Kent on Sunday (North & West), January 23, 2011

11.9 MB·English

by  KOS Media

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KOS MEDIA Mid North edition IT’S WHAT SUNDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT No.435 January 23, 2011
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LIFE-SAVING SCREENING MISSED BECAUSE OF ‘EMBARRASSMENT’
Stark warning to women
over cervical cancer test
By MARIJKE COX
Robbery and sex
[email protected]
THOUSANDS of young women offences on the up
are risking their lives by missing
crucial screening tests for cervical
SERIOUS crimes including robberies,burgla-
cancer. ries and sex offences are on the increase.
Figures released by Kent’s three primary According to latest Home Office figures,the
care trusts revealed a significant number aged number of drug offences and thefts in Kent
between 25-29 failed to keep their appoint- also went up during the 12 months between
ments for the potentially life-saving procedure, October,2009,and last September.
known as a smear test. However,overall crime in Kent fell by 3.9 per
Health chiefs are warning them that if they cent to a total of 108,000 offences. This
fail to come forward they risk losing their lives, includes reductions in violent crime as well as
like reality TV star Jade Goody,who died from criminal damage and offences against vehicles.
the disease in March,2009,aged just 27. Police have also revealed how one-in-three
The shocking figures come after low take-up motorists stopped in a Christmas drink-drive
rates by Kent schoolgirls of a jab to protect campaign failed or refused a breath test.
them against cervical cancer. FULL STORY – PAGE 5
The disease is the second most common can-
cer to affect women under 35, with 1,000 Exiled keeper to
deaths in England each year – and many of
those victims had not been regularly screened.
In Medway, nearly 3,000 women – 31 per sign for Lashings
cent – and in West Kent,6,214 women – 29 per
cent – in the 25-29 age group did not attend
their smear tests. FORMER Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqairnan
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent figures were Haider will make his debut for the Lashings
broken down into areas; in Canterbury a TRIBUTES FOLLOW SUSANNAH World XI in May providing he receives a work
shocking 37 per cent failed to get screened;in permit in time.
Ashford 31 per cent; Dover 30 per cent; Zulqairnan fled to the UK in November,
Shepway 31 per cent;Swale 28 per cent;and claiming he had been threatened by an alleged
Thanet 31 per cent. YORK’S FINAL KENT CALLING match-fixing ring and he met Lashings owner
In the past five years 35,490 women from all David Folb to discuss joining the Kent side.
age groups, including the over-30s who are Initially,it seemed red tape would prevent a
more likely to attend appointments,chose not deal being done,but Zulqairnan now hopes to
to get tested in Eastern and Coastal Kent. For full story see inside be involved in Lashings’ first game of the sum-
mer on May 27.
Continued on page two FULL STORY – SEE SPORT
2I newsWEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011 www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport (MN-SUN)ADVERTISING(cid:2)01303 817000
League tables give an ‘unfair’
picture of school performance
Teachers’ work with special needs pupils is ignored
EDUCATION chiefs in Kent have By STEVE KNIGHT up with a new way of judging a school’s
asked the Government to take spe- achievements as part of a forthcoming Green
[email protected] Paper on the subject.
cial needs provision into account Gravesend-based education adviser Peter
before publishing potentially dam- being judged unfairly,” said principal Carl Read said he felt sorry for the schools,which he
Kent today aging school league tables. Roberts.“Without the SEN unit we’d have hit claims may never reach the National Chall-
34 per cent last year. enge benchmark under the current system.
Secondary schools that contain a high num- “It’s an absolute travesty when you look at He added: “The Malling School should
ber of children with special educational needs the value added to these students.Our teach- clearly be doing better than that. It’s just
(SEN) often achieve lower than average ers work really hard and are so skilled at another factor that makes league tables not
GCSE results,and in some cases less than understanding their credible,but even Ofsted places more empha-
7 the National Challenge target of 30 per cent needs and getting them sis on exam performance so schools with SEN
6 of pupils score five A* to C grades including up there.But despite all units are being penalised across the board.
English and maths. that a league table comes “The only answer I can see offhand is that
10 Headteachers say this creates a negative out that puts us at the the results of mainstream pupils be counted
5 6 perception of schools that in reality are help- bottom and then people separately to those of SEN children.”
ing SEN pupils obtain far better grades than start using words like A spokeswoman for the Department for
would usually be expected of them. ‘failing’ and ‘underachiev- Education said it would be replying to the
Kent County Council has now written to ing’, and it’s absolutely KCC letter “in due course”.
education secretary Michael Gove asking the wrong. She added:“Recognising the achievements
5 Government to come up with a fairer system. “We should level the play- and progress of all children and young people
One school that suffers from the current ing field by removing the – including those with special educational
arrangements is the Malling School in East EDUCATION: results of SEN pupils so we needs and disabilities – is an important prior-
TdrOizDzlAeY.:AMfeowstblyricglhotuedryinwteitrhluadefeswwisllpdoetsveolfolpigdhutrrianigntohre Malling,which has the largest SEN unit in Michael Gove can be judged the same as ity for the Government.
afternoon.Amoderatenortherlywind.Maxtemp4-7C the county and is included in the National every other school.” “The forthcoming Green Paper on SEN will
(39-45F).TONIGHT:Mostlydrythroughthenight,but Challenge scheme due to only 26 per cent of In the letter to Mr Gove,KCC cabinet mem- be looking at how we could report the
itwillbefairlycloudy.Mintemp3-6C(37-43F). pupils achieving five A* to C grades including ber for education Cllr Sarah Hohler claims the progress of the lowest-attaining 20 per cent of
English and maths. system provides disincentives for the develop- students in the performance tables.
“Significant pressures are put on you if you ment of further mainstream SEN provision. “We will be seeking views as part of the con-
AroundBritain fall below the 30 per cent target but we are She also calls for the Government to come sultation that follows its publication.”
°C °F °C°F
Aberdeen cloudy 8 46 London cloudy 7 45
Belfast cloudy 7 45 Liverpool cloudy 6 43 Regular screening could save your life
Birminghamcloudy 6 43 Manchester cloudy 6 43
B’mouth cloudy 6 43 Newcastle cloudy 6 43
Bristol cloudy 5 41 Norwich cloudy 7 45
Cardiff cloudy 7 45 Oxford cloudy 6 43 CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE cervical cancer was the second most common The NHS offers cervical screening free to all
Cork cloudy 5 41 Southsea cloudy 6 43 Figures are taken from a five-year period, to affect women under the age of 35 it is near- women aged 25-64.The test does not diag-
Edinburgh fair 6 43 S’hampton cloudy 6 43
Glasgow cloudy 7 45 Southport cloudy 6 43 where women aged 25-49 are invited for a ly always preventable. nose cancer, but checks for changes in the
IsleofMan fair 7 45 Swansea fair 6 43 test every three years,and those aged 50 to “Regular cervical screening,available free cervix early so treatment can be offered
Leeds cloudy 6 43 Torquay cloudy 6 43 64 every five years. on the NHS,is one of the best ways to stop before the disease can become advanced.
Sun&moon After Jade Goody’s death there was a sharp cervical cancer in its tracks,”she said. A national immunisation programme was
rise in the number coming forward,but the “Our message is:When you get your cervi- rolled out in September, 2008, to vaccinate
uptake dropped back down. cal screening invitation – make your appoint- girls aged 12-13 against cervical cancer fol-
Sunrise 7.47am Sunset 4.27pm Lightinguptimes:
Moonrise9.54pm Moonset 8.58am 4.27pmto7.46am Dr Alison Barnett, Medway’s director of ment straight away.It could save your life.” lowed by a three-year catch-up campaign
public health,said cervical cancer is a pre- The drop in uptake of smear tests has pro- offering the jab to 13-18-year-olds.
HighTides ventable disease if women get checked. moted the NHS to launch a new campaign Figures released in August last year
“Regular screening allows abnormalities to called Relax Girls – We’ve Seen It All Before revealed that girls were failing to complete
today tomorrow be picked up and treated before they become aimed at 25-34-year-olds. the course of three HPV (human papillo-
ht(m) ht(m) ht(m) ht(m) cancerous,”he said. Ms McLachlan said:“We’ve found that one mavirus) injections,which meant they were
Dover 01.05 7.0 13.246.8 01.49 6.9 14.116.6 “I would encourage all women who have of the main reasons why younger women not fully protected against the virus.
Margate 01.56 4.9 14.304.8 02.41 4.9 15.174.7 been invited, but have not attended their don’t attend is embarrassment. In the NHS Medway area 5,967 girls failed
StMary’s 06.57 6.0 19.205.7 07.40 5.8 20.045.5 screen,to make an appointment. “If a woman attends her first appointment to complete the course, and in NHS West
Weekahead “Some women feel uncomfortable with the at age 25 she is more likely to attend future Kent 14,033 girls missed at least one jab.
idea of having a cervical screening test,but screening appointments throughout her life. Figures for NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent
they need to be reassured that the screening “Older women are generally more used to were unavailable, although the trust could
monday thursday
is done by experienced professionals who being screened,so we’re approaching mums, confirm 14,000 girls had been vaccinated.
Fairlycloudy. Patchydrizzle. carry out this procedure every day.It’s quick grandmothers and aunties too with a mes- • See or www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
max6C min1C max6C min2C and easy and could save your life.” sage that even if your daughter is all grown or www.jostrust.org.uk or call Jo’s Trust
Paula McLachlan, screening programmes up you can still keep her safe,by reminding Cervical Cancer Helpline on 0808 802
tuesday friday manager for Kent and Medway,said although her about the importance of screening.” 8000 for more details.
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EDITORIAL(cid:2)01303 817100 (MN) www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport WEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011news I 3
Actress Susannah York 1939-2011 Marquis served up
rising star award
A RESTAURANTnear Dover has been given
a ‘rising star’ award in the annual Michelin
guide.
The accolade is given to eateries in line for a
Michelin star in the future,giving the Marquis
at Alkham – which is also a luxury hotel and
DAMAGE: Vodka eyeballing can lead to
wedding venue – added incentive to maintain
permanent cornea scarring, doctors say its high standards.
Eyeballing craze Five Kent restaurants kept hold of their one-
star ratings in this year’s guide,but there were
no additions to the county’s elite.
gives new twist They are the West House in Biddenden,
Apicius in Cranbrook,Read’s in Faversham,
the Sportsman in Whitstable, and Chapter
to ‘blind drunk’
One in Bromley.
Meanwhile,the Number One B&B in Deal
has been voted the fifth best bed-and-break-
A DRINKING craze that involves youngsters
fast in the world.
pouring spirits such as vodka into their eyes
Praised for its “fantastic hospitality,wonder-
could cause permanent scarring and blindness,
medical experts have warned. ful breakfasts and delightful rooms”, the
The bizarre practice, which has been dubbed MOVIEGREAT: The late Susannah York, right, on the set of The Calling, made in Victorian villa ranked high among voters in
vodka eyeballing, has become increasingly pop- Thanet, with Frances Patterson, the Broadstairs-based line producer for Maeve Films the annual Travellers’ Choice Hotel Awards.
ular among young drinkers wanting to get drunk
as quickly as possible, as they believe the alcohol Starring role in Pothole army blitz
is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
But medical experts say there is no truth to the
theory and have warned those playing the dan- after winter blast
gerous game that it could have serious long-term
effects on their vision.
Kentish hearts KENT County Council says it is about to
Reports say teenagers have even been pouring
absinthe – which can be 75 per cent proof – into launch an army of specialist tarmac firms on a
their eyes, which could have an abrasive effect on month-long campaign to fix ‘safety-critical’
the cornea. potholes across the county caused by the win-
Tom Pey, the chief executive of the Royal ter snow and ice.
London Society for Blind People, which runs a A FILM-MAKER who directed that voice – I remember the first time I The Kent small and medium-sized engineer-
nursery, school and further education college for Sixties icon Susannah York’s last spoke to her on the telephone.” ing firms are working alongside Kent
the visually impaired at Dorton House in Seal, Ms Dunn said York had been ill for some Highway Services gangs in a £1 million drive
said: “There is a growing body of opinion sug- ever movie has paid tribute to time and throughout the production of The to fix the potholes.
gesting that putting vodka into your eyes has a the actress,who died last week- Calling.York,who lived in Clapham,was KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter said:“We know
similar effect as bleach.
awarded a Bafta as best supporting actress snow and ice causes damage to the roads and
Abrasive end,writes Marijke Cox. for 1969’s They Shoot Horses,Don’t They? are absolutely determined to fix the potholes
ab“rTahseivree iasn ad r eaatlt aricskk tthhaet tchoer nveoad,k caa wuislli nagc t sliikgen aifin- duJcatnio nD ucnomn,pwanhyo Mruanesv eT hFainlmets-,batoseldd KprooS- aasn dw Geloll daesn b Geilnogb en.Somhein aaltseod s tfaorrr eadn iOn sTchaer thKatC rCec eins t afrleseoz ilnagu tnecmhpinegra tau rdersi vhea vteo c rreeactreudi.”t
cant scarring. I say to people: ‘Don’t do it. There’s that despite knowing the 72-year-old was Battle of Britain (1969),with some scenes firms for a repair campaign in the summer –
no need to pickle your eyes. Stick to a tipple’.” ill,the announcement of her death came as filmed at The Jackdaw pub in Denton. when weather conditions are more favourable.
a great shock.
Dr James Thallon, a GP in Tunbridge Wells and Cllr Carter added:“We hope this will give a
the medical director at NHS West Kent, said: “It will be a big loss to the film industry – News and sport updated daily online welcome boost to local business in these finan-
“Pouring vodka, or any alcohol, into your eye is The Calling was the last film she did,but www.kentnews.co.uk cially trying times.”
going to be painful and could potentially cause she had another one in her,” said Ms
permanent damage. This is a dangerous thing to Dunn.“She should have been given a
do and I would strongly urge people not to try it.” lifetime achievement award.She should
Dr Cindy Tromans, the president of the College have been recognised by women in film.”
of Optometrists, agreed, saying: “Vodka eye- Ms Dunn wrote and directed The
balling is like pouring bleach in your eye – it’s Calling, which also stars Ramsgate-
extremely painful.” born actress Brenda Blethyn and tells
She added that if people repeatedly pour a spir- the story of a young woman who wants
it into their eye it “could cause permanent corneal to become a nun.
scarring and potential loss of vision”. It followed the company’s first two
The trend is believed to have originated in clubs award-winning films, Ruby Blue and
in Las Vegas, where waitresses would pour spirits
Gypo, and opened the London
into their eyes to receive more tips. But its popu-
larity among university students and teenagers in Independent Film festival last year. Special Offer Special Offer
York got involved after a chance meet-
this country is now causing growing concern.
A former student, who previously participated ing at the Cambridge Film Festival in Complete 760mm Pivot Door
in vodka eyeballing, told a national newspaper 2008, where she and Ms Dunn were Bathroom Suite £199
that after having problems with her sight she was both screening their films. £399
recently referred to an eye specialist, who told her Oscar-nominated York agreed to be
that the alcohol has seared through her cornea. part of the movie,which was shot in and Also available in
The young woman said: “I’ve been told it could around Thanet on a tight budget of ask instore 800mm & 900mm
lead to complications and can cause blindness, £500,000. for details
Please ask
which is terrifying.” Raw edge
for details
Speaking to Archant KOS Media
To view, search ‘Beckham’ ahead of The Calling’s release last year,
20%
York – who played a psychotic Mother
@ yourkenttv.co.uk
Superior – said:“I met Jan about a year UP TO
before we started filming. I had seen OFF
some of her other work as a director and 70%
I liked her raw edge,the acting she got
out of the stars,and the whole spirit of
EVERYTHING
her films.
OFF
“I thought making The Calling would
Excludes Special offers
be a great lark,and actually it was.
“Independents and people like Jan & Ex-Displays
need support.They get things done by
EX DISPLAYS
sheer grit and determination”
Ms Dunn said securing York for the
film was a “big coup”.
“She had an affect on everybody,”she
SALE NOW ON!
said. She was very measured and
thoughtful,but was quite wild in some of
A controversial artwork show-
her suggestions,in a very creative way.
ing footballer David Beckham “Her performances would be melodra- 32 Milton Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2RF
on the cross has caused an matic and it was a joy to watch.The char-
international debate on free speech. acter had a sense of oddness about it. Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
See page 11 for the full story. “Susannah had a real energy. And Tel: [phone] Ample Free Parking www.globebathrooms.com
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EDITORIAL(cid:2)01303 817100 (MN) www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport WEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011news I 5
Serious crime
Auditors called in over care
is on the rise
BURGLARIES, robberies and sex and drug homes closure consultation
offences are on the rise in Kent,according to
latest Home Office statistics.
The figures for the year October, 2009, to
September,2010,suggest police are struggling
to get to grips with some of the most serious By STEVE KNIGHT plan on doing it.That’s my biggest concern.”
crimes affecting the county. FEARS:There The other homes involved are Wayfarers in
Burglaries increased by 2.3 per cent to 12,700, [email protected] are concerns Sandwich,which will be sold as a going con-
while robberies went up by six per cent to 936, for the lives cern, and three in Swale – Kiln Court in
sex offences rose up by 15.6 per cent to 1,520, KENT County Council is being of elderly Faversham, Doubleday Lodge in Sitting-
and drug offences by 8.5 per cent to 4,310. reported to the Audit Commission residents bourne and Blackburn Lodge in Sheerness –
The number of thefts also rose by 3.8 per that the council will effectively sell to the pri-
cent to a staggering 27,900. over its handling of a consulta- vate sector, with an agreement retaining
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: tion into care home closures. rights to places.
“We have seen a continual decrease in burgla- The fate of the Dorothy Lucy Centre in
Last week the authority’s cabinet mem-
ries over a number of years in Kent so this Maidstone will be decided later this year.
ber for adult social services – Cllr Graham
small increase is disappointing but we are Cllr Graham Gibbens said:“Whenever we
Gibbens – announced he was going ahead
determined to bring the figures back down. look at commissioning services,we do that
with the “modernisation programme”
“The increase in drugs offences recorded ourselves through a well-established com-
despite widespread opposition from elderly
actually highlights our missioning process with qualified officers.
residents,carers and unions.
commitment to detect- “There is no requirement legally,and there-
This involves the closure of four care
ing and dismantling fore there was no formal requirement,to set
homes and the selling-off or rebuilding of a
both organised crime up an evaluation panel.We did so because of
further seven.
groups involved in the a determination to look at matters in detail
However,the issue is now being referred
cultivation,production and to be fair and transparent.
to the Audit Commission by Kent Lib Dem
and trafficking of “The alternatives were reviewed against
leader Cllr Trudy Dean over concerns about
drugs,and individuals the four main reasons behind the proposals
the way alternative proposals put forward
who peddle drugs.” by qualified and experienced officers repre-
by campaigners were assessed.
Despite the upward senting each aspect of the organisation.
She said:“We are very disappointed that
trend in the most seri- “The commissioning process has checks
there have been no changes despite over-
CRIME FIGHTING: ous offences, overall and balances built in,not least of which is
whelming opposition to the scheme,and we
Police say overall Kent crime has fallen also have particular concerns about the the political scrutiny framework and the
the figures are good by 3.9 per cent to lack of any independent assessment of the porosis. His alternative proposal for the legal responsibility carried by the statutory
108,000.This includes home to be turned into an enhanced respite post of director of adult social services.”
alternative proposals. These were all
reductions in violent crime – including knife centre was one of those dismissed by KCC. Meanwhile,Cllr Dean has also questioned
referred to an assessment panel made up
and gun offences – as well as criminal damage Mr Porter said:“My proposal was kicked the timing of the reorganisation,given that a
entirely of KCC adult social services staff,
and offences against vehicles. into touch before Cllr Gibbens made his deci- government White Paper is due to be pub-
who all have a personal interest because
DCC Pughsley said:“We have seen an over- sion, which I felt was premature because lished in July that could present new oppor-
they were involved with the original plans.
all reduction in crime over the past four years surely he should have had all the informa- tunities for social care funding.
“In our view, the alternatives were not
and these latest statistics are encouraging. tion when making such an important call. The recommendations are being drawn up
robustly considered so I shall be referring
“But they also show us where there is room “My mum could die as a consequence of by the Independent Commission for Funding
the matter to the Audit Commission,which
to continue our hard work and bring more is the council’s external auditor.” having to move,no matter how carefully they of Care and Support,chaired by Andrew Dilnot.
criminals to justice.We will continue to tackle Should the commission agree with Cllr
crime and disorder against Kent,keeping it Dean then KCC may be recommended to
one of the safest places in the UK.” take a second look at the alternatives.
Meanwhile, police have also revealed how The four care homes due for closure A good run
one-in-three motorists stopped as part of a are Ladesfield in Whitstable,Sampson for your money
month-long Christmas drink-drive campaign Court in Deal,The Limes in Dartford,
either failed or refused a breath test. and Lawrence House in Folkestone.
Officers stopped 563 drivers between Bowles Lodge in Hawkhurst, Corn-
December 1 and New Year’s Day,of whom 171 fields in Dover, and Manorbrooke in
were arrested. The year before 1,397 were Dartford,are all set to be demolished and
stopped,and 195 were arrested. replaced with ‘extra care’ social housing
Inspector Paul Sellwood said:“It’s clear that where residents live independently but
most motorists heeded our warnings not to with carers available 24 hours a day.
drive in bad weather.However,the drink-driv- John Porter’s 89-year-old mother,who
ers chose to ignore this advice as a third of lives at Bowles Lodge,is blind,deaf and
those routinely stopped were arrested. suffers from heart problems and osteo-
“Kent Police takes a zero tolerance approach
to those who flout the law,and will continue to
target drink and drug drivers.”
Death crash driver
To see this clip search ‘cooking’
given work order
@ yourkenttv.co.uk
A MAN who caused the death of a
grandmother by careless driving has
been handed a sentence of 200 hours
community service.
David Anning,20,of The
Street,Appledore,pleaded
guilty to causing the death
of 62-year-old Gillian
Lowndes, pictured, in
Tenterden last year.
The grandmother of seven, from
Hereford Road, Maidstone, was killed
when Anning’s White Ford Transit van
hit her car on the A262 in August.
Anning was ordered to pay £85 in costs
and disqualified from driving for a year.
Students at K College are learning Mrs Lowndes has been described by
how to cook healthy food, inspired friends and family as a “loving mother
by popular TV chef Jamie Oliver and grandmother with a heart of gold”.
A SHIPBUILDER from Faversham Craftsman Colin Frake has entered a bid to
hopes to help to rebuild one of Britain’s restore the 245-year-old flagship of Lord
most famous historic warships. Horatio Nelson to its former glory.
Riddled with rot, HMS Victory is gradually One of only two craftsmen in the country to
being pulled apart by its own weight because specialise in blocks, pulleys and deck fittings
it is not adequately supported by the cradle for traditional boats, Mr Frake supplied most of
built for it in Portsmouth’s dockyard. the fittings for the Cutty Sark a few years ago.
66I newsWEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011 www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport (MN)ADVERTISING(cid:2)01303 817000
THE INTERVIEW
BY MARIJKE COX
Growing reputation of
unexpected gardener
VIEWED as one of the rising stars of British gardening, at the children’s hospice, near
former teacher Jo Thompson has the horticultural world at Sittingbourne.
The following year she scooped gold
her green fingertips. for another garden, called the
Unexpected Gardener, designed for
Not only has the mum-of-two scooped ture.When I was in London I devel-
Thrive, a charity using gardening to
gold and silver medals at the Chelsea oped my roof terrace as a bit of fun,but
change the lives of disabled people,
Flower Show, she has also secured realised it was actually what I wanted
The design has now been created in its
business with international clients all to do.As a drama teacher I loved creat-
full glory,just outside Reading.
wanting a piece of her contemporary ing the sets and garden design is creat-
and bijou garden designs. ing a stage that people can always use.” Ms Thompson said:“Gardening is an
And adding to her busy, jetsetting Intent on following her true passion, art form.I spent time researching in the
life,Ms Thompson,from Marden,near she enrolled in the English Gardening National Gallery and very much take
Tonbridge,is often called upon to lec- School and started a rigorous training my inspiration from architecture.
ture students interested in following programme,while juggling her role as “This job is different from being a
the same career path, and is due to the mother of two small children. teacher,which was nine to five.It’s all-
visit landscape architects in Poland in Entering the professional world of consuming, but it’s lovely to do some-
March to share her expertise. garden design in 2004,Ms Thompson’s thing I love.”
But the 43-year-old takes it all in her career moved from strength to Ms Thompson said gardening had
stride and admits she loves the “friend- strength and she is now working with changed through the years,with people
ly”world she entered after a 10-year clients across the country and as far seeing their gardens as an extension of
career as a drama teacher. away as Switzerland. their homes.
“I think I always had a sense that I She also works year round at Ladem “People are trying to make gardens a
was really interested in landscape,”she House in Goudhurst, the gardens of year-round usable space – they want to
said. “My father was Italian and I which open to the public each May. make the most of the space they have,”
remember dragging my parents In 2009 she scooped silver at the she said.
around villas and architecture in Italy RHS Chelsea Flower Show for her Unique
when I was a child. therapeutic Demelza garden design,
“I always had that interest in struc- which is in the process of being created “I had somebody who wanted a pizza
oven installed and another with an out-
door computer console.
“Some also want to be able to use their
laptops in the garden,so I design shad-
ed areas with sofas and tables.”
As well as being recognised by the
Garden Design Journal for her unique
planting design skills, Ms Thompson
has been named by Homes and Gardens
magazine as one of the 10 rising stars in
British gardening for 2011.
“That was amazing.The nine others
are designers I really respect and I’m
very proud to have been named among
them,”she said.
But with her busy,wide-ranging work,
from tiny rooftop spaces to residential
gardens,does she have enough time to
tend to her own garden?
“It’s actually quite small,although it
looks out over orchards,”she said.
“I’m making the space work.My chil-
dren wanted a tree house and so I man-
aged to put something up.I razed the
garden when I first moved in and start-
ed again.”
For more information, click on
WINNER: Jo’s Unexpected Gardener design for Thrive took gold at Chelsea www.jothompson-garden-design.co.uk. JO THOMPSON: ‘I was always interested in landscape’
EDITORIAL(cid:2)01303 817100 (MN) www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport WEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011news I 7
Port shooting
Johnson detects shift
fears allayed
POLICEhave moved to reassure people in
Dover after the early hours shooting of a
towards ‘Boris Island’
teenager.
Area commander Chris Hogben said peo-
ple have nothing to fear following the
attack in Frith Road,which left the 18-year-
old in hospital after being shot on Tuesday.
He was taken to the William Harvey
Hospital in Ashford,under an armed police By STEVE KNIGHT
escort, and later transferred to a London
hospital for treatment to a single gunshot [email protected]
wound to the chest.
Doctors say he is in a serious but stable LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson
condition.A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old has hinted that Government min-
man were arrested.Police raided addresses
in Dover and recovered a revolver. isters may be warming to his con-
Mr Hogben said: “Offences involving troversial proposals for an airport
firearms are very rare and I don’t think this
off the north Kent coast.
should cause too much concern.”
The outspoken Tory’s plans for a £40 billion
Ale and hearty airport in the Thames Estuary have been
widely criticised since they were first put for-
ward in September,2008,as a possible solu-
BREWERShepherd Neame has welcomed tion to overcrowding at Heathrow. BORIS JOHNSON:
new research claiming a pint of beer a day And despite Prime Minister David Estuary airport plan
is good for your health. Cameron’s promise last October that the
Spanish researchers found that those who Coalition has no plans to build a new airport Heathrow was now 157 compared with 224 all at Medway Council and the vast majority
regularly drank moderate amounts of beer anywhere in Kent,Mr Johnson hinted this from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport and 235 of people in Kent that the mayor’s island air-
were less likely to suffer from diabetes and week that he was winning some ministers from Frankfurt.Shortly after the paper was port scheme is unnecessary,unworkable and
high blood pressure and had a lower body round to his way of thinking. released on Tuesday,Mr Johnson held a semi- unaffordable.Boris Johnson has tried to cam-
fat content. Beer contains folic acid, vita- Boldness nar in which he repeated the need for a new paign for this airport but is now trying a new
mins,iron and calcium which researchers airport in the South East,without referring to approach due to the resistance he has met
said had a protective effect on the cardiovas- “It’s crazy,I think,to have another 200,000 the Thames Estuary as a possible location. from the huge amount of people who are
cular system. air traffic movements over the skies of Both Kent County Council leader Cllr Paul against his plans.”
Chief executive at the Faversham brew- London coming to an airport in the western Carter and Medway Council leader Cllr Meanwhile, the RSPB has reiterated its
ery,Jonathan Neame,said:“This supports suburbs,”he told Radio 4’s Today programme Rodney Chambers have now called on the opposition to the Boris Island scheme,
what we’ve been saying for years – beer in on Tuesday. “I don’t think the people of mayor to make his position clear. describing it as a “pipe dream”.
moderation is good for your health.” London will wear it.What I’m trying to do is Cllr Chambers revealed the deputy chair- South East director Chris Corrigan said:
The study was carried out by Barcelona shift public consciousness and get people man of Transport for London,Daniel Moylan, “I’m sure the mayor doesn’t want to go down
university,the hospital clinic in the Catalan aware that this is a long-term problem that’s had paid a visit to Medway before Christmas in history as the man who decimated not just
city,and the Carlos III institute of health in going to require boldness,and I think there in an attempt to win support for the estuary birds in the Thames,but global species too,
Madrid. are people in the Government who are start- scheme.Cllr Chambers said:“He asked me in while putting lives at risk due to bird strike.
ing to recognise that.” this meeting if we would agree to an airport “I’d urge him to drop this costly pursuit now
Man in court Mr Johnson’s comments coincided with the in the estuary if all the infrastructure for it – and look to further strengthening,greening
release of a Transport for London report that such as new train lines and roads – was and improving London’s public transport.”
said the UK economy would suffer unless a based in Essex and not Kent.
over WPC attack new hub airport was created in the South East. “I responded that we in Medway cannot News and sport updated daily online
The report added that the number of desti- comment on what should or should not hap- www.kentnews.co.uk
nations that can be directly accessed from pen in Essex,and reaffirmed the opinion of
A MANhas been charged with assaulting a
female police officer.
Aaron Trotter, 23, of Saunders Street,
Gillingham,is said to have lashed out at the VALENTINES SWING GALA DINNER
officer at an address in Forge Lane.
Police were called to the home at 4.30pm 12th February 2011 Medway teacher recruitment
on Wednesday,January 12,after reports of
a domestic incident in which Trotter was Be entertained by our live singer with classic open day
allegedly being aggressive and smashing swing music and enjoy a romantic three course
items within the house. meal and complimentary arrival drink for
Trotter is alleged to have resisted arrest- £45 per person
ed and assaulted a police officer.The female
officer received minor head injuries. VALENTINES JAZZ DINNER
teaching
Trotter was charged with criminal dam- 12th February 2011
age and assault occasioning actual bodily
harm of a police officer.
Enjoy a romantic evening in our Conical Grill
He appeared before Medway magistrates while you are entertained with our live Jazz trio. in Medway
and was released on bail until March 11.
Beginning the evening with a complimentary it’s a gift
arrival drink followed by a delicious three course
dinner for £40 per person
Canterbury
Thursday, 3 February 2011
SKIN AND LASER
3 - 5pm
Clinic
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Dermatologist
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For more information and to book a place visit
• TATTOO REMOVAL
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• WRINKLE RELAXATION or phone [phone]
INJECTIONS
• LASER HAIR REMOVAL
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26, Castle Street
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88I newsWEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011 www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport (MN)ADVERTISING(cid:2)01303 817000
Loyalty scheme starts
farm shops fightback
By MARIJKE COX they return. The programme is being backed
by one of Kent’s leading food companies,
[email protected] Foodari,based in Ashford,which specialises in
providing quality locally sourced food to
FARM shops have launched a homes and businesses.
revolutionary rewards scheme in The company has been working with ICE
on the project for two years.
a bid to win back business from
Managing director Jonathan Parker said
supermarket chains. the loyalty scheme will have a positive
It marks a major step forward for impact on local shops and suppliers.
Kent’s local producers, who have “Giving customers an incentive is
continued to struggle in the battle always going to increase loyalty,”he
against big-name brands and said. “Supermarkets make so
store promotions such as the loy- much through these cards –
alty card.The scheme,which is everyone loves something that
being rolled out nationwide, is doesn’t cost anything.”
set to give customers an incen- Mr Parker said the scheme
tive to buy at farm shops where also links in with Archant KOS
they can build up loyalty points. Media’s Keep Kent Working
The programme is being run campaign.
by The ICE Organisation,which “If people in Kent buy Kentish
was set up in Tunbridge Wells to apples rather than South African
reward people who buy sustain- or Chilean from supermarkets,
able and energy-saving products that will affect the numbers of jobs
and services from local shops. for pickers and growers in the county,”
Chief executive Jude Thorne said:“We’re he said.“People should be aware of that.”
right behind the farm shops and have a real Mr Parker said all the businesses he had
sense of the momentum growing as con- spoken to wanted to get involved,although
sumers seek greater value for themselves he admitted it would still be hard competing
and act on their desire to spend with local against the big supermarkets.
suppliers rather than global behemoths. He said:“Supermarkets are here to stay.
“For the first time for many of these farm They are good at providing variety,but farm
shops, customers will receive great value shops are good at providing seasonal,locally
rewards for use against future purchases – in sourced produce which reduces food miles
these tough times this value can’t be ignored.” and is good for environmental credentials.”
The scheme is the same as a supermarket • Food producers and delivery compa-
loyalty card,where shoppers can earn points nies are being urged to get involved.
for money spent in participating shops. Click on www.myice.com or
Credits can be used for discounts when www.foodari.com for more details.
EDITORIAL(cid:2)01303 817100 (MN) www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport WEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011news I 9
KCC blueprint sets out passengers’ and economic requirements for train travel
Southeastern must make
By MARIJKE COX
[email protected]
COUNTY Hall chiefs have
unveiled a blueprint for changes
‘radical improvements’
to rail services which they say are
needed to improve Southeastern’s
“substandard”provision.
The Rail Action Plan for Kent looks to
make sure the new franchise,due to start in
2014,delivers a service that meets the needs MPs and district and parish councils. performance of the HS1 premium service
of the county’s commuters. Cllr Chard said:“While the service was which,although not infallible,is more mod-
The contract with Southeastern runs out terrible,with extended delays,cancellations ern and more reliable in bad weather than
in 2012,but it is expected to be extended for and even overnight journeys, it was not the classic services.
two years despite MPs calling for it to be these failures that most angered and frus- “HS1 is,of course,of little or no value to
scrapped after recent criticism over the com- trated Southeastern’s commuters. commuters from most of east Kent who
pany’s performance. “It was overwhelmingly the almost com- either cannot use the service or do not wish
Kent County Council’s cabinet member for plete lack of accurate and up-to-date infor- to travel to St Pancras.
highways,Cllr Nick Chard,said that to be mation that caused the greatest complaints. “I am sure that if the HS1 performance fig-
worthy of winning a new franchise the compa- “To be worthy of winning a new franchise ures were removed from the equation we
ny had to improve passenger rail information. in 2014, Southeastern must radically would begin to see the real,ghastly figures
improve their provision of information, that describe the service used by those com-
Objections
ensuring that it is relevant,accurate and up- muting to and from work in London.”
He also set out objections to the fare to-date when severe winter weather strikes. A Southeastern spokesman said punctual-
increases introduced earlier this month, Berated ity and performance statistics were calculat-
where some routes saw a 12.8 per cent rise. ed using the standard industry methods and
“We are aiming to achieve two things,”he “Anything less will be regarded,not just by the process is audited annually independ-
said.“Firstly,standing up for the people of us,but by other interested groups across the ently and verified by Government.
Kent by representing the requirements of county,as totally unacceptable.” “Each weekday we operate 2,100 train
our travelling public. Despite its berated performance, services with only 150 of them being high-
“Secondly,developing a strategic rail net- Southeastern released statistics two weeks speed services.
work to help deliver the economic growth we ago showing it had run 82.04 per cent of its “So while of course they will contribute to
need during the next 30 years.In the Rail trains on time in the last year. the overall punctuality statistics for main-
Action Plan for Kent we have developed Had the company fallen below the 82 per line and high-speed routes,the weight given
detailed service specifications and recom- cent target it would have been liable to pay to these services is proportionate,”he said.
mended changes, where necessary, to the season ticket commuters compensation of Consultation on the draft plan runs until
existing franchise specification.” IN TRANSIT: Southeastern’s franchise is five per cent off fares.The figures are now February 28 and amendments will be includ-
This included looking at the mainline routes expected to be extended to 2014 next year being challenged by MPs. ed before a final version is presented at the
after timetable changes in December,2009, North Thanet MP Roger Gale said he Kent Rail Summit on April 19. It can be
when High Speed One (HS1) was introduced. reduced and overcrowded ‘classic’ service. believed they had been “massaged”by the viewed at www.kent.gov.uk/railactionplan.
Commuters in some parts of Kent Problems during the severe weather in inclusion of HS1.
argued they did not benefit from HS1, December were also highlighted in the doc- “The figures used by Southeastern,which News and sport updated daily online
where the train did not speed up until ument, which was drawn up using feed- by a whisker have scraped above the com-
www.kentnews.co.uk
Ebbsfleet, and instead were left with a back from passengers, rail user groups, pensation level,appear to have included the
From Iron Lady to iron rails: Mr
Portillo makes TV tracks for Kent
FORMER Conservative defence secre- George Bradshaw and his railway guide The next episode sees him travelling
tary Michael Portillo has taken to the inspired the Victorians to take to the to Canterbury through to Thanet.
tracks to explore the history of Kent’s tracks. Stop by stop, he told them where “I find out how the cathedral was
railways in a new television series, writes to travel, what to see and where to stay. saved during the Baedeker raids of
Marijke Cox. “Now 170 years later, I’m making a World War Two, go whelk fishing, and
With a copy of 19th century cartogra- series of journeys across the length and explore the origins of a seaside swim in
pher George Bradshaw’s Victorian rail- breadth of the country to see what of Margate,” he said.
way guidebook in his pocket, Mr Portillo, Bradshaw’s Britain remains.” The politician-turned-broadcaster
who was once a contender for the Tory Mr Portillo travels through the county, moves on to seek out a secret port that
leadership, follows the route from from London Bridge around the scenic ran the first train ferries to France carry-
Chatham to Shepway. South East coast to Hastings. ing supplies during World War One.
His travels through Kent are being In the first of the five Kent episodes, he He also visits Walmer Castle and goes
shown on BBC2’s Great British Railway visits the Royal Observatory at on to discover how the Victorians initiat-
Journeys this week, from Monday to Greenwich to see how the railways stan- ed the building of the Channel Tunnel.
Friday, at 6.30pm. dardised time, before exploring the The final episode sees him visit
It forms part of the five-week series Historic Dockyard in Chatham. Romney Marsh before researching the
which sees the 57-year-old, who was a He then moves on to Aylesford and county’s sparkling wine industry.
fervent supporter of former prime minis- Tunbridge Wells to explore the life of Mr Portillo held the Enfield Southgate
ter Margaret Thatcher, travel around the Victorian hop-pickers, find out about seat between 1984 and 1997 and later
UK by rail. Maidstone’s revolutionary paper indus- returned to the Commons as MP for
He said: “In 1840, one man trans- try and learn how the railways turned Kensington and Chelsea in 1999 before
formed travel in Britain. His name was cricket into a national sport. retiring at the 2005 general election. TVGUIDE: Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys
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1100I newsWEEKENDINGJANUARY23, 2011 www.kentnews.co.uk for all the news and sport (MN)ADVERTISING(cid:2)01303 817000
exceptional Small businesses fear
the strain of changed
italian tiles...
paternity allowance
“There are other aspects too.Does this con-
By STEVE KNIGHT
centration on ‘family friendly’ policies impinge
unfairly on workers without children?”
PROPOSED changes to the The first changes to the current maternity
system are due to come into force in April,
maternity leave system have
but Mr Clegg has said the Coalition will con-
caused concern among Kent’s sult on a “proper”system of shared parental
business leaders who fear small leave to be introduced in 2015.
This could result in grandparents and even
firms may struggle to cope. close family friends being given the right to
This week Deputy Prime Minister Nick ask their employers for flexible hours.
Clegg outlined plans to let couples to share He added that one idea being looked at was
maternity leave,allowing fathers to take up allowing parents to share the overall leave
any remaining time off if their partner goes allowance – paid and unpaid – between them
back to work early. in one big chunk or in lots of chunks.
Mothers can currently take up to a year off Andrew Aves,regional organiser for the Kent
work in maternity leave. and Medway branch of the Federation of
Such a scheme would allow men to claim Small Businesses,said most small firms would
up to six months off work compared to the prefer to work out their own arrangements.
current allowance of just two weeks,which He said:“When a business has only four or
the Lib Dem leader described as “paltry”. five members of staff,when one is away it
However, business leaders in Kent say leaves quite a big hole.It would have a total-
such changes could be unmanageable for ly disproportionate effect,which is why we
small firms that only employ a few staff. ask that any arrangement is not statutory.
“I am a great believer in shared parenting “Flexible working is something we’re very
and the strength of the family unit,”said Jo much in favour of,but it should be negotiat-
James, chief executive of Kent Invicta ed between members of staff and business
...at affordable Chamber of Commerce. leaders because one size does not fit all.
“My own family is the most important “For example,if you run a small engineer-
thing in my life.I do feel,however,that the ing firm then finding a temporary member of
new proposals may be a step too far. staff might not be that easy.It’s not as if you
“Large organisations may be able to absorb can go to the job centre and ask for a skilled
prices such leave periods but individuals in smaller engineer for six months.”
concerns can be crucial to the operation,and • See Business Week for all the latest
to cover additional absence could be difficult. news from Kent’s companies.
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