A drive to make Walmer parish "bee friendly" is getting off to a flying start thanks to the efforts of local community groups and churches. The importance of bees to the environment was raised at a Walmer Community Partnership meeting by parish council vice-chairman Cllr Derek Murphy. He suggested that the grounds around local churches had the potential to become "bee friendly" habitats. If supported by local clergy these "bee hubs" could then, over time, be linked by "bee lanes" if local residents were persuaded to include bee friendly plants in their gardens.

Members of Walmer Baptist Church on Dover Road have taken up the challenge. Where possible, the flower beds, hanging baskets and planters around the church are being stocked with bee friendly varieties. In July the church is to host a bee awareness morning for pupils from The Downs and Northbourne CE Primary Schools. The children will get expert advice about beekeeping and each have the opportunity to make a "bee hotel" which they can either place in their own gardens, their school or the church grounds. Funding for this has been provided by Walmer Parish Council.

The next phase of the scheme is to encourage local residents to join in by supporting the "bee lane" idea. With suitable planting, the bees are able to move freely from garden to garden and from bee hub to bee hub. For anyone interested in supporting the scheme, the Baptist Church has a free session on Friday 24 July from 2pm to 4pm with expert advice on the best plants for bees. There will also be tastings of honey produced from local hives and advice and information on the importance and encouragement of bees. Church pastor Reverend Seyan Tills said that those working on the project had learnt much about bees and the importance of preserving and increasing their habitat. He was particularly pleased at having the opportunity to share this knowledge with local children and to encourage them to do their bit by making the bee hotels. It was a great way for the church and schools to work together.     (June 23, 2015)

£12,000 CASH SUPPORT FOR LOCAL GROUPS

Thirty local clubs and voluntary groups are to receive cash grants to help with their activities in the latest round of community grants by Deal Town Council. Meeting on Tuesday 26 May, members of the council's finance and general purposes committee used £12,000 from a total £15,000 grant budget - so keeping £3,000 back for any urgent grants requests in coming months. For a detailed report, see KentOnline website.      (June 10, 2015)

BIG CHANGES AT WALMER CASTLE

A £675,000 refurbishment project and celebration of one of its most famous former residents are set to boost interest in Walmer Castle. With 2015 marking the 200th anniversary of the Duke of Wellington's famous victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the castle is introducing a major new display to recall his frequent residence there as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Duke became a well known local figure and regularly worshipped at the Blessed St Mary parish church in Upper Walmer. He died at the castle on 14 September 1852.

In addition to the new Wellington displays, the castle has a full programme of special events. Included are a Blooming Gardens garden interest show on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June; a Regency Weekend aimed at families and youngsters on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June; and a visit by the BBC's Antiques Roadshow on Sunday 19 July. For more details, see: www.english-heritage.org.uk/      (June 4, 2015)

SEARCH IS ON FOR WALMER'S BEST BLOOMS

Walmer residents and businesses are, once again, being invited to take part in the annual Walmer In Bloom best gardens competition. Householders can enter their own or any other garden or display that has impressed them. All entries need to be visible from the public highway. Preliminary judging of gardens and floral displays is in the week beginning Monday 13 July with final judging the following week. For the winners, there's a presentation event on Sunday 13 September. For details of the competition categories and how to enter, contact the Walmer Parish Council Office at 8 The Strand, Walmer, phone 01304 362363 or  The closing date for entries is Wednesday 1 July.      (June 4, 2015)

NEW BUS TIMES PROVING A MYSTERY

Lack of timetable information at the area's bus stops has been criticised by regular bus user the Rev Seyan Tills of Walmer Baptist Church. Speaking at last week's annual Walmer Parish Meeting, he said that Stagecoach bus time changes introduced on Sunday 26 April were causing real problems in the absence of any information. The new printed timetable booklets were virtually unobtainable and the advice from Stagecoach to use a mobile phone or the internet was unrealistic for many. He considered restoring timetable displays at bus stops required urgent action.      (June 4, 2015)

NO VILLAGE GREEN - SO MAYBE A FOOTPATH?

Campaigners, keen to have an area of Coldblow Woods at Ripple designated as a village green, have been advised that their bid has failed. The decision follows a three-year battle following the acquisition of a 23-acre section of the woodland and meadow by Mr Nicholas Fielding. The application to maintain public access through "village green" designation was considered at an inquiry in Deal in June 2014. The request was turned down last October and an appeal against this finally dismissed this month.

It is now understood that the "save the woods" campaigners have submitted an application to Dover District Council for a path through the private woodland to be designated as a public right of way. A decision on this could take several years.     (May 29, 2015)

NEW TWIST IN MYFERRYLINK SAGA

Eurotunnel has announced it will end its partnership with ferry service MyFerryLink and not renew a current lease when it expires on 2 July. The surprise decision follows a three-year-legal battle in which the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) argued that Eurotunnel had gained too large a market share for cross-channel ferry services. The CMA imposed a ruling for the ferry service to cease operating on 9 July but this was overturned by the Court of Appeal earlier this month. The CMA then said it was considering taking the case to the Supreme Court.

The search is now on for a new owner for the fleet of three ships. It has been reported that Eurotunnel is currently considering several offers from unnamed bidders. Around 600 jobs are at risk if this fails.    (May 29, 2015)

EARLY MORNING 'QUAKE FOR EAST KENT

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake just off the coast at Sandwich in the early hours of Friday 22 May was felt by people over a wide area of East Kent. Many were awoken at 2.52am by a loud bang followed by a rumbling tremor lasting a couple of seconds. According to the British Geological Survey the source of the 'quake was eight miles below the seabed off Sandwich. Although many householders experienced buildings and household items vibrating, no injuries or structural damage were reported to the emergency services.

The last significant earthquake in Kent was in 2007 when hundreds of homes in Folkestone were damaged by a 4.3 magnitude tremor. Prior to that, there are records of two 'quakes in the Dover Straits in May 1382; another in the Dover Straits in April 1580; a significant 'quake affecting the Deal area in September 1692; and a minor tremor in Deal in March 1831. The British Geological Survey's report on the latest eartquake can be seen at www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/.../.../20150522015216.html.     (May 23, 2015)

NEW RAIL TIMETABLE STARTS SUNDAY 17 MAY

Train operator Southeastern's new timetable starts on Sunday 17 May and runs until Saturday 12 December 2015. It takes into account changes to services during the Thameslink and London Bridge engineering work, some revised routes and times and the need for extra carriages on some routes including those to the Kent coast in the summer season.

Details can be seen at: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/timetables/may-timetable/ and the timetable can be dowloaded from: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/timetables#May.    (May 13, 2015)

TOWN AND PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

The results of town and parish council elections held across Dover district on Thursday 7 May have been published. The details on Dover District Council's website are in two lists - one for contested elections (where there were more candidates than available seats) and the other for uncontested elections (where there were the same number or fewer candidates than the available seats).

For the lists of results see:

• Contested election results at www.dover.gov.uk/.../.../Election-Results/Parish-Declaration-of-results-2015.pdf
• Uncontested election results at www.dover.gov.uk/.../.../Election-Results/...Uncontested-Election-2015.pdf

Deal Town Council sees a change in politcal control following election of eight Conservative and seven Labour members. They are:

The first meeting of the new town council is on Monday 18 May when it holds its annual meeting and elects a new mayor.

Walmer Parish Council's new make-up is as follows:

ELECTION RESULTS

Parliamentary Election:
Conservative candidate Charlie Elphicke has been re-elected as MP for Dover after receiving 21,737 votes in yesterday's (7 May) election. Labour parliamentary candidate Clair Hawkins came second with 15,443 votes. Ukip's David Little finished third with 10,177 votes. The other candidates Sarah Smith (Liberal Democrat) polled 1,572 votes and Jolyon Trimingham (Green) received 1,295 votes. The overal turnout was 69.63%.
For the official statement of the Parliamentary election results see: www.dover.gov.uk/Council--Democracy/Elections/Parliamentary-Declaration-of-results.pdf.

Dover District Council Election:
The Conservatives have retained control of Dover District Council, gaining 25 of the total 45 seats on the council. Labour gained 17 seats and Ukip came onto the council for the first time, gaining three seats. Ukip's success was at the expense of one former Conservative seat and two Labour seats. Some of the local Deal and Walmer area wards are as follows:

For FULL details of the Dover District Council election results see: www.dover.gov.uk/Council--Democracy/Elections/District-Declaration-of-results.pdf

Parish and Town Council Elections:
The results of town and parish elections are due to be announced on Monday (11 May).
(May 8, 2015)

FREE WALK TO EXPLORE HAWKSHILL FREEDOWN

There's an opportunity to find out more about one of the Walmer's natural gems when the parish council holds it latest "walk and talk" session at Hawkshill Freedown on Sunday 17 May. Local wildflower expert Eddie Turner, who monitors the Freedown's rare chalk grassland on behalf of the council, will lead the walk. Eddie explained: “Hawksdown is home to a variety of typical chalk grassland species including salad burnet, kidney vetch, small scabious and squinancywort. It is important that the site is monitored to detect any deterioration and, where necessary, take action to preserve the area for the future.”

There is no charge for the walk which will last approximately two hours and cover no more than one mile. Those interested should meet at the car park at the junction of Liverpool Road and Grams Road just before 10am and wear suitable footwear for uneven ground. For more details callt the parish office on 01304 362363.     (May 10, 2015)

HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENING LOCALLY AT WALMER MEETING

There's an open invitation for Walmer residents to hear about their parish council and local services on Wednesday, 27 May. Walmer Parish Council is holding its Annual Parish Meeting in the Parish Council Office at 8 The Strand, Walmer, starting at 7pm. As well as reporting on the activities of the council over the past year, guest speakers will highlight latest developments at Walmer Castle, details of the new Walmer Food Fair event and plans for Hawkshill Freedown. The meeting is open to the public and provides an opportunity to raise concerns and suggest ideas for community projects. For details, call the parish clerk on 01304 381506.     (May 9, 2015)

SEPTEMBER START FOR UPPER WALMER HOUSING?

According to a news item in today's East Kent Mercury (Thursday 7 May), developers Taylor Wimpey believe that work on construction of 223 homes on land at Station Road, Upper Walmer, could begin this September. The company says going ahead will depend on finalising agreements with Dover District Council on arrangements for services like water, drainage and roads.    (May 7, 2015)

RAIL ENGINEERING WORKS

Train operator Southeastern has announce changes to some rail services in May:

• There's planned engineering work on the lines between Faversham and Deal via Dover Priory on all of Sunday 10 May to early on Monday 11 May. All services will be replaced by buses between Faversham and Deal. The London Victoria to Canterbury East stopping services will start/terminate at Faversham and replacement bus services will run between Faversham, Dover Priory and Deal. A shuttle train service will run between Deal and Ramsgate.
• Further nighttime engineering work between Dover Priory and Canterbury East and Deal is scheduled from late on Monday 11 May to early on Saturday 16 May. The 22:37 St Pancras International to Ramsgate via Ashford International late night train services on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be diverted at Ashford and run non- stop to Ramsgate, arriving at 23:48. Passengers for Folkestone West, Folkestone Central, Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal and Sandwich and will have a replacement bus service.

For details, see: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/engineering-work/    (May 7, 2015)

Walmer’s popular bank holiday Brocante will see more than 170 stalls of antiques, collectables and local arts and crafts spread out across Walmer Green on Monday 4 May. Kirsty Holroyd, clerk to Walmer Parish Council, which organises the fair, said: “The Brocante is now one of the largest in East Kent and this year’s event will be the biggest on record, with 20 more stalls than last year.”

Bargain hunters will find a huge range of items on sale, including vintage Italian chandeliers, Rupert Bear memorabilia, clothing, furniture, homewares, kitchenalia, musical and military memorabilia, books, toys and jewellery. Local arts and crafts include fashion lampshades, homemade beach bags and baby shoes. Experts Tony Pratt and Michael Roberts from Canterbury Auction Galleries, who have appeared on TV programmes such as ‘Flog It’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’, will be at the Brocante from 10am to 1pm to value people’s purchases and collectables and advise them how to convert these into cash at auction. Bookings for valuations will be taken on the day from 9am on the bandstand.

The Brocante is open from 8am to 4pm. For more details, contact 01304 362363 or visit www.walmercouncil.co.uk.   (April 30, 2015)

BUS TIMETABLE CHANGES

Local bus operator Stagecoach has announced changes to a number of East Kent area timetables from Sunday 26 April. Changes affecting the Deal and Walmer routes are as follows:

• There will be additional buses on routes 13/13A between Sandwich and Deal. Stagecoach advise checking your journey carefully as many route 13 buses will now operate as route 13A and vice versa.
  On-line timetable: www.stagecoachbus.com/uploads/1314wef260415.pdf
• Route 12 will continue to run at the same frequency, but at new times during the day.
  Timetable: www.stagecoachbus.com/uploads/12wef270415.pdf
• There is a new Sunday service on route 15B between Dover, River and Canterbury, running every two hours. Together with route 15, there will now be an hourly service between Dover and Canterbury.
  Timetable: www.stagecoachbus.com/uploads/1515a15bwef260415.pdf

(April 21, 2015)

Richard Morsley, Director of Betteshanger Sustainable Parks, is giving a presentation on the project at the former Betteshanger Colliery site on Monday 11 May. Starting at 7pm in the Betteshanger Social Club, Circular Road, Betteshanger, near Deal, the evening is an opportunity for the public to hear the progress being made and discuss ways in which the community will be able to participate.

The Betteshanger Sustainable Parks scheme aims to create a leading centre for green technologies, environmental management and alternative energy in East Kent. Development of a sustainable energy visitor centre and country park will commence in June and open in spring 2016. The facilities will include: the green energy centre, a multi-purpose space for conferences, weddings and events and a café for visitors and the local community. Work to create a Kent Mining Museum will follow with it due to open in 2017. For more details on the project, see: www.betteshangerparks.co.uk or contact Danielle Needham (Betteshanger Project Assistant)      (April 21, 2015)

RESURFACING WORKS FOR THE A258 DEAL-DOVER ROAD

Kent Highways are planning to carry out two sets of resurfacing works on the A258 Dover Road over the next couple of weeks. Both will involve evening and night-time closures and traffic diversions.

• The A258 Deal Road between the A2 Duke of York’s roundabout and the junction with The Lane (near Swingate Inn) will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 5am. for up to four nights starting Thursday 23 April.
• The A258 Dover Road at Upper Walmer between the junctions with Grams Road and Granville Road will be closed to traffic between 7pm and 2am on the nights of Tuesday 28 April to Friday 1 May inclusive and between 7pm and 5am on Tuesday 5 May. Church Street and Walmer Castle Road will be closed at their junctions with Dover Road as the works progress. Access to these roads is via their junctions with Court Road and St Clare Road respectively.

There will be no direct access between Dover and Deal using the A258 during the two sets of resurfacing works. Local drivers will probably use rural alternatives. For larger vehicles the recommended diversions involve using the A258 Sandwich Road, the A256 Eastry and Whitfield bypass and the A2.    (April 17, 2015)

A national charity that helps frail elderly and terminally ill people to continue to care for their pets, is seeking volunteers in the Walmer area. The Cinnamon Trust says it urgently needs dog walking volunteers in Walmer for two dogs, a nine-year-old Lurcher Cross and a six-year-old Saluki Cross who, it says, "would love to go for a good walk".

The Trust's Sally Collins says: "What happens if illness, injury or just the fact that we all get older affects our ability to look after our four legged companions? Elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, feeling that their only option is to rehome them. This is where our national network of dedicated volunteers steps in to offer support, enabling them to stay together. We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food and even clean out the bird cage or litter trays. We are always seeking new volunteers."

For more details or to offer help. contact Sally on 01736 758707 or  The Trust's website is at: www.cinnamon.org.uk.    (April 14, 2015)

YOUNG JAZZ JOINS THE SWING BAND’S CHARITY CONCERT

Young musicians will be playing a major role in the popular Railway Swing Band's annual concert at St George’s Church in Deal High Street on Wednesday 29 April. Organised by the Rotary Club of Deal to raise funds for local charities, the evening will see several very young players in the Swing Band plus a jazz band from Northbourne Park School opening the second half of the programme. The young jazz musicians will perform four of their own pieces including one with the school's choir. They'll then top this by joining the Railway Swing Band for their final number.

Rotary member Steve Misson explained: "The band has always encouraged youth to take part. With this year’s inclusion of the Northbourne jazz band it will be a unique occasion and one which is sure to be popular with the public." Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, are £10 (includes a glass of wine) and available from Biggs Opticians at 68 High Street and the Astor Theatre in Stanhope Road or by calling 01304 362181.    (April 14, 2015)

GEARING UP FOR ANNUAL FOLK FESTIVAL

Local folk musicians will be promoting Deal's September Folk Festival and raising vital funds with another town centre busk on Saturday 18 April. Their music session for shoppers in Deal's High Street includes an invitation for all local performers to join in.

The folk musicians have also started a monthly "Playaround / Singaround" session at the Saracen’s Head pub in Alfred Square. Deal. Held on the second Sunday of each month from 2pm til 5pm, the next one is on Sunday 12 April. Newcomers are welcome to join in.     (April 6, 2015)

TWO LOCAL "BEACH CLEANS" THIS SUNDAY

There are two opportunities for people to help smarten up local beaches this coming Sunday (29 March). Deal With It, Deal’s local "green" group will be working with the Marine Conservation Society to gather up rubbish at the Sandown Castle end of the beach. It starts at 10am and lasts for one or two hours. Bags, gloves and pickers are provided and details of everything collected noted to help in monitoring what is happening along the UKs coastline. At the same time there is a community clean up on Kingsdown beach organised by Helen Williams and Jane Banks. Helpers are invited to meet outside the Zetland Pub at 10am - with a finish at about noon.

Deal beach warden Wendy Boorman said the community's concern for local beaches regularly produced a great response by volunteers. She added: "The beach clean sessions are great fun and the whole family can get involved while, at the same time, addressing the environmental issues affecting our coastline.” For further details, see www.dealwithit.org.uk, or phone 01304 372673.     (March 23, 2015)

ADVICE ON CHANGES TO COST OF CARE

Expert advice on the Care Act 2015 and how it is going to affect costs of care will feature in a talk at Deal Centre for the Retired in Park Street on Monday 30 March. A speaker from Kent County Council will explain the implications of the new legislation in the free 90-minute public meeting which starts at 10.30am.

Organiser Cynthia Horncastle, an advisor to the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is the first meeting in Deal for some time and it is intended, if there is enough interest, to make such meetings a regular occurrence and form what will be known as the "Deal Hub". Attendees will be given the opportunity to become members of this group."    (March 23, 2015)

LOCAL RAIL WORKS WILL AFFECT SOME JOURNEYS

Local rail journeys are set to be affected by engineering works in coming weeks with buses replacing trains between some stations. The affected routes are:

• Between Ashford International and Dover Priory - all day on Sunday 22 March.
• Between Ashford International and Deal - from 23.50 on Thursday 26 March to 03.50 on Friday 27 March.
• Between Folkestone Central and Dover Priory - all day on Saturday 18 April.
• Between Ashford International and Dover Priory - all day on Sunday 19 April.
• Between Dover Priory and Ramsgate - all day on Saturday 25 April.
• Between Folkestone East and Deal/Canterbury East - all day on Sunday 26 April.

For full details, see: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/engineering-work/.     (March 18, 2015)

Southeastern trains has warned that significant engineering work over the Easter weekend (April 3-6) could affect journeys. The Thameslink construction and East Kent resignalling works will mean changes for many passengers travelling across Kent as well as to and from London. Several main London stations will be closed completely.

An amended timetable will operate throughout the four-day Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday. There will be changes to where trains stop and some trains will be terminating at different terminals. Passengers are being advised to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk/.     (March 18, 2015)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR "BIG DIG"

People keen to help improve the look of Deal are being invited to join in local "green" group DealWithIt's "Big Dig" on the weekend of 21 and 22 March. The idea is to help transform waste land around Deal rail station. Last year the group cleared an area of waste land alongside the station and planted a poppy meadow. This year they want to extend it and plant a perennial hay meadow. Other work involves a tidy up in the car park, sowing some annual meadow flowers and moving two planters on the Ramsgate pllatform.

The work parties are between 10am and 1pm on both days. Co-ordinator Steve Wakeford said people would be welcome to help for any time they could spare. He added: "Please bring a fork or spade - although we do have some spares - and, maybe, something to drink or eat." For more details     (March 18, 2015)

COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR KINGSDOWN BEACH SCHEME

A £1.8million scheme to improve sea defences at Kingsdown has moved a step closer. On Monday 2 March members of Dover District Council's cabinet gave their blessing to plans to build 16 new timber groynes and replenish the local beach with 24,000 cubic metres of recycled shingle. The project is being funded by the government through the Environment Agency.

The district council now needs formal approval for the works from Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation. It will then invite tenders for the construction of the timber groynes and the beach recycling works.     (March 6, 2015)

COUNCIL TAX FOR THE COMING 12 MONTHS

Dover District Council has agreed local Council Tax for the coming financial year which starts in April. The average total bill for a Band D property in Dover district for 2015/16 will be £1,536.56, an increase of 1.73%. The money is collected by the district council and includes sums for:

•  Kent County Council (£1,089.99),
•  Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (£147.15),
•  Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (£70.65) and
•  the district's town and parish councils (an average of £61.28).

Dover District Council retains £167.49 towards its own services - a sum it says has been frozen for the second year running. The new council tax levels were confirmed at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 4 March.     (March 5, 2015)

DEAL HOSPITAL WILL LOSE CLINICS

The future provision of services at Deal's Victoria Hospital may not be as secure as previously reported. Closer reading of the NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) recent list of continuing services at the local hospital reveals that a number of specialist clinics will no longer be provided in Deal. They will be transferred to the new Dover Hospital which is expected to open this Spring. The affected services are said to be gynaecology, endocrinology, general medicine, thoracic medicine, orthotics and older persons' healthcare.

The planned changes have raised concerns about ease of travel to the new Dover Hospital, especially for the elderly. Although taking very different views on the local NHS changes, district councillor Ben Bano, Labour parliamentary candidate Clair Hawkins and MP Charlie Elphicke all agree that better transport links will be needed.

Three different organisations are involved:
The NHS South Kent Coast CCG comprises local GPs and other health professionals from the Dover, Deal and Shepway area who are responsible for deciding which NHS services are provided, by whom and where (see www.southkentcoastccg.nhs.uk/homepage).
The East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust will run the new Dover Hospital (see: www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/buckland-hospital/new-dover-hospital).
Kent Community Health NHS Trust administers the Deal Victoria Hospital. For its current services see: www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/ Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=3372.     (February 26, 2015)

Dover District Council is inviting the public's views on parking arrangements in Dover, Deal and Sandwich. It has launched a consultation exercise to help gather information on local residents' experiences with on and off-street parking and to plan for future parking demand.

Councillor Nigel Collor, the council's cabinet member for access and property management, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible to build an accurate picture of the issues and opportunities for improving town centre parking, and we look forward to hearing everyone’s views.” For more information and to have a say, see the council's Parking Strategy Consultation.  (February 20, 2015)

NO CUTS FOR DEAL HOSPITAL SERVICES

Kent Community Health NHS Trust has issued a reassurance that current services at Deal Hospital will be maintained. It also anticipates that a number of new community health services will be introduced. The trust's community services director Karen Stone has confirmed there are no plans to stop any services and she says the trust is working closely with its commissioners to provide and develop community health care services for Deal.

Previously there were fears that the opening of the new Dover Hospital later this year might have a negative effect on the Deal Hospital. However, Deal's minor injuries unit, physiotherapy department, various clinics and in-patient beds will continue and initiatives to co-ordinate health and social care services for local residents in their homes are underway. Also the trust is working with Age UK in Deal on a pilot scheme to support patients with dementia.

The NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has this month (February) issued a document confirming continuing services at Deal Hospital and in the adjoining Deal Community Clinic. Included are: in-patient beds, anti-coagulation clinics and community orthopaedic services; clinics for child health, paediatric speech and language therapy, cardiac counselling, diabetes, heart failure, leg ulcers and young person’s sexual health. Additional outpatient services are envisaged and being investigated. A copy of the CCG document can be downloaded here.  (February 20, 2015)

WORKSHOP FOR ANTI-FRACKING CAMPAIGNERS

People interested in taking an active role in opposing drilling for shale gas in east Kent are being invited to attend a one-day event in Deal on Saturday 28 February. Billed as a training workshop for anti-fracking groups, the meeting is expected to attract existing and prospective members for local campaigning groups like Bore Free Eastry, Adisham Against Fracking and Keep Shepherdswell Well.

Rosemary Rechter of the East Kent Against Fracking organisation says the workshop is designed to provide sound advice for local campaigners to become more effective in oppposing fracking. The meeting in the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street starts at 10am with a briefing on the main legal issues facing protesters. A session after lunch will offer guidelines for the strategy, tactics, skills and tools necessary for effective campaigning and attracting public support. The day will conclude with a question and answer session between 5pm and 6pm. For more details or to book a place, e-mail  (February 20, 2015)

DEAL WRITERS USE SPARE CASH TO BOOST CREATIVE WRITING

Members of the former Deal Writers Group are using their remaining funds to promote creative writing in the local area. The cash will take the form of awards to three local schools and the MCCH charity in Deal which supports people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs. MCCH will receive £750 to arrange creative writing workshops which recent research indicates can be helpful for people with mental health needs in developing personal skills and independence.

The other awards, each of £250, go to:
Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School to promote poetry by running poetry competitions;
Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich to arrange for an author to help Year 9 students to develop their skills and also fund a competition; and
Castle Community College in Deal to run an annual competition for all year groups.

A presentation of the awards is to be held at 5pm on Thursday 26 February at the Astor Community Theatre in Stanhope Road, Deal. Students from the schools will be reading their work and there will be a short presentation on how the recipients will use the funds. MCCH is a registered charity (number 1156486) and its website is at www.mcch.org.uk/.  (February 19, 2015)

FACEBOOK GROUP CALLS FOR ACTION TO CREATE REGENT CINEMA

Public concern at slow progress on restoration of the iconic Regent Hall on Deal seafront has led to formation of a new Facebook community group "Reopen the Regent". Postings on the new group trace the recent history of the building which, according to reports at the time, was sold by Dover District Council to east Kent cinema operators Silver Screen Cinemas in April 2011. However, Mr Chris Lightwing of Silver Screen Cinemas now says that the Regent building was, in fact, purchased by independent developers, not Silver Screen. According to a report in the local press last week (12 February 2015), the actual owners are James Wallace and Mark Digweed who say they are working with architects Ellis Designs to convert the former bingo hall to create a modern cinema with exhibition space and a restaurant.

They submitted plans to the council in July 2013. Problems arose - including poor access for deliveries - and the planning application was withdrawn. The developers say that discussions between themselves, their architects and the council planners are ongoing. They consider that, once they have formal planning approval, work on restoring and converting the building could take about 12 months.

In their call for the building to be "reopened as soon as possible", the Facebook group's members express concern that the four year delay in starting work appears to have resuted in serious deterioration of the building's fabric. The "Reopen the Regent" group is at: www.facebook.com/groups/1597466460465667   (February 13, 2015 - updated February 17, 2015)

LATEST NEWS ON THE BETTESHANGER PROJECT

There's an opportunity to hear how work on the Betteshanger Sustainable Park is progressing when Deal Town Council meets on Monday 16 March. Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, the executive director for the project, will be giving a special presentation for councillors and the public on the current £40million scheme to create a green technologies park on the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery.

The development features a centre for green technology commerce and business, an education and research complex and a national centre for sustainable energy and mining heritage. It is expected to produce up to 1,000 jobs and boost tourism in the area, potentially attracting 100,000 visitors a year to learn about sustainable energy and experience a Kent Mining Heritage Museum.

The meeting in Deal Town Hall is open to the public and starts at 7.15pm. As well as the presentation, the meeting will include normal council business and an opportunity for public participation. For more about the Betteshanger Park see: www.betteshangerparks.co.uk/    (February 12, 2015)

NEW TECHNOLOGY PLAN FOR KENT'S STREET LIGHTS

Kent County Council has announced plans to convert its 120,000 street lights to more efficient LED lighting. This, it says, will reduce its street lighting energy bill by around 60% and let it return every residential area to all-night lighting. A current trial scheme to switch off many lights overnight has proved unpopular with many residents.

Another benefit of the LED lights is that they can be monitored remotely to detect faults right away and so speed up repairs. The scheme is expected to cost around £40million with this being met by savings on energy and maintenance. The council hopes to be able to start conversion to LED in late 2015 or early 2016 - with residential areas tackled first and town centres and main routes next. The whole project is likely to take about three years to complete.    (February 2, 2015)

ST VALENTINE'S DAY DATE FOR GARDENERS

Local community "green" group Deal With It's next ‘Seedy Saturday’ plant and seed swap is on St Valentine’s Day - Saturday 14 February. The popular event provides a great opportunity for gardeners with a surplus of plants and seeds to swap them, share knowledge and maybe find something new. The free event is in the Landmark Garden on Deal High Street between 11am and 1pm.

Imogen Kitching, head gardener at the Landmark garden said: “Seed swaps are a great way for people to get gardening. We ask people to label the seeds and detail any special instructions or advice. This swap will have a love theme with some interesting food and drink to sample. What can be more romantic – say it with Seeds!”.  For more details, see www.dealwithit.org.uk, or call 01304 372673.    (February 2, 2015)

MAKING SURE OF A VOTE IN COMING ELECTIONS

With parliamentary, district council and parish council elections due to be held on Thursday 7 May, making sure you are on the electoral register and entitled to vote is going to be more important than ever. The way people register to vote changed last year. Previously, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address, but now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration.

Under the new ‘Individual Electoral Registration’ system 90% of electors were transferred automatically to the new register; the other 10% were contacted for further information. Dover District Council electoral registration staff say that "confirmation of registration" letters are to be sent to all households at the end of this month (January 2015) and will state if anything needs to be done. Anyone not listed on the letter will need to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by providing a few details including their National Insurance number and date of birth. Alternatively people can contact the elections office on 01304 872344 or by .    (January 24, 2015)

DEAL LIBRARY INCLUDED IN "CHARITABLE TRUST" PROPOSAL

Kent County Council has published proposals for the future operation of its Library, Registration and Archive services. These include the possible transfer of some or all of the services to a charitable trust. Before any formal decision is taken, the council says it wants to hear everyone's views. It has launched a public consultation and people are being asked to consider the proposals and respond before Wednesday 8 April. Details of the proposals and the consultation can be seen at: http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/
lraconsultation/consultationHome.

The plan has already produced an angry local response. A new Facebook group "Save Deal Library" has been set up and suggests "proposals to reduce services and have our library run by volunteers are not good enough for our town". Concerned residents are urged to "help us campaign to keep our library alive". The group's Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/savedeal
library/.    (January 21, 2015)

COASTAL RADIO NOW ON-LINE

A new on-line community radio station for the Sandwich, Deal and Dover areas has launched. Coastal Radio is currently broadcasting a number of live and pre-recorded shows with local news and events and a wide selection of music, 24 hours a day. Operating from its studio in Sandwich, the station says it is aiming to cater for most musical tastes and age groups and will also offer radio training courses. To listen to the new station, visit http://coastal-radio.uk/. Smart phone or tablet users can download a "tunein" app.    (January 19, 2015)

SEEKING THE PUBLIC'S IDEAS FOR A BRIGHTER DEAL

Environmental campaigning group Deal With It is inviting people’s ideas on how to improve the appearance of the town over the next year. The group's volunteers have, in the past year, rolled up their sleeves to create a pop-up meadow, flower beds and vegetable planters around Deal rail station, organise beach cleans and encourage local gardeners with regular plant and seed swap sessions. For 2015,they say possible new projects could include more ‘grot-spot’ make-overs, community energy initiatives or skill swaps - but the group is keen to have even more suggestions for local "green" activities.

To make it easy for people to submit ideas the group is making special postcards available from Saturday 24 January at a number of outlets around the town including the Landmark Centre, Platform One Café, the Sea Café on Walmer Green and Golf Road Community Centre. Deal With It will also have an exhibition at the Landmark celebrating its work over the past year. It runs from the 24th until Saturday 31 January when the group will be holding its annual meeting - also in the Landmark from 2pm to 3pm and open to the public. For more details, see www.dealwithit.org.uk or call 01304 372673.    (January 19, 2015)

FREE LUNCH INVITATION FOR THE ELDERLY

A free social event with a cookery demonstration, practical advice on cutting energy costs and a hot lunch is on offer to local "over-60s" on two Wednesdays in February. It's at the Chequers Kitchen and Cookery School in Golf Road, North Deal on 4 and 11 February from 11.30am to 3pm. Organiser Stephanie Hayman says she is keen to reach local older people who are possibly a bit isolated and don't get out much but would enjoy a friendly lunch at the Chequers Kitchen. If needed, transport can be arranged. The events are completely free thanks to sponsorship by the Kent Community Foundation "Surviving Winter" Fund. For details, see: www.facebook.com/ChequersKitchenRestaurantandCookery
School or call 01304 362288.    (January 17, 2015)

SHOLDEN RAISES CONCERNS AT MORE HOUSING

Worried by the impact of recent and planned housing developments in the Deal area, Sholden parish councillors are asking neighbouring local councils for their views. In a letter to Deal town council and Walmer and Great Mongeham parish councils, Sholden parish clerk Mary Shaw says "Despite being told otherwise by KCC, we are aware that our local road systems are close to breaking point." Current problems with pot holes and traffic queues will, she suggests, only get worse with the traffic from more housing. An increasing population would also stretch local health and education services.

Issues that the Sholden councillors are hoping their colleagues in the neighbouring councils will consider are how much further development the area can take, how to mount effective opposition to any unwelcome schemes and the possible benefits of combining forces.    (January 16, 2015)

WINTER WEATHER ADVICE

There's on-line information to help people cope with winter weather on the Kent County Council website. Its "Winter Service" page provides links to the latest information on road gritting, salt bin locations, building and school closures, traffic and travel problems and weather warnings. One of the links helps dispel the old misconception about being sued if you clear a bit of local pavement. Official government advice says: "You can clear snow and ice from pavements yourself. It’s unlikely that you’ll be sued or held responsible if someone is injured on a path or pavement if you’ve cleared it carefully." The KCC Winter Service page is at: www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/what-we-look-
after/winter-service.    (January 16, 2015)

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of electoral divisions for Kent County Council. The consultation is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw division boundaries across the whole county. The Commission says it is thinking of recommending that the county council should have 81 county councillors in the future: three fewer than at present.

The Commission now needs information from people and groups across Kent to help it to produce a new pattern of electoral divisions to accommodate 81 county councillors. The aim is for each county councillor to represent roughly the same number of voters and for the new council divisions to reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities. Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing divisions can be found at www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk. People have until Monday 2 March to submit their views and the Commission expects to publish its draft recommendations in May 2015.   (January 16, 2015)

JOIN IN DEAL'S NEXT BEACH CLEAN

Local residents are being invited to join in "green" group Deal With It's next Deal "beach clean" on Sunday 18 January. Deal beach warden Wendy Boorman said: “Next Sunday’s beach clean is part of our regular work with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), who track how rubbish is affecting our coastline. Every year, rubbish - as well as being unsightly eyesore on our beaches - kills and maims local marine wildlife."  The MCS estimate that plastics litter on beaches has increased 140% since 1994. Plastic never biodegrades; it just breaks down into small pieces and does not disappear. Microplastic particles are now found inside filter feeding animals and amongst sand grains on our beaches.

Sunday’s beach clean will start at 10am at the entrance to the Pier. The litter gathering lasts for about one to two hours depending on what there is to find and the weather. Litter pickers, gloves, sacks and MCS logging sheets are provided - so the only thing volunteers need to bring is their enthusiasm, suitable dress for the weather and, possibly, a hot drink. For further details see www.dealwithit.org.uk or phone 01304 372673.    (January 11, 2015)