Princes Drive and North Stream.

(June 23, 2011)
 

YOUNG TALENT NEEDED FOR PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP

Young members of local sports clubs and youth groups are being invited to audition for places in a free "Film, Sport and the Performing Arts” Workshop organised by Dover Youth Theatre. The auditions are open to 10- to 25-year-olds and are on Friday, 1 July from 4pm in the Salem Baptist Church Hall, Maison Dieu Road, Dover. Those who are successful at the auditions will be invited to the Workshop from Saturday 13 August to Thursday 18 August where they will have the opportunity to work with a number of leading professionals. Included are film and television sound recordist Steve Thomas, West End musical director Grant Martin and two drama directors, a choreographer and stage combat experts. The climax to the Workshop sessions will be a free public performance at Dover Town Hall on Thursday, 18 August at 7.30pm, showing how sports can combine with the performing arts. Some participants will take part in making one of four short films for local screening including Dover's BBC Big Screen from September, leading up to the 2012 Olympics.

For more details or to book an audition place, call Marie Kelly-Thomas on 01304 202544 or or visit www.doveryouththeatre.co.uk.   (June 22, 2011)
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VITAL KIDNEY RESEARCH

Medical researchers studying the accuracy of kidney function tests for the elderly are looking for volunteers to help complete their work. It's all part of the East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust's kidney research programme which has been awarded £107,000 by the National Institute for Health Research to investigate the accuracy of kidney function tests in people aged 75 and over. So far over 370 people have volunteered to take part in the study, but the Trust needs 30 more to complete the research. It compares the routine laboratory kidney test with a reference "gold standard" test. The reference test takes approximately four hours to perform and involves a small injection followed by some blood tests. The test can be carried out at either Margate, Medway, Dover, Maidstone, Canterbury or Ashford hospitals.

Volunteers do not need to have kidney problems to take part and transport, lunch and light refreshments are provided if required. Residents in care homes may also volunteer and the test can be carried out there. The research team say that, although the volunteers need to be over 75, they are particularly interested in hearing from anyone over 80 years old. For more details and possibly helping with this important research, call the research department on 01227 868648 or write to: Department of Renal Medicine, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3NG.   (June 16, 2011)

 

EXPLORE KENT ON FOOT

People who fancy exploring some of the county's best scenery are being encouraged to join in the Explore Kent Walking Festival 2011 being held from Monday 18 July to Sunday 7 August. The organisers say there will be at least three guided walks each day across Kent, varying in length, difficulty and interest to appeal to a wide audience. Currently, two of the walks start in Deal. All walkers will receive a free goodie bag with gifts and walking information; and walk leaders get a free branded t-shirt or sweatshirt. Although there are already dozens of walks to choose from, potential walk leaders can still add new ones. For more details and to book places on walks, go to the Explore Kent Guided Walks website or call: 0845 824 7600.   (June 14, 2011)
 

LOCAL CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR SUPPORT TO HALT "FRACKING" PLAN

People concerned at a planning application for a test bore site for shale gas at the junction of A257/A256 near Woodnesborough are being urged to contact Kent County Council to register their objections. Rosie Rechter, the coordinator for local environmental group Deal With It, said: "This is not some academic or neutral exercise to understand the mineral formations under east Kent. Companies do not spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on a 'pilot' without a clear vision on how they are going to make a considerable return from their investment." She considered the application was "the first step in imposing a full shale or coal gas plant" and that Kent County Council should look very closely at the experience of Blackpool where a similar operation had been linked to earth tremors. It must, Rosie believed, have implications for the KCC’s public duties for health and safety.

Rosie feared that the controversial "fracking" method to break up shale deposits and release methane and other gases also posed a serious risk of ground water contamination. "Water is just too important to our communities, farmers and ecology," she explained. "Each 'fracture' exercise can take up to five Olympic-size pools of water. Where does the company propose taking that water from? The river Stour’s ecology is finely balanced." The planning reference is KCC/DO/0069/2011 and people can view and comment at www.kent.gov.uk, or phone 01622 221070. Deal With It members will have a stall in Deal High Street on Saturday (18 June). For more see the Deal With It website or ring 01304 600111.   (June 13, 2011)

 

MBE HONOUR FOR DEAL MAN

Deal resident Andy Roberts (61), a former sector manager with East Kent Coastguards, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. It recognises his work for the coastguard service, which he joined in 1983, and also his role as a volunteer helping families having children with special needs. Currently Andy is press officer for the Walmer Lifeboat and also works with the RNLI crew at Dover. It is expected the presentation of his MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace will take place later this year when he will be accompanied by his wife Hilary and son Thomas.  (June 12, 2011)

 

LATEST SCAMS: DODGY LOANS AND VACUUM SERVICING

The public is being warned about a business, based in India, phoning consumers to say that a loan has been approved for them and the money is waiting to be sent to their account. The local consumer "watchdog" Kent Trading Standards say this is a "scam". There are also reports about businesses phoning consumers to offer vacuum cleaner repairs or servicing. They may falsely claim to work with Dyson ... or increase the final bill to cover unecessary work. For details of these dubious practices, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (June 12, 2011)

 

NOMINATE BRITAIN'S UNSUNG HEROES

The producers of a new ITV1 programme are looking for people who are making an outstanding contribution to others in the local community. It might, for example, be an inspiring individual who has set up a small charity, someone who has battled adversity but fundraises incessantly or a volunteer who works tirelessly for others. Or, maybe, there's someone who has made great sacrifices to help others or even carried out an act of bravery saving someone’s life. Anyone who reckons they know of a local "unsung hero" is being asked to provide a brief description of the person or cause they would like to nominate with reasons why and include their own name, daytime telephone number and nearest major town or city. All nominees must be over 18 years of age and the programme makers are asking people not to tell the nominated person or cause as they want this to be a surprise. Nominations can be submitted by or by post to: Hero Applications, 12 Yard Productions, 131-151 Great Titchfield St, London W1W 5BB. The closing date for nominations is Monday, 11 July.    (June 10, 2011)
 

CONCERNS AT "SHALE FRACKING" PLAN

Local environmental action group Deal With It says it is concerned by the decision by local authorities to approve a test bore site for shale gas near Woodnesborough at the junction of A257/A256. The scheme is thought to be similar to one in Blackpool that hit the national headlines recently. Operations had to be halted over fears they might be causing earth tremors. Shale gas drilling involves pumping a sand, chemical and water mixture at high pressure deep inside the earth to break up the shale coal layer. The "fracking" - or fracturing of the rock - releases methane gas. It is portrayed a "green" energy solution but little is known of its long-term impact and evidence from the USA has blamed the practice for polluting water supplies. Deal With It coordinator Rosie Rechter says the potential effect on old mine workings in this district and the danger to local water supply are major concerns.

The application by Coastal Oil and Gas Limited of Bridgend for a temporary change of use of agricultural land to allow drilling of an exploratory borehole was considered by Dover Council on 25 May. They recommended approval and details can be seen at www.dover.gov.uk/planning/applications__decisions.aspx (use search to display application no:11/00336). Final determination of the application will be by Kent County Council and details can be seen here (search for application: KCC/DO/0069/2011). The target date for determination of the application is 18 July.   (June 5, 2011 - updated on June 8, 2011)
 

HELP TO CUT DOWN JUNK MAIL

Dover Council's free service that sends householders an e-mail reminder the day before their "black box" and "green waste" recycling collections are due has added a useful hint about junk mail. It points out that the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) offers a free means of reducing the amount of junk mail delivered through your door. Once registered the MPS can remove your name from around 95% of direct mail lists. To find out more, go to: www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/. To learn about the district council's recycling alerts service, see: www.doverdc.co.uk/recycling/refuse_collection.asp.   (June 5, 2011)

 

NO NEED TO PAY FOR EUROPEAN HEALTH CARD

Kent Trading Standards is drawing attention to reports of businesses advertising the European Health Insurance Card for a fee of £9.99 to £19.99. There's no need to use these services as this useful card is available free through the NHS. For details, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (June 1, 2011)
 

"BASIC BEACH" REPORT IS PUZZLING

Deal beach has dropped two places in the Marine Conservation Society's latest Good Beach Guide. Although the local beach and its sea water quality gained "Recommended" status in 2009 and 2010, it has only achieved "Basic" grading in the 2011 Guide. A basic pass is the European minimum standard for water quality and suggests that waterborne pathogens are present in quantities known to cause illness. The 2011 Beach Guide used available data from Summer 2010 to rate beaches from the top "Recommended" grading, through "Guideline" (the European standard for good water quality) to "Basic" and, lastly, to "Fail" (where people are advised against swimming).

The downgrading by the Marine Conservation Society of water at Deal has prompted questions on other web forums. Adjoining beaches at Dover, St Margaret's Bay, Sandwich and Ramsgate - all swept by the same Channel waters - achieved "MCS Recommended" status, the highest UK standard for bathing water quality. So for some people it's puzzling why Deal should be different. The Good Beach Guide can be seen at: www.goodbeachguide.co.uk/

UPDATE: Messages on local Facebook pages and the Deal and Walmer Forum have drawn attention to the "old" data being used by the Good Beach Guide and say that the Beach Water Quality testing carried out by the Environment Agency is much more up-to-the minute. Their latest testing at Deal (in May 2011) places the seafront waters in the top level "Higher" category. For full details, see: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/119111.aspx  (May 28, 2011 - updated on June 1, 2011)

 

MORE VOLUNTARY HELP FOR FREEDOWN IS VITAL

The need for more people to come forward and help with the ongoing maintainance of Hawkshill Freedown at Walmer has been highlighted by management consultant Martin Newcombe. Speaking at Walmer Parish Council's annual parish meeting on Wednesday, 25 May, Mr Newcombe praised the work of the existing small group of regular volunteers but considered "there are too few people doing too big a job". He stressed that, in addition to providing an attractive recreational area for residents and visitors, the Freedown was a designated nature conservation site and an important example of relatively rare chalk grassland. Maintaining the grassland and keeping encroaching scrub and light woodland at bay was vital work. As owners of the Freedown, the Parish Council had limited funds to pay for commercial help in maintenance. If more volunteers and also some skilled help could not be attracted, Mr Newcombe suggested that the Council might need to consider passing responsibility to a larger organisation.

Residents who would like to support the work of the Hawkshill volunteers can get more details by contacting the Parish Office on 01304 381506. The volunteers swing into action twice a month - on the first Sunday and the third Monday - meeting at 10.30am in the car park at the junction of Liverpool Road and Gram's Road. A range of tasks is undertaken including clearance of invading blackthorn and brambles to help reclaim the vital grassland and removal of ragwort. Essential equipment is provided but stout shoes and clothing and some gardening gloves are a good idea.   (May 26, 2011)
 

SEEKING WALMER'S BEST FLORAL DISPLAYS

Householders and businesses in Walmer are being urged to spruce up their front gardens and floral displays and enter this year's Walmer In Bloom competition. There is a range of categories including regular front gardens, residential homes, commercial premises, individual planters or hanging baskets and those who've achieved "maximum impact" in a "minimum space". Anyone can enter their own or another person's premises by contacting the Parish Council's Office on 01304 381506 before Wednesday, 6 July. Preliminary judging starts on 11 July and final judging is in the week beginning 18 July. Winners will be invited to an Award Ceremony on Sunday, 11 September.   (May 26, 2011)
 

BOGUS CALL FROM "LIBRARY"

Kent Libraries and Archives have drawn attention to an incident where a resident was telephoned by someone claiming to from the local library and asking for his home address. The resident became suspicious and ended the call. Although the reason for the call isn't clear, it seems unlikely to be innocent. Kent Libraries say that they do not call Library users requesting personal information. They only ask for people to confirm personal information when they contact the Library service to request or change their PIN number (so as to confirm they are genuine) and do not ask for a full address.    (26 May 2011)

 

HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WALMER

Walmer residents are being invited to an informal event where they can find out what has been happening in the Parish over the last year and hear about plans for the future. It's Walmer Parish Council's Annual Parish Meeting, being held in the Sea Scout Hut in Marine Road (next to the Paddling Pool), Walmer on Wednesday (25 May) at 7pm. As well as reports from local councillors and the police, there will be short talks on the natural wildlife on Hawkshill Freedown and the activities of the Memorial Bandstand Trust. The public will have an opportunity to raise matters of interest or concern and the evening will conclude with refreshments and a further opportunity to talk with parish councillors. For more information, call the Parish Office on 01304 381506.   (May 19, 2011)
 

DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER DATES ANNOUNCED

Digital UK - the official organisation for the digital television switchover in the UK - has announced the dates for it to happen in our south and east Kent area. Described as the biggest change to broadcasting for a generation, it means that the current analogue signals will be switched off and replaced by digital (Freeview) signals. The dates for switchover on the main Dover transmitter are: stage one (BBC Two analogue off) on 13 June 2012 and stage two (all analogue channels off) on 27 June 2012.

To receive digital television people will need either a Freeview enabled television or a Freeview set-top box linked to their old analogue tv. After switchover the digital signal strength is due to be increased - helping improve reception for many areas. Digital UK is planning to run a public information campaign later this year to ensure viewers are ready for the change. It will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home. A Switchover Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare. For more information, see: www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/meridian/dover  (May 18, 2011)
 

HELP WITH LOOKING AFTER YOUR MONEY

Kent Trading Standards have issued more useful guidance on looking after their finances. Included is:

  • what people need to do if they have been mis-sold payment protection insurance policies (PPI) by their bank;
  • a council tax rebate scam that can trap the unwary into revealing their private bank details;
  • the need to read "terms and conditions" when signing up for products and services over the Internet; and
  • an update on dubious "Debt Settlement Order" offers by e-mail and over the phone.
For the full stories and advice, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (May 17, 2011)
 

FUND RAISING DRIVE FOR DEAL FOLK FESTIVAL

The organisers of Deal's Maritime Folk Festival in mid-September have a number of special events in mind over the next few months to raise vital funds. Ray Fielder, one of the festival's planning team, says: "Thanks to great support from the Astor Theatre and local promoters we are hoping to stage a number of showcase events." The first of these is a mini-fest busking session at Deal Town Hall undercroft between 9am and 2pm on Saturday, 21 May. Among the local musicians appearing are Ramblin' Boys, Driftwood, Loose Change Theory, Ravenhill, Bill Howeth and Mac Mckean, Mike Broomfield and Steve Carey.

Then, on Friday, 27 May, folk duo Bayou Seco are returning to the Astor Theatre for a benefit concert in aid of Folk Festival funds. Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie (aka Bayou Seco) specialise in the traditional music of Louisiana, New Mexico and Arizona, using fiddle, accordion, banjo and guitar to perform long forgotten songs and dances from the American southwest. Tickets, price £10 in advance or £12 on the door and students £7, are available at the Astor or Soundhouse. For more details see www.theastor.org.

Ray Fielder says that the September festival is looking good with a line up set to include a mix of world music, traditional and new folk. Already confirmed are: Kimber’s Men, Nuru Kane, Martha Tilson, Brendan Power and Billy Ebeling, Alan Prosser, Nick Wyke and Rebecca Driscoll, Happy Trails and Kay Anderson as well as pub singarounds and mass morris dancers. The Festival is from Thursday, 15 to Sunday, 18 September and details can be found at www.dealmaritimefolkfestival.org.uk and on the festival's Facebook page.   (May 16, 2011)
 
CASH ON OFFER TO VOLUNTARY GROUPS

Local community and voluntary groups are being invited to apply for cash to help with their projects. Emma Carey, the Kent County Council's Community Engagement Manager for Dover area, says: "It's that time of year again when funding has become available for projects that bring community benefit to the Dover District." She explained that there are three funding streams available:
KCC Member Community Grants where each Kent County Council member has a total of £10,000 to allocate to projects within the Dover area that provide community benefit;
KCC Local Schemes Grants which support revenue or minor capital projects. Capital costs might cover the acquisition of a fixed asset (like land, buildings, plant, machinery, equipment or vehicles etc) or increase the life or market value of a fixed asset. Revenue costs are all other expenditure such as day-to-day running expenses of an organisation;
Small Community Capital Projects (SCCP) Grants where KCC and Dover District Council have allocated funding to the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums to award grants for community projects. The SCCP grant scheme only supports capital costs for local projects, such as the purchase, creation or significant renovation of capital assets. It does not cover subsequent running costs and applicants need to be able to meet these costs themselves. All applications to the SCCP Fund will be decided by involving local people in deciding how a particular pot of money will be spent. Residents, community groups and representatives of all parts of the community discuss and vote on all the grant applications for projects in their own area during a 'You Decide' community day.

Groups that think they would like to apply for funding can set the ball rolling by contacting Emma Carey by  She'd like details of the organisation, the part of the district where it's based, the proposed project and how much grant aid is needed. Emma will then be able to provide further information and the most suitable application form.   (May 13, 2011)
 

MORE "GROWERS" NEEDED FOR GARDEN SHARE SCHEME

Steve Wakeford from the local Deal With It environmental group says he currently has more offers of gardens than growers for the recently launched Deal Garden Share project. It's an innovative scheme that links up enthusiastic growers with local garden owners who want to see their gardens being used more productively. Both parties share in the produce grown and enjoy the garden. It can be especially helpful for people with a garden area that they are unable to fully tend due poor health or limited time. Steve says that four people have taken up the garden sharing idea in Deal but there are still a number of plots waiting for eager volunteer growers. For details, contact him on 01304 372673 or by You can also see more at the Deal With It website (May 12, 2011)
 

BROCANTE PHOTOS

Photographs of the Brocante antiques, collectables and crafts fair at Walmer Green on Monday, 2 May are now featured in the WalmerWeb local events photo album. To take a look, please CLICK HERE.  (May 12, 2011)
 

DOUBLE YELLOW LINE "NO WAITING" PLANS

Kent County Council has published proposals for introducing double yellow lines at various locations in Dover District - including Deal and Walmer. They say the planned "no parking" restrictions are to reduce obstruction of visibility caused by parked vehicles at junctions and so improve road safety. Also existing school "keep clear" markings, at various locations within the district, will be made enforceable and some upgraded with signing to remind motorists of the importance of providing clear access to school sites.

The locations in Deal and Walmer included in the new "no parking" plans largely involve short stretches of road around or near juctions. They are at: Bowling Green Lane, Bruce Green/Manor Road, Cross Road/St Richard's Road/Mill Hill, Hawksdown/Whiteacre Drive, Hayward Close, Mill Road, Northcote Road, Sholden Bank/Mongeham Road and Mongeham Road/Mongeham View. For details see the relevant Kent County Council Traffic Regulation Order (opens as a PDF file). This and related documents can be inspected at Dover Council's offices at Whitfield or at the KCC, Sessions House, County Road, Maidstone. Public comments on the proposals need to be submitted to Mrs Diane Bourne, Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd, Miller House, Lower Stone Street, Maidstone ME16 6GB quoting reference: B1647600; the deadline is Monday, 30 May.  (May 12, 2011)
 
ELECTION RESULTS: DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL
Conservatives have retained control of Dover District Council in Thursday's (5 May) local elections - despite losing two seats and Labour gaining four. The Conservatives now have 26 seats, giving them a majority of seven. Labour now has 19 seats, having made gains in Eythorne and Shepherdswell, Middle Deal and Sholden and North Deal. The Liberal Democrats lost their two previously held seats.
Middle Deal and Sholden Turnout: 48.72%  
BOND Trevor Antony (Conservative) 1,197 Elected
CRONK James Anthony (Labour) 1,222 Elected
FRIEND Adrian (Conservative) 1,189  
GARSIDE Martin Huw (Labour) 1,151  
HAWKINS Pamela Joyce (Labour) 1,330 Elected
JENNINGS Robert Charles (Conservative) 1,138  
ROBBINS Paul John (Independent) 519  
     
Mill Hill Turnout: 41.86%  
BANO Benet Walter (Labour) 1,318 Elected
BATTLES John (Conservative) 737  
BENNETT Janet (Liberal Democrat) 385  
EDDY Michael Robert (Labour) 1,315 Elected
ELLIOTT Wayne Edward (Conservative) 695  
POLLITT Anthony Sidney (Labour) 1,251 Elected
TRICKEY John Charles (Liberal Democrat) 463  
     
North Deal Turnout: 47.33%  
FROST Robert James (Conservative) 1,163 Elected
GARDNER William Christopher (Labour) 1,124 Elected
HENDERSON Bryan (Labour) 1,097  
HOOK Antony James (Liberal Democrat) 273  
HOOK Linda Anne Liberal Democrats 273  
JULL Peter David (Conservative) 1,085  
ROOK Julie Ann (Conservative) 1,239 Elected
TAYLORSON Albert Morris (Labour) 1,025  
     
Walmer Turnout: 48.94%  
BRIMMELL Ernest Samuel (Labour) 1,014  
BROWN George Stanley (Labour) 1,056  
COSIN Benjamin Rupert (Labour) 978  
HEATH Patrick Glyn (Conservative) 1,764 Elected
LE CHEVALIER Paul Stephen (Conservative) 1,624 Elected
SMITH Christopher James (Conservative) 1,690 Elected

  (May 9, 2011)

 
ELECTION RESULTS: DEAL TOWN AND WALMER PARISH
DEAL TOWN COUNCIL
Middle Deal Ward - Turnout: 47.55%

BATTLES John

Conservative 944

BOND Trevor Antony

Conservative 1,022
BURNHAM Marlene Labour 1,180 Elected
CRONK David Graham Labour 1,085 Elected

CRONK James Anthony

Labour 1,085 Elected
FRIEND Adrian Conservative 1,014
GRIVELL Bernard Rex Conservative 902
HAWKINS Bryn Labour 1,201 Elected
MURRAY Deryck Hugh Labour 1,100 Elected
Mill Hill Ward - Turnout: 40.83%

BANO Benet Walter

Labour 1,353 Elected
BLACKBURN Kath Labour 1,322 Elected
COSIN Maggie Labour 1,257 Elected
ROWBOTHAM Eileen Labour 1,240 Elected
TOUGH Chris Labour 1,214 Elected
TRICKEY John Charles Liberal Democrat 812

North Deal Ward - Turnout: 46.68%

BLACKWELL Amber Elizabeth Conservative 1,012

ELLIOTT Wayne Edward

Conservative 1,014 Elected

FROST Bob

Conservative 1,046 Elected

GARDNER Bill

Labour 1,061 Elected
HENDERSON Bryan Labour 1,049 Elected
JULL Peter David Conservative 974
KILLBERY Ian Douglas Labour 971
MACKLIN Frank Labour 924
STICKLER Carol Conservative 1,093 Elected
TAYLORSON Morris Labour 970
WALMER PARISH COUNCIL
The number of available seats was matched by the same number of candidates, so there was no contest and the following candidates were elected.
Gladstone Ward
HOBBS Roger -
MURPHY Alison -

Lower Walmer, St Saviour's Ward

JOHNSON Margaret Jane

Conservative
LUDWIG Margaret Independent
SKINNER David Frederick Independent
SPINDLER Bob -

Lower Walmer, Wellington Ward

EVANS Roger Ernest

-
HARRIS Celia Mary Independent
LE CHEVALIER Sue Conservative
MURPHY Derek -

Upper Walmer Ward

ALTON Leslie Frank Independent

BEARD-GOULD Marguerite Julia

-
GRANT Clive Alexander Independent
HEATH Pat Conservative
OSMOND Ray Independent
For full listings of all election resultsin other parts of Dover district, see www.dover.gov.uk/council.../forthcoming_elections.aspx.   (May 9, 2011)
 

DOVER REJECTS ALTERNATIVE VOTING METHOD

Less than a third of local people who voted in Thursday May 5's referendum on the voting system for UK Parliamentary elections were in favour of the change to an Alternative Voting system. Across Dover District, the number of votes cast in favour of YES to the new system was 9,897 and the number of votes saying NO was 27,386. The total number of ballot papers counted was 37,426 and of these 143 were rejected through "voting for both answers to the question asked" (3); "writing or mark by which the voter could be identified" (2); and "unmarked or void for uncertainty" (138).    (May 9, 2011)

 
CLEAN SWEEP ON DEAL BEACH

In their latest clean-up operation at Deal beach, local environmental campaigners managed to collect and document 13 sacks of rubbish weighing over 33kgs. Twenty volunteers from Deal With It and the Marine Conservation Society took part in the quarterly litter and debris collecting exercise on Sunday morning (8 May).

Deal beach clean on Sunday, 8 May 2011
Safer and cleaner: Deal beach is cleared of 33 kilograms of rubbish and broken glass.

Deal Beach Warden Wendy Boorman said:
"It was a fantastic effort. We picked a lot of rubbish up in a relatively short stretch of beach in a short time."

She added: "What was very disappointing was the sheer amount of broken glass from drinks bottles we found on Sunday. Which as well as being an eyesore is a danger to families enjoying our beach."

Deal With It are maintaining the marine theme at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, 24 May when they'll have a talk on the new Marine Conservation Zones around the East Kent coast with a speaker from the "Balanced Seas" project. Open to the public, the meeting is at DealAbility, Victoria Road, Deal at 7.30pm and there are more details on the Deal With It website.   (May 8, 2011)

 
HOSPITAL SURVEY

Kent LINk - the independent watchdog for Kent's health and social care services - would like to hear about people's experiences, good and bad, if they've visited a local hospital during the past six months. To have your say, see the Kent LINk website’s online questionnaire or request a printed copy of the questionnaire by calling 01303 297050 or . All responses are anonymous and Kent LINk say these will assist in monitoring the standards of NHS services. The closing date for the questionnaire is Tuesday, 31 May.   (May 7, 2011)
 

BLUES BAND HAMSTERS BOW OUT

With 4,500 performances over the past 25 years under their belts, The Hamsters blues band are including Deal in a year-long Farewell Tour. The trio - described as "one of Britain's very best live bands" by highly respected DJ Bob Harris - will be at The Astor Theatre in Deal on Saturday, 14 May. Hamsters' Barry Martin contacted WalmerWeb and DealWeb to say: "We've just begun our 25th year together and will retire on 31 March 2012. We've always thought about ending the band on a high after 25 years, and now have one year to play to everyone before we say farewell. We'd be most grateful if you could kindly mention our final local concert at Deal."

The Hamsters describe their style as "bluesy, rocked-up Americana" and have gained a reputation as the UK's leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top - which they say "is fun to play". The band always intended to combine humour and music and wanted to remain relatively anonymous, so they decided to adopt light-hearted stage names: Snail's-Pace Slim, Reverend Otis Elevator and Ms Zsa Zsa Poltergeist. Slim is lead guitarist and singer, Rev Otis plays drums and Zsa Zsa plays bass. Tickets for their Astor show are £14 in advance and £16 on the door. For more details and on-line booking, see the Astor website.   (May 1, 2011)

 

"MADAME GALINA" SET TO ENTERTAIN DEAL
NB: The Astor Theatre advises that this show has been CANCELLED - due to injury.

From stints entertaining the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, a private performance for Her Majesty The Queen, the Olivier Award winning show C'est Barbican and appearances on national television, entertainer Iestyn Edwards - in the guise of "Russian Prima Ballerina" Madame Galina - is set to wow Deal audiences when he comes to the Astor Theatre in May. His generously proportioned diva's extraordinary dancing and acid tongue has enjoyed sell out shows at the Edinburgh Festival and nearly every major arts festival in Europe and attracted much critical acclaim. 

Daily Mail TV critic Christopher Matthew said: "…eccentric and entertaining … More! More!" while The Times newspaper reported his show as "A rare and perfect synthesis of art and larkiness … waspish, retro-Noel Cowardish wit laced with Nancy Mitford … the audience howled with laughter, stamped and cheered". Joanna Lumley (and who's going to argue with her?) reckons: "Hilarious and touching stories…his singing makes me cry every time… Go Tutu Boy. You rock!". The show - a two-part entertainment comprising musical revue followed by comedy cabaret with Madame Galina - is at The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal at 8pm on Friday, 20 May. Tickets are £9 in advance or £12 on the door. For more details see the Astor website.   (April 28, 2011 - updated May 19 2011)

 

HIGH SPEED COMMUTER TRAINS COMING IN OCTOBER

Commuters from Sandwich and Deal will get a new High Speed train service from Monday, 3 October. The news was announced by Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter at a Kent Rail Summit meeting in Maidstone yesterday (Wednesday, 27 April). Journey times to London will be slashed to approximately 90 minutes with three early morning High Speed trains to St Pancras International, London, leaving Sandwich at 5.51am, 6.17am and 6.47am and calling at Deal five minutes later. Trains will return from St Pancras at 5.40pm and 6.40pm. The KCC will be subsidising the cost of the new service to the tune of £151,000, but this is expected to reduce the more that the service is used. KCC is also pressing the Department for Transport to change the current rail franchise agreement to create further savings. Councillor Carter anticipates the new service "will provide an immediate boost to business and job prospects in the area". He believed it was now "up to local businesses and residents to take full advantage of this new service" and considered, given good public support, "a full (high speed) timetable throughout the day will be a real possibility".   (April 28, 2011)
 

WALMER'S ANNUAL ANTIQUES AND CRAFTS FAIR ON MAY DAY

Walmer’s popular Spring Brocante will take place this year on Monday, 2 May on Walmer Green from 8am to 4pm. This major antiques, collectables and crafts fair, organised by Walmer Parish Council, is now in its fourth year. Regularly attracting thousands of visitors, the event features around 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 the fair to value people’s collectables and advise owners how to convert these into cash at auction.   (April 28, 2011)
 

BEACH CLEAN SET FOR 8 MAY

Local environmental action groups Deal With It and the Marine Conservation Society are organising a beach clean at Deal seafront on Sunday, 8 May. They'll be meeting outside Deal Pier at 9am and the public is invited to join in. Equipment and gloves are supplied. Deal Beach Warden Wendy Boorman says: "We organise four cleans each year at Deal. They are not only about removing litter and waste from our beach but we also survey what is found. Nationally we have seen a 6% increase of the amount of litter on UK beaches dominated by plastics bottles, lids and discarded fishing line and nets."

Deal With It Coordinator Rosie Rechter says: "Litter is swamping our seas and is washing up on beaches. It kills wildlife, looks disgusting, is a hazard to our health and costs millions to clear up. Our beach is a common resource and asset for the town and we need to look after it."
For more details check the Deal With It website at or contact Wendy Boorman .   (April 25, 2011)
 

PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR HIGH SPEED TRAIN LINKS

Inclusion of stops at Deal and Sandwich to the high-speed rail service between Dover and Ramsgate feature in a Rail Action Plan being drawn up by Kent County Council. The document suggests a number of improvements to rail services across the county and is expected to be a significant influence when the area's rail services franchise comes up for renewal in 2014. On the need for a high-speed service for Deal and Sandwich, the report says: "The extension of high-speed from Dover Priory to Ramsgate via Deal and Sandwich should also be included in the new franchise specification as this can be delivered within existing rolling stock resources."
Local rail lobby group Trains4Deal has welcomed some of the KCC's Rail Action Plan proposals but has serious misgivings about proposals for a high-speed service for Maidstone which, it says, would syphon off resources and offer small reductions in journey times compared to the much greater benefits of a high-speed service for Deal. For more, see www.trains4deal.com .

Meanwhile, Southeastern has announced that its fast trains will stop at Sandwich for this July's Open Golf Championship. The service by the HS1 fast trains will operate between Thursday, 14 July and Sunday, 17 July. There will be two direct high-speed services an hour from St Pancras International to Sandwich during the morning and two services an hour back from lunchtime onwards. Southeastern say that there will also be an additional mainline service each hour to Sandwich during this period so, with existing services, The Open will be served by four trains an hour. The high-speed services will be routed via Canterbury or Dover. For more details, see the Southeastern website.   (April 21, 2011)
 

CASH CRISIS HITS LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Fears are being raised by the organisers of Deal's annual Festival of Music and Arts that this year could be the last. Grants from outside bodies towards the £100,000 cost of mounting the two-week event have been reduced or lost. And linked musical education projects for the local community are also being put at risk by the cash shortfall. Festival chairman Tim Jackaman says that this year's event will continue to provide a treat for local people and also attract visitors to the town, so benefitting local shops and restaurants. However, he was fearful that lack of funding would make it impossible to run a festival in 2012. People or businesses that feel they may be able to help are asked to call Willie Cooper on 01227 786111 or see the Festival website.   (April 21, 2011)
 

BEWARE OF BURGLAR ALARM DEALS

A business that uses high pressure sales techniques has been telephoning residents in the Dover area and offering burglar alarms for a one-off price of £250. Their dubious tactics include making an appointment for their engineers to fit an alarm even when they have been told not to. For more details, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (April 21, 2011)

 

ASTOR IN EAST KENT AWARD BID

The Astor Community Theatre has been nominated and shortlisted for the inaugural East Kent People's Award as part of the Culture Awards sponsored by Creative Canterbury. James Tillitt, the Artistic Director for The Astor, says: "This is a huge honour for the Astor and all of us who believe so strongly in the important place the Astor represents in our community." Supporters can help by voting online for the theatre and James is urging well-wishers to "record YOUR vote for YOUR theatre and ask friends, family and, in fact, anyone you know to vote for the Astor Community Theatre!".

The Culture Awards have been created as an annual event to celebrate the rich cultural life of the district and to recognise and thank those who have made a significant contribution to it. The East Kent People’s Award is for an organisation, individual, event or other cultural activity chosen by the people of East Kent for special recognition in the previous 12 months. To vote go to: www.creativecanterbury.com/main.cfm?objectid=69.   (April 19, 2011)

 

SEWER CLEARANCE AND BOGUS ADVERT SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards have alerted householders to a doorstep trader cold calling elderly residents at Worth near Deal and stating that all the sewers in the village need to be cleaned out. He says he would normally charge £100 for cleaning out a sewer but will give a £10 discount on work carried out on the same day. Trading Standards have also warned businesses to look out for a scam where they are contacted by telephone and told that they owe money for advertising space in magazines that they have never requested! For the full stories and advice, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (April 19, 2011)

 

BUS SERVICES ON APRIL AND MAY BANK HOLIDAYS

Local bus company Stagecoach is advising passengers of changes to their services on the public holidays in April and May. They say they will be operating a Sunday bus timetable on Good Friday (22 April), Easter Monday (25 April), Royal Wedding Day (Friday, 29 April), May Day (Monday, 2 May) and Spring Bank Holiday (Monday, 30 May). There are a couple of exceptions on Good Friday involving extra buses on The Thanet Loop (every 10 minutes), route 34 (morning between Newington and Ramsgate), route 15 between Dover and Canterbury and the A-Line service (every 15 minutes for most of the day). For more details, see: www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupdatedetails.aspx? Id=2599.   (April 16, 2011)

 

CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS GET ON THEIR BIKES

About 30 members of cycling promotion group East Kent Spokes and environmental campaigners Canterbury Greenpeace and Deal With It cycled from Dover Priory to Walmer today (Saturday, 16 April) to lobby Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke. As part of the East Kent "Stop Climate Chaos Coalition", they wanted to draw his attention to their concerns that the targets in the Climate Change Act to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 could be drastically affected by new measures the Government is suggesting. They say that the current Energy Bill severely reduces the means of delivering this target by, for example, reducing the energy efficency standards for new housing. An letter was presented to Charlie Elphicke urging him to support the higher standards, reducing fuel poverty and making local action on climate change a core local council responsibility. A number of the cyclists then pedalled on to Canterbury to do the same thing with their MP Julian Brazier.   (April 16, 2011)

 

LOCAL ELECTION HOPEFULS

The line up of candidates in the May 5 elections for Dover District Council, Deal Town Council and Walmer Parish Council has been published. They are:

DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL

Middle Deal and Sholden Ward - contested election for 3 seats
BOND Trevor Antony Conservative   HAWKINS Pam Labour
CRONK James Anthony Labour   JENNINGS Robert Charles Conservative
FRIEND Adrian Conservative   ROBBINS Paul Independent
GARSIDE Martin Huw Labour      
 
Mill Hill Ward - contested election for 3 seats
BANO Benet Walter Labour   ELLIOTT Wayne Edward Conservative
BATTLES John Conservative   POLLITT Sid Labour
BENNETT Janet Liberal Democrat   TRICKEY John Charles Liberal Democrat
EDDY Mike Labour      
 
North Deal Ward - contested election for 3 seats
FROST Bob Conservative   HOOK Linda Anne Liberal Democrat
GARDNER Bill Labour   JULL Peter David Conservative
HENDERSON Bryan Labour   ROOK Julie Ann Conservative
HOOK Antony James Liberal Democrat   TAYLORSON Morris Labour
 
Walmer Ward - contested election for 3 seats
BRIMMELL Ernie Labour   HEATH Pat Conservative
BROWN George Labour   LE CHEVALIER Paul Stephen Conservative
COSIN Ben Labour   SMITH Kit Conservative
DEAL TOWN COUNCIL
Middle Deal Ward - contested election for 5 seats

BATTLES John

Conservative   FRIEND Adrian Conservative

BOND Trevor Antony

Conservative   GRIVELL Bernard Rex Conservative
BURNHAM Marlene Labour   HAWKINS Bryn Labour
CRONK David Graham Labour   MURRAY Deryck Hugh Labour

CRONK James Anthony

Labour      
 
Mill Hill Ward - contested election for 5 seats

BANO Benet Walter

Labour   ROWBOTHAM Eileen Labour
BLACKBURN Kath Labour   TOUGH Chris Labour
COSIN Maggie Labour   TRICKEY John Charles Liberal Democrat
 

North Deal Ward - contested election for 5 seats

BLACKWELL Amber Elizabeth Conservative   JULL Peter David Conservative

ELLIOTT Wayne Edward

Conservative   KILLBERY Ian Douglas Labour

FROST Bob

The Conservative   MACKLIN Frank Labour

GARDNER Bill

Labour   STICKLER Carol Conservative
HENDERSON Bryan Labour   TAYLORSON Morris Labour
WALMER PARISH COUNCIL
Gladstone Ward - 2 seats *
HOBBS Roger -   MURPHY Alison -
 

Lower Walmer, St Saviour`s Ward - 4 seats *

JOHNSON Margaret Jane

Conservative   SKINNER David Frederick Independent
LUDWIG Margaret Independent   SPINDLER Bob -
 

Lower Walmer, Wellington Ward - 4 seats *

EVANS Roger Ernest

-   LE CHEVALIER Sue Conservative
HARRIS Celia Mary Independent   MURPHY Derek -
 

Upper Walmer Ward - 5 seats *

ALTON Leslie Frank Independent   HEATH Pat Conservative

BEARD-GOULD Marguerite Julia

-   OSMOND Ray Independent
GRANT Clive Alexander Independent      
 
* Where the number of available seats is matched by the same number of   candidates, there is no contest and the candidates will be elected.
For full listings of all candidates standing for election in other parts of Dover district, see www.dover.gov.uk/council.../forthcoming_elections.aspx.   (April 7, 2011)
 

GREEN LIGHT FOR REGENT CINEMA PLAN

Plans to re-open the former Regent bingo hall on Deal Seafront as a new cinema for the town have moved forward with news that Dover Council has sold the building to two local businessmen Mark Digweed and James Wallace. The two new owners say they will be pressing ahead to restore the building as a first rate cinema, retaining its original style and features. The prospect of a new cinema has been welcomed by the Deal Society as a boost to the town's economy and its social amenities.   (April 7, 2011)
 

GARDEN SHARE SCHEME TAKES OFF

A project to link up owners of untended gardens with people lacking a garden but keen to grow their own produce has got off to a good start. The organisers, local green campaigners Deal With It, say that around ten garden owners have signed up and they are now keen to attract "growers" willing to cultivate the plots and share the resulting flowers and vegetable with the owner. One plot in Walmer has already been snapped up but there are still opportunities throughout the area including St Margarets, Kingsdown, Upper Walmer and North Deal. For details, call scheme coordinator Steve Wakeford on 01304 372673 or .   (April 7, 2011)
 

PHONY LEGACY AND BOGUS CENSUS COLLECTOR ARE LATEST SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards have issued two new alerts to help householders be on their guard. One is about someone who became suspicious after receiving an unsolicited telephone call informing him that a relative had left him half a million pounds. If a "release fee" of £856 could be sent to them by Western Union, the caller would transfer the cash within 12 hours. The other warns about bogus Census form collectors. One elderly Kent resident was approached by someone claiming to be a retired Doctor and asking for her census form. Trading Standards say both incidents are scams. For the full stories and good advice, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (April 6, 2011)

 

PUBLIC SUPPORT KEEPS £23,000 FROM FRAUDSTERS

The public forwarded over 1,100 items of scam mail, including e-mails, to Kent Trading Standards during Scams Awareness Month (Scamnesty) in February. It is estimated the mailings, if actioned, could have defrauded victims of close on £23,000. Everything collected as part of the Scamnesty project will be sent to a national Police intelligence team to evaluate and attempt to identify the fraudsters. Trading Standards say they are grateful to everyone who provided information and also the county’s libraries staff for their support. Many people receive dodgy mailings each day and Trading Standards say they would like to know about fresh cases of anyone receiving or drawn into scam mail; they can be contacted via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.   (April 1, 2011)
 

SUPPORT FOR PETANQUE PROJECT

Walmer parish councillors have agreed to support plans by local sports amenity operators Vista Leisure to develop a petanque piste on the former crazy golf area at Walmer Green. It was felt that, with growing interest in the sport, the proposed facility would benefit local residents and could also attract visitors. Councillors agreed to offer a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of the project and asked that "Walmer" is included in naming the new amenity. The agreement of other partners in the scheme is needed before Vista Leisure can go ahead.   (March 31, 2011)

 

PLEA FOR HELP TO IMPROVE YOUTH FOOTBALL FACILITY

Local youth football club Deal Town Rangers is appealing for support in a bid to refurbish and improve its clubhouse. Based at the Castle Community College in Deal, the Rangers run 18 teams with about 350 boys and girls taking part. The club's chairman Stuart McCluskey estimates £100,000 will be needed to carry out essential repairs, provide adequate heating and extend currently limited changing accommodation. He is hopeful that several applications for grant aid will bear fruit but explained that it is important for the club to raise some of the cash itself. That's where he hopes the public and local businesses will be willing to help. Among the fund raising ideas being developed are a public fun day at Castle College on Sunday, 10 April, a giant raffle and adverts for sponsors on the Rangers' website. For more information, call Mr McCluskey on 07826 421127 or .   (March 30, 2011)
 

CHANGES TO BUS PASSES ON 1 APRIL

Kent County Council has announced that it will take over administration of the Concessionary Travel Scheme – which provides free local bus travel for elderly and disabled people – from Kent’s district and borough councils on Friday, 1 April 2011. Government funding for the scheme will be significantly reduced at the same time, meaning that the local authority will receive less money to pay for the scheme than the districts have had in the past. As a result, KCC will operate a national standard scheme.

This means passes will be accepted from 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. For the past three years, KCC provided additional funding to allow pass holders to travel from 9am on weekdays. After 1 April applications for new passes can be made to KCC online, by telephone, by post or in person at local libraries. For more details, see the KCC website.   (March 27, 2011)
 

PRE-PAY METER TOP-UPS AND CASH LOANS COULD BE "SCAMS"

Householders are being warned to be wary of two scams that could leave them out of pocket. Kent Trading Standards say a number of Kent residents have fallen for fraudulent on-line cash loan offers and, also, a huge number of people have been cheated by rogue salesmen offering a prepayment electricity meter top-up at half the price.

The dodgy unsecured loan offers can be found on the internet where applicants are informed that they have been approved and must pay a one-off fee to secure the loan. They are then asked to deposit this fee into a bank account or send it via a money transfer service. The destination is often outside the UK. If money is sent it is highly likely it will never be seen again and no loan will be provided. Trading Standards staff advise that genuine businesses who offer credit services in the UK are required to be licensed and consumers have protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Some UK credit brokers will charge a "broker’s fee" but, under Section 56 of the Act, if a loan is not taken out for whatever reason, applicants are entitled to a refund, minus £5. To play safe, potential loan applicants should ask the company for their Consumer Credit Licence number and check it on the Office of Fair Trading register via www2.crw.gov.uk/pr/Default.aspx. It's also a good idea to search the lender's name followed by "scam" and "complaints" in Google. For more advice contact Consumer Direct on 0845 40405.

The electricity prepayment meter keys scam operates by doorstep callers offering £50 worth of prepayment meter top-up at half price. The rogue salesmen then push a "cloned" key into the householder’s meter to add the credit.  Customers get their extra electricity but, since the credit is illegal and their electricity supplier will be aware of this, they may end up having to pay their energy supplier as well – so effectively paying twice. More than 5,300 incidents have been reported in Kent this year. Crimestoppers are now offering a £10,000 reward to anyone who can supply information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this crime.  Energy UK has stated that no official sellers of electricity meter top-ups operate door-to-door. Credit for pre-pay electricity meters is only available at official outlets such as the Post Office, Paypoint or Payzone.   (March 25, 2011)
 
ASTOR COMMUNITY THEATRE - ONE YEAR ON

The new Astor Community Theatre is one year old in April. James Tillitt, the artistic director for the centre in Stanhope Road, Deal, says: "It has been an extraordinary year with this lovely Edwardian theatre now virtually fully restored, our growing audience numbers, the wide variety of activities and events on offer and the continuing support and enthusiasm of local people."

He added: "On behalf of all of us I would like to sincerely thank the hundreds - even thousands - of people who have come through the doors, enjoyed the theatre, the music, the films, the classes and workshops or who have just dropped in to have a look and to remember their connection with this unique venue." He anticipated the theatre would continue, during the next year, to offer the finest in entertainment, opportunities for creativity and "a good night out". For the Astor's forthcoming events, see WalmerWeb's coming events listings or log on to the Astor website.   (March 24, 2011)
 

MAKE SURE OF YOUR VOTE

Elections are due to be held for district, town and parish councillors on Thursday, 5 May. A Parliamentary Referendum on the future voting system in the UK will also be held on that day. Only those people whose names are on the Register of Electors can vote or have a say in the Referendum. Anyone who is a British, Commonwealth or European Union citizen and is 18-years-of-age or over can register to vote. For anyone who isn't already on the Register or wishes to apply to vote by post - or change an existing postal vote - the deadline for submitting completed application forms is 5pm on Thursday, 14 April. To obtain the forms, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. For more advice on registering as an elector or postal voting, see Dover Council's website or contact the Elections Office on 01304 872344.   (March 18, 2011)
 

COUNCIL TAX FOR COMING 12 MONTHS

Dover District Council has published the council tax rates for the April 2011 - March 2012 financial year. The total bills include amounts for Kent County Council, Dover District Council, Kent Police Authority, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and for town and parish councils' services. Council tax is levied on properties across a range of "valuation bands" from Band A to Band H. For Walmer and Deal residents, these will be as follows:

Council Tax bands Deal Walmer
A £969.65 £968.29
B £1,131.26 £1,129.67
C £1,292.87 £1,291.06
D £1,454.48 £1,452.44
E £1,777.70 £1,775.21
F £2,100.92 £2,097.97
G £2,424.13 £2,420.73
H £2,908.96 £2,904.88
Details for other town and parish areas in Dover District can be seen on Dover Council's website.   (March 18, 2011)
 

NEW PLAY AREA AT VICTORIA PARK

Local children have a new-look play area at Victoria Park in Deal. Officially opened on Monday, 14 March, it offers a range of new features, developed in consultation with the local community. The new equipment includes challenging items for older children - such as massive climbing blocks - and various play opportunities for young children with slides and a seesaw. The area also includes sensory items such as drums and tubular bells. The upgrade was carried out by the Kent Children’s Fund Network on behalf of Dover District Council using money from the Government’s Playbuilder scheme and funding from Dover Council and Deal Town Council.   (March 18, 2011)
 

DISCOUNT CLUB OFFER - A FRONT FOR IDENTITY THEFT

Householders are being warned to wary of lengthy phone calls inviting them to help with market research and to join a discount club. Local Neighbourhood Watch say there was an incident on Sunday, 13 March, when a lady at Ripple, near Walmer, was telephoned by a man who asked for her by name. He said he was from a market research company and he had received her details because she had not ticked a box requesting that her details not be passed to third parties in a previous purchase or survey. He then asked a long list of questions about her purchases including holidays. At the end he said that he could guarantee to undercut any quoted price for the items he had mentioned and that, if the resident were interested, he would post the literature to her to arrive before the weekend. The caller read out the resident's name, telephone number and full address and asked her to confirm their accuracy. He added that, to join the club, there was a nominal charge of £1 to cover postage. When the resident asked how she should pay this £1 the caller said that, for her convenience, he could set up a direct debit if she gave him her bank account number and sort code. As soon as the resident said she did not give out these details the caller hung up. His number had been withheld and Neighbourhood Watch consider that the caller had all the details, except for the bank account, that he needed to set up an identity theft. For more information or to report any similar incident, call the NHW office on 01233 896126.  (March 18, 2011)
 

POLICE ADVICE ON CENSUS CALLERS

Kent Police have issued a warning to householders to be wary of crooks trying to take advantage from the National Census in March. Each property in England and Wales will receive a questionnaire, either through the post or delivered by hand. The Police say that if you have completed your Census form and returned it, no person should call at your property. However. if you forget to complete your form and someone knocks asking for information, it's important to check their identity and photo to ensure they are genuine. If in any doubt of the person's identity, close the door and do not let them in. Where fitted, use a door chain when opening the door. If you suspect the person is not genuine, try to record some details - such as their name, their description, what they were wearing, hair colour, estimated age or any telephone numbers or company names they give. If they are using a vehicle, try to note the registration number and the colour, make and model. Then report the incident to Kent Police on 01622 690690. "  (March 6, 2011)
 

DEAL TOWN COUNCIL SETS ITS BUDGET

Deal town councillors have agreed their spending plans for the coming financial year. The council budget will total £298,500, an 8.2% increase. Mayor of Deal Cllr Ben Bano says that setting the town council's precept had been a difficult exercise with a need to keep its share of any council tax rise as low as possible whilst maintaining services. These included new costs for public toilets taken over from Dover Council. The increase works out at around an extra 6p per week for each local Deal household.  (February 27, 2011)
 

FRESH SUPPORT FOR NORMAN WISDOM PROJECT

Deal resident Jez Anderson has revived his campaign to erect a statue for entertainer Sir Norman Wisdom in Deal town centre. Mr Anderson says that members of the late comedian's family have expressed support for the project. Expected to cost around £55,000, the commemorative statue could, it is suggested, attract fans of Sir Norman and boost local tourism. As part of fundraising plans Norman Wisdom impersonator Glen Ford is due to appear at the town's Astor Theatre in July. Anyone who feels they can help with the scheme is asked to contact Jez Anderson by .  (February 27, 2011)
 

HOW TO CUT BILLS WITH "GREEN ENERGY"

Local environmental campaigners Deal With It are inviting householders to find out how using green energy can reduce power bills. Their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, 22 March is open to the public and will provide a "beginners guide" to green energy for the home. Deal With It co-ordinator Rosie Rechter said: "We will go through how the 'feed-in-tariff' works for households doing their own micro generation of power, as well as the looking at the options for solar water heating and ground source pumps. We also want to remind people that lower tech' things such as more efficient boilers, insulation and monitoring consumption can have a major impact on energy bills." Among the speakers at the meeting in DealAbility, 43 Victoria Road, Deal will be representatives of local solar energy panel installers Advent Green, existing users of the feed-in-tariff and people who are planning to produce diy solutions. The meeting starts at 7.30pm. For more details see www.dealwithit.org.  (March 14, 2011)
 

"ALL STARS" CHARITY CONCERT ON 13 MARCH

The All Stars Band, originally formed in 1990 to raise funds after 11 Royal Marines bandsmen were murdered by an IRA bomb in Deal in September 1989, will be performing in Margate on Sunday, 13 March. Members of the band will return for their 22nd Annual Charity Concert at the Winter Gardens Theatre in aid of local and national charities. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10, £11 and £12, available from Cinque Ports Music on 01304 829656. All Stars publicity officer Mike Scurfield said: "The band has been performing every year since 1990 with over 100 musicians travelling from all over Europe to Margate. We've now raised over £187,000 for good causes and would like to get to £190,000 this year."  (March 2, 2011)
 

CHRISTINE ORRIDGE

Walmer residents will be saddened to learn that Parish Councillor Mrs Christine Orridge passed away on Friday, 11 February. Noted for her energetic support for a range of local voluntary groups, Christine was a leading member of the parish church congregation and, as a local councillor, masterminded several annual events including the Community Picnic and Spring Brocante on Walmer Green. She was a long-serving member of the parish council's planning committee, finance and general purposes committee and its events working group. Christine is survived by husband Kevan and daughters Emma and Lucy. A memorial service is to be held in St Mary's Church, St Clare Road, Walmer at 5pm on Thursday, 24 February.  (February 18, 2011)
 

NEW COURSES TO BRUSH UP LOCAL HISTORY AND WRITING SKILLS

Opportunities to learn about local history or polish up creative writing skills will be on offer in Deal in coming weeks. The Workers' Educational Association is running two new courses:
"Local History Topics" with tutor Maureen Criddle is designed to help people discover the fascinating story of the area's past and the people who lived there. The course comprises 10 two-hour sessions on Mondays at 2pm in St Leonard's Church Social Centre, 323 London Road (entrance off Rectory Road), Deal between 7 March and 23 May.
"Creative Writing" with tutor Elizabeth Ballagher is at the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm, over ten weeks from 28 April to 7 July.
The fee for each course is £75 and more details and on-line booking can be seen at www.wea.org.uk/.  (February 17, 2011)

 

CHEATS USE "ROMANCE" AND "RATS" IN LATEST SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards are warning residents about the latest scams that could leave them out of pocket. The first involves unsolicited e-mail messages from someone who is "looking for romance" but happens to live overseas. If responded to, this soon leads to requests for money by the online date, typically due to some "financial emergency" such as hospital bills for a sick child or buying an airline ticket as they are stranded abroad. It's suggested the money should be sent via telegraphic money transfer or some other untraceable source. The scammer then disappears with the cash. Trading Standards say that the people who run these scams are clever and sophisticated and know how to persuade people to part with money. They cite horror stories involving a woman who lost £80,000 in an internet dating scam and another person fooled into believing she had an online relationship with an American soldier and ended up transferring thousands of dollars to Nigeria.

The second alert centres on a Dover resident who had two workmen turn up on his doorstep to say that there had been complaints from neighbours about vermin. The callers - two white men posing as boss "Roger" and engineer "Paul" - said they had come to inspect drains. The victim was then persuaded to pay £4000 in cash, being told that the callers would log it as an "insurance job" and he would be refunded £3000, so it would only cost £1000. The men left with the £4000 and have not returned!

Kent Trading Standards advise consumers to only use reputable online dating or chat services, not to respond to unsolicited e-mails and never send money to someone they do not know, no matter how plausible they may sound. The consumer watchdog also urges householders to be wary when dealing with traders at the door. Few jobs are so urgent that they need immediate attention and it's sensible to get at least a couple of quotes from traders - possibly from those listed on the "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme. To report concerns or for details of Buy With Confidence traders call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. More about scams can be seen at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.  (February 15, 2011)

 

POLICE SEEKING GRAFFITI VANDALS

Local police are appealing for information following a spate of graffiti incidents in Walmer. They occurred overnight between Friday, 4 and Saturday, 5 February.
in Grams Road three cars were daubed with red and silver paint;
three vehicles and a house were also painted with the same colour in St Clare Road;
in St Mary’s Road a vehicle and the door and window of a house were targeted; and
in Church Street a car and a house were painted.

The police say they would like to speak to anyone who has information about the incidents which had caused a great deal of distress, inconvenience and cost to those who were targeted. The number to call is 01622 690690 (quoting crime number FY/1834/11); alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.    (February 14, 2011)
 

CUTTING DOWN ON WASTE

Rubbish and its impact on the environment will be under the spotlight at local enviromental group Deal With It’s next monthly meeting. They'll be looking at all aspects of waste and what people can do to reduce it. The group's secretary Victoria Nicholls said: "As a country we are still sending some 46% of all waste we produce to landfill sites. This is a real waste both to our environment and economy and an issue we can all do something about. Whether that is recycling, composting, not wasting food or passing on unwanted items to someone who can get some value from them. The purpose of this meeting is to explore what we can do here in Deal to reduce the amount of waste we produce."

Four speakers will be at the meeting in Dealability, 43 Victoria Road, Deal on Tuesday, 22 February at 7.30pm. Daphne Tutton will explain how to turn leftover food into tasty dishes and save cash; a representative from Freegle will show how the free local online service lets people recycle unwanted useful items by offering them to others; Geoff Warren will have tips on how to repair and re-use goods rather than take them to the "dump"; and Graeme Laws will cover Dover District Council’s new recycling arrangements and what the authority is doing to reduce waste in the district. The meeting is open to anyone interested and there are more details on: the Deal With It website at www.dealwithit.org.  (February 14, 2011)
 

DEAL LIBRARY REOPENS ON 22 FEBRUARY

Following major refurbishment, Deal Library is set to reopen on Tuesday, 22 February. As well as the usual range of library services the building houses the area office for Dover District Council and this will reopen on Wednesday, 23 February and operate Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

The library staff will be looking for voluntary helpers. Ways in which the public can help - as part of a "Time2Give" scheme - include computer support, ancestry and family history advice, baby "rhyme time" hosting, gardening, the home library courier service, scrabble club and "knit and natter" craft sessions. Details and a full list of activities are available at Kent libraries and in the "Libraries/Services For All" section on the KCC website at www.kent.gov.uk.  (February 11, 2011)

 

MACKEREL ON THE MENU AT "BLUE MERMAID"

Customers at the Blue Mermaid Fish Bar in Victoria Road, Deal are being invited to try something new and support television chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's "Big Fish Fight" campaign. Local chippy Sam Sidhu has added locally sourced battered Mackerel to the fare at his Blue Mermaid shop. He said the novel dish had been selling well, overtaking Cod on some days. Sam wants to make seasonal, locally-sourced fish part of his menu and hopes to add local Pollock in April. The "Fish Fight" campaign condemns wasteful fish discards and encourages people to try fish other than cod or tuna. There's growing support with more details at: www.fishfight.net/.    (February 8, 2011)
 

FRENCH CONNECTION FOR WALMER GREEN?

A popular continental sport could be coming to Walmer if proposals by Vista Leisure - the operators of several local leisure centres including Tides in Deal - get a "go-ahead". As part of a consultation exercise with the area's local councils and other interested parties, Vista are suggesting that the former crazy golf area on Walmer Green should become the new home for a Pétanque Piste. Pétanque is a form of boules, usually involving a competition between two to six people throwing metal balls to land as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. The game has a growing following in the UK with over 300 clubs affiliated to the English Pétanque Association and an estimated 25,000 people taking part.

Vista's proposals for the seafront site would create five separate lanes, available for hire to the public and organised groups. For those needing them, boules would also be available for hire. The overall cost of setting up the project is expected to be around £10,000. The scheme is to be discussed by Walmer parish councillors at their full council meeting on Wednesday, 9 February. The meeting is open to the public and in the Sea Scout Hut, Marine Road, Walmer starting at 7pm. Vista Leisure says that, once they have the views of interested parties, they will produce a detailed scheme for formal consideration. Anyone wishing to support or comment on the scheme should contact Vista Leisure's head of business and community development Kalvin Clapson by or on 01304 245352.   (February 4, 2011)
 

OIL THIEVES STRIKE

Ringwould village, near Walmer, is among the latest places to be targeted by heating oil thieves. Kent Police say that a property there - as well as premises at Saltwood, near Hythe, and in Ashford - had oil stolen between 30 January and 1 February. Householders and businesses with oil storage tanks are being advised to check and, if necessary, improve their security arrangements.    (February 3, 2011)
 

LAUNCH OF "GARDEN SHARE" SCHEME

Local environmental campaigners Deal With It are encouraging keen growers and people with spare garden space to get together to benefit from home-grown fruit and vegetables. Launching their "Garden Share" scheme this week, the group believes that many people don’t have access to land but would love the chance to grow their own food, herbs and flowers. Project coordinator Steve Wakeford explained: "This is a real 'share and grow' scheme. Not only will it produce some excellent local vegetables - shared between the producer and garden owner - and enable people to learn some plant growing skills but it will also help build our community by its mutual aspects".

The scheme organisers are also interested in hearing from experienced gardeners who would be willing to advise inexperienced growers. For more details see the the Deal With It website at www.dealwithit.org or contact Steve by or by calling 01304 372673. The group will also have a stall in Deal High Street on Saturday, 5 February from 10.30am to 12.30pm.    (January 31, 2011)

 
BEACH CLEAN STALWARTS DEFY THE CHILL

Undeterred by a bitter north-easterly wind, 17 Deal With It supporters completed the first Deal beach clean of 2011 on Sunday, 30 January. In just over an hour they managed to pick up and log over 130kgs of rubbish from the beach.

Beach Clean on 30 January 2011 (photo: Steve Wakeford)
Cleaner: Over 130kgs less rubbish on Deal's shoreline (photo: Steve Wakeford)
Deal Beach Warden, Wendy Boorman said: "It was a great turnout for such a cold day. We picked up a record amount in a short time. The information we collate from the beach cleans is invaluable to the work of Marine Conservation Society which campaigns to keep our coasts clean and healthy." The group's next clean up along the shore will be on Sunday, 24 April.    (January 30, 2011)
 

NEW SOCIAL CAFE FOR MILL HILL AREA

Moves to expand the community activities of St Richard's Church at the top end of Mill Hill, Deal, will receive a boost with the launch of a "drop in" cafe on Monday, 7 February. It's one of the first results from formation of a Mill Hill Community Association, supported by the church together with Dover Council, the Coop and other groups. The new project, based in the church hall and called "Cafe Eden", will open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 11.15am. The aim is to provide a friendly meeting place for parents and others after the "school run". Other activities are being planned including Saturday afternoon fun cookery sessions for children and parents due to start in March.    (January 27, 2011)
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NORTH DEAL COMMUNITY CENTRE

People are being invited to help with running and supporting the new North Deal Community Centre which is due to open later this year. Organisers of the project on the former gas works site in Cannon Street say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone with professional expertise in accountancy and finance. They could also do with help running their website and are looking at proposals for a catering service at the new building. To find out more, see www.northdealcommunity.co.uk or contact project co-ordinator Emily Barnes on 07985 623 190 or by .    (January 27, 2011)
 

NEW WEBSITE TO AID STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Students and graduates looking for employment could find the new GradsKent online recruitment and support service for Kent a big help. Operated by Kent County Council in partnership with Kent universities and employers, it aims to match the best talent with the best local businesses. The project's website at www.GradsKent.com provides a one-stop shop for employment opportunities suitable for university and college leavers. The site also advertises job and placement opportunities for interns and gap-year and sandwich-year students. In addition, there's advice on a range of topics including working in Kent, graduate finance and starting a business... plus a number of helpful case studies. The GradsKent service also covers advice and support for local employers and their recruitment needs with any charges believed to be among the lowest in Kent.    (January 25, 2011)
 

COMPUTER "KNOW-HOW" FOR THE OVER-55'S

There's an opportunity for people over 55 to discover how to make best use of their computer and explore the Internet in a local series of weekly classes. Run by the Training Highway organisation, the sessions will be at Deal Centre for the Retired in Park Street, Deal on Wednesdays, starting at 2pm. For details or to reserve a place, call 01304 617174.  (January 20, 2011)

 

GERRY COSTA

A regular contributor of photographs and news items to this local website, Walmer's Gerry Costa has died aged 73. As well as being an enthusiastic charity fundraiser and keen photographer, Gerry was an active member of Rotary, receiving its top award - the Paul Harris Fellowship - in January 2008. In 1957 Gerry left his native Spain for England, learnt to speak the language and made it his home, working as a fruit importer. He moved to Knoll Place, Walmer, with his wife Viki seven years ago. He leaves a son, a daughter and four grandchildren.

As a member of the Rotary Club of South Foreland Gerry was an energetic supporter of the group's domestic and international activities. He was also a founder member and honorary treasurer of the Kent Prostate Cancer Support Association. Group secretary Graham Edwards, also from Walmer, recalled how Gerry had helped raise more than £130,000 to pay for 13 portable ultrasound scanners which monitor prostate cancer in Kent hospitals. Gerry was also a member of South East ArtistS where he exhibited his work and offered his local views as greetings cards. Gerry died at The Pilgrim's Hospice, Margate on Wednesday, 12 January. His funeral is by invitation only; donations in his memory can be made to the Pilgim's Hospice.  (January 20, 2011)
 

"FREE" BURGLAR ALARMS COULD PROVE EXPENSIVE

Local householders are being warned to be wary of a business which has been "cold calling" in the Ringwould area and attempting to sell or provide "free" burglar alarms. Kent Trading Standards say they would not recommend agreeing to any work following a cold call. Few jobs are so urgent that they need immediate action and businesses rarely give away expensive items "free". Previous experience is that burglar alarms offered as being "free" may well involve expensive long-term maintenance and monitoring contracts. The consumer watchdog advises that, as with all purchases, it pays to do some research and obtain several quotes before making a commitment. They also keep a list of reputable traders; for details call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.  (January 19, 2011)
 

VITAL "FREEVIEW" RETUNE ON 26 JANUARY

Major works on the Freeview digital television equipment on the Dover transmitter later this month will mean local viewers need to retune their Freeview tvs, video recorders or set top boxes. Failure to retune is likely to result in a number of channels - including ITV3, E4, FIVER, Dave, SKY Three, Film 4, Yesterday, Quest and ITV 4 - no longer being received.

Digital UK, the organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK, advises that to restore all the channels, viewers should run a full (factory reset) retune on their Freeview receiver after the transmitter changes are completed at 6am on Wednesday, 26 January. The works will be carried out in the six hours before 6am and this could mean that some channels are not available for viewing or recording during that time. Digital UK say that, after retuning, most viewers will not see any change in reception although it might get better for some. People on the fringes of current Freeview reception or with poor aerial installations may experience occasional interference to some channels. Any digital reception problems should be reduced as Freeview signal strength is increased when the Dover transmitter becomes "fully digital" - currently expected to be in July 2012. For Digital UK's advice on the Dover transmitter works, click here.  (January 13, 2011)
 

SCAMS AWARENESS MONTH 2011

Regular visitors to these news pages on WalmerWeb and DealWeb will know that we often highlight warnings issued by Kent Trading Standards and other bodies about bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone, e-mail or text. Now the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will be trying to raise even more awareness through its annual Scams Awareness Month from 1 February to 28 February. This year it will have three main themes: fake ticket websites, bogus holiday clubs and a drive to to raise awareness in local communities.

Consumers losing money to scams is a significant problem in the UK. Mass marketed scams such as fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predictions and miracle health cures are some of the tricks used by scammers with the elderly and vulnerable often targeted as they are more likely to become repeat victims. The OFT says nearly half of the UK population has been targeted by a scam. More than three million adults - 6.5 per cent of the UK population - fall victim to scams, losing a total of £3.5billion every year. There's more on the Scams Awareness Month on the OFT website.  (January 12, 2011)
 

FOCUS ON MARKE WOOD VANDALISM

Concerns have been raised about on-going vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Marke Wood recreation ground on Dover Road, Walmer. At their December meeting, members of Walmer Parish Council heard from Deal Neighbourhood Police Sergeant Chris Gurney that Marke Wood was getting special attention and only days before three youths had been apprehended whilst damaging the sports pavilion. Parish councillor Mrs Margaret Beard-Gould said that incidents of vandalism and bad behaviour occured on a daily basis. Parish clerk Mrs Kirsty Holroyd advised councillors that Dover Council's community safety team had recently visited the site and were actively considering measures to deter bad behaviour there.  (January 12, 2011)

 

KENT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE SEEKS HELPERS

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is about to run a campaign inviting members of the public to volunteer to support and assist with a wide range of community safety initiatives across Kent and Medway. The role is varied and could entail: attending community events with Kent Fire and Rescue to raise awareness of safety issues; organising or helping with Home Safety Visits; delivering community safety literature in designated areas; and reporting fly-tipped rubbish in focus areas to the authorities. Daytime, evening and weekend volunteering opportunities are available and will be based in the volunteer's local area. Full training and support are provided and travel costs reimbursed. Recruitment packs will be available in February and training will begin in March. To register interest or for more information contact Karen Garrett (Volunteer Coordinator) by or call 01795 433174.  (January 12, 2011)

 

"WELLIE WALK" IN AID OF LIFEBOATS

The public is being invited to support the work of the RNLI by donning their wellies for a fundraising walk along Deal and Walmer seafront on Sunday, 30 January. The novelty event starts at Walmer Lifeboat Station on Walmer Green at 10am with a route along the beach to Deal Rowing Club and back. Hot drinks and refreshments and a free Welly Walk car sticker will be provided to all taking part. There is also a prize draw with a prize donated by Hoads of Deal. Entry is £2 per person or £5 for a family. Local RNLI spokesman Richard Porteous explained: "Wellies are not compulsory, of course, but the more the merrier. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and this local event makes an important contribution to this cause. Everyone is invited to join the fun on Sunday, 30 January." For more details, contact Richard on 07715 990963 or .  (January 5, 2011)
 

LOCAL LIBRARIES SEEK VOLUNTARY HELP

Kent Libraries are inviting people to volunteer to help in their local library as part of their "Time2Give" scheme. They say they welcome people of all ages and will pay agreed out-of-pocket expenses such as travel to the library. Ways in which volunteers can help include assisting customers to use computers, library garden maintenance, youngsters' homework clubs, sessions to encourage and retain traditional crafts and delivering books to those who are housebound. Opportunities at Deal Library will probably be limited for the next two months due to building works. When the Deal branch is "back in operation", staff expect to be looking for helpers for their computer support service, ancestry and family history advice, baby "rhyme time" hosting, gardening, home library courier service, scrabble club and "knit and natter" craft sessions. Details and a full list of activities are available at Kent libraries and in the "Libraries/Services For All" section on the KCC website at www.kent.gov.uk.  (January 4, 2011)
 
This page was updated on August 7, 2011