Your Ashford, Issue 171, January 19, 2011

12.2 MB·English

by  KOS Media

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Available from Wednesday,
January 19, 2011
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COUNCIL DEFENDS ITS
RECORD ON GROWTH
(cid:1)BY ED HILL
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
ASHFORD’S housing develop-
yourkenttv.co.uk
ments are poor quality and do not
provide social or economic benefits,
says the Audit Commission.
Yet the council has vigorously defended its
record on growth, following a critical report
from the watchdog set up to monitor local
Government performance.
The commission gave Ashford council,and
KCC,a one star (fair) rating out of three.
It said the two bodies had done well at deliv-
ering the infrastructure for the town’s expan-
sion,but were less successful when it came to
the quality of development and the communi-
ty facilities to support the growth.
Claire Bryce-Smith,Audit Commission sen-
ior manager,said:“These councils have been
working hard to ensure all the right founda-
The Canterbury Tales is selling a favourite tipple of
tions are in place.But the focus on physical
the Middle Ages – mead. Search: ‘Mead’ development has been at the expense of social
and economic benefits, such as developing
community schemes that will help to improve
ALSO INSIDE quality of life in the area.”
The commission suggests the council needs
to get more local views from residents and
LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 8 business on how change should take place.
Ms Bryce-Smith added:“The councils have
SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 12 not been able to demonstrate the benefits of
growth clearly enough to local people.”
LEISURE . . . . . . . . . PAGES 14-16 But Richard Alderton, head of planning,
argued many of the commission’s conclusions
were out of date.
WEATHER. . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 18
He said: “We are pleased the Audit
New housing in Ashford is of poor quality and lacks community and social facilities, according to the Commission recognises the council’s track
MOTORS. . . . . . . . . PAGES 21-26 record in planning and delivering growth.It is
Audit Commission’s report. The claims are strenuously denied by Ashford Borough Council
disappointing that other conclusions in the
TURN TO PAGE THREE
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2 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] (AS)
Appeal for witnesses to
New Year’s Day assault
(cid:1)BY ED HILL
POLICE are trying to track
down witnesses in connec-
tion with a serious attack
that happened as revellers
made their way home from
New Year celebrations.
The assault happened in the early
hours of January 1,on the green area
of the Henwood Industrial Estate,
and left a 25 year-old man with seri-
ous head and facial injuries.
The victim had spent the evening
at a pub in the town and then at the
Liquid nightclub in East Hill.
As he made his way home he was
assaulted by two men on a footpath
that leads from Mace Lane to the
Henwood Industrial Estate.He was
treated in hospital for his injuries
and released later that day.
Shortly before the assault,the 25-
year-old had befriended a man in
East Hill near Liquid and Life night-
clubs,who it is believed knew the two
offenders.
He is not thought to have been
involved in the attack, but police
believe he may have information that
will help their investigation.
He is described as white,in his late
teens, about 5ft 8in tall with dark
hair.
Earlier in the evening, the man
who was attacked is also thought to
have spoken to a man at a pub in
Tufton Street. NIGHT OUT: The assault victim had spent part of the New Year’s Eve at Liquid nightclub
Officers think this man may also
have information that will help the One of the men who attacked the Police are appealing to the two
investigation,and they are appealing man on the Henwood Industrial potential witnesses who met the vic-
for him to come forward as a witness. Estate are described as white,in his tim that night in Ashford.
He is described as white,about 25 late teens,5ft 8in tall,stocky build, If you have information,call police
years old;clean-shaven,with short, chubby-faced, clean shaven and on 01622 690690, and quote crime
dark well-groomed hair.He had the wearing a black or navy woolly hat number FY/33/11.You can also call
word ADAM tattoed on his left fore- and dark clothing.The second man Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800
arm in thick black lettering. was also stocky and in his late teens. 555111.
Drivers warned not to use phones
behind wheel in new crackdown
THE Kent and Medway Safety “It’s worrying that people still don’t
Camera Partnership is cracking take seriously the dangers posed by
down on motorists who use mobile using a phone while driving. More
phones while driving. and more people are using smart
The move comes as a result of evi- phone technology, allowing them to
dence that motorists are now even access the internet while driving.”
using their mobile phones to update The partnership says according to
social networking sites like Twitter its figures,there has been a 40 per
and Facebook behind the wheel. cent drop in serious accidents since
Twitter analysed messages posted speed cameras have been put in the
over just one week.One driver tweet- area.
ed “I can't believe how bad my Five people were killed or seriously
spelling was in my last tweet.A tes- injured at the crash hotspots in the
tament to not tweeting whilst driv- district.That has been cut to three
ing.”Another said “Tweeting whilst belt is a £60 fine and for being caught people killed or seriously hurt at
driving,watch out for PC Plod.” using a mobile phone while driving is safety camera sites in the most
In Ashford, a warning board is a £60 fine and three penalty points recent three-year period (2006-2008).
going to be erected at the fixed speed on your licence,but the consequences Mobile camera vans will be cover-
camera in Hythe Road, pictured. of a crash can be much more devas- ing the A28 and the A262 in
Camera vans will also be patrolling tating. Biddenden.
the area,clamping down on drivers “In the last three years there have If you are in a lay-by using a mobile
breaking the speed limit and those been at least 46 crashes in Kent phone, you must have your engine
who are not wearing seatbelts. involving someone using a mobile switched off to avoid prosecution.
Katherine Barrett, from the phone while at the wheel.Of these For more information about safety
Camera Safety Partnership, said: there were four fatalities,10 serious cameras in Ashford and across Kent
“The penalty for not wearing a seat injuries and 48 slight injuries. and Medway visit www.kmscp.org
(AS) Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourashford.co.uk 3
Lorry park plan will go
ahead, says KCC leader
(cid:1)BY ED HILL
THE Government’s decision
not to fund a 3,000-space
lorry park near Ashford has
garnered a mixed response
from councillors and cam-
paigners.
The scheme is intended to accom-
modate lorries that cannot make it to
Europe when bad weather or indus-
trial action hits the channel ports.At
present, lorries are stacked on the
M20,leading to traffic gridlock in the
surrounding area.
Kent County Council Leader,Paul
Carter, says he still wants to press
ahead with the lorry park,funding it
through private investment, money
collected from foreign lorry drivers or
cash generated by the Dartford
Crossing.
But campaigners against the pro-
posed site,just off the M20 between
the villages of Aldington, Sellindge
and Smeeth, say a one-size-fits-all
solution is not the answer.
Simon Foster,from the Lorry Park
Alliance, formed to protest against
the Aldington Park, said:“Fifty per because of regulations on driving Foster said the Quick Moveable SAY NO: A banner on a house in
cent of all the country’s foreign hours anyway. People say foreign Barrier used to separate HGVs from Aldington shows the strength of
freight traffic comes through Dover, drivers don’t park there because they other lanes of the M20 had worked feeling in opposition to the lorry
and the estimates for growth show don’t want to spend the money,but well between junctions 11 and 12 park plans
more will be generated from the fer- most of the time it is because it is full, and should also be used between
ries.Our country’s import and export particularly at weekends.” junctions eight and nine.
traffic needs to be shared with more The truck stop in Sevington cur- Other campaign groups have
ports around the country.” rently has space for 335 lorries. looked at finding an alternative to
Mr Foster,a former Ashford coun- Mr Foster said:“I am sure the own- concreting over 70 acres of greenfield
cillor with many years of experience ers would be happy to see that land in the heart of the county.
in the transport sector, also says increased to 500. It could also be Sean Fury, from Protect Kent,
there are other solutions that could linked to building the 10a junction.” (CPRE),said:“We want to explore in
reduce the problem of lorries parking The new roundabout designed to more depth creating more parking at
up in the county’s lay-bys and resi- help Ashford’s growth plans has been Dover. The port is what generates
dential areas. put on hold by the Highways the problem.These are the compa-
He said:“There is already a truck Authority for five years. nies that are making money out of Unit 19,The Glenmore Centre,Pent Road,
stop in Ashford, which could be In terms of dealing with the disrup- the traffic.They should be involved Shearway,Folkstone,Kent,CT19 4RJ
enlarged. Drivers have to stop tion caused by Operation Stack,Mr in a solution.”
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
Criticism ‘outdated’ Attack motive remains
PVC White,Light Oak and Rosewood Profile Standard Finishes
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
commission’s report seem to be based a mystery, say police
on little evidence and many issues are
overlooked completely.”
Mr Alderton argued not all elements
of development are under the council’s
control, such as the delay from the A MAN is recovering from serious head. He was taken to William
Highways Authority in building injuries after being beaten up on Harvey Hospital and transferred
Junction 10a on the M20. Christmas Day. the following day to the Kent and
He said:“The criticism over the lack The 32-year-old was walking Canterbury Hospital, where he
oafl sos oucinafla iar.nBd yc osummmmuenrit ya lfiabcrialirtyie sa nids athloen tgo wNno rcwenotorde wGhaernd ehnes wtoaws asurdbs- unHdee rwhaesn t ssiunrcgee rbye.en discharged NO Sales PVC-U Conservatories
community building and an improved jected to a serious attack that led and is recovering from his injuries. People
arts venue will open at St Mary’s. to him needing surgery in hospital. The offenders are both described
“In the last few years the town has As he was walking to town late as white,aged between 20 and 24,
seen new leisure facilities at the Stour at night on December 25,he was and wearing dark clothing. You deal
Leisure Centre, Courtside and approached by two men who asked DC Darren Bough said: “This with me
Pitchside. him for a cigarette. was a vicious attack on a man with Paul
“We accept mistakes have been When he told the men he did not no apparent motive. Horvath
made in the past,but our commitment have any,he was punched and fell “I am anxious to speak to anyone
to quality will not waiver.” to the ground where he was who was in the vicinity of Norwood TOP QUALITY PVC-U WINDOWS DOORS
Cllr Peter Wood,leader of the coun- punched and kicked repeatedly. Street and Ashford town centre AND CONSERVATORIES
cil,recently announced it will be con- He was seen walking around during the late hours of Christmas
sulting local people on the town’s Ashford town centre,with obvious Day to 9.15am on Boxing Day,and www.perfectwindows.co.uk
development. injuries the next morning at about may have information.”
Mr Alderton said:“The output of this 9.15am,when police were called to If you can help, call police on
consultation will form an overarching attend to him. 01622 690690 and quote crime Tel: [phone]
vision for the borough that will inform The man had sustained fractures number FY/477/10 or call or 01304 210387
the local development plan.” to his face and ribs,and cuts to his Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
4 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] (AS)
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(AS) Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourashford.co.uk 5
Regulations to Ashford represents
yourashford hard-hit families
NEWS IN BRIEF
tighten controls RESEARCH by a national newspaper has
chosen Ashford to highlight the tough eco-
nomic climate people face in the year ahead.
Bag snatch cyclist sought The Daily Telegraph gave the example of a
family of four from the town with a single
earner with a salary of £50,000.It estimates
A PENSIONER has had to spend a night in
they will be £3,252 worse off this year than
hospital after a cyclist snatched her bag.
they were in 2010.
on sex shows The 77-year-old woman was walking along
The figures take into account factors such
Quantock Drive between 8.30 and 8.40pm,
as increases in food, energy, interest rates
last Wednesday when the theft happened.
and rail fares.
The woman tried to hold on to her bag and
An annual season ticket to London has
fell face down on to the pavement as the
risen by £488.Energy bills could increase by
offender managed to grab it and ride off.
£161 over the year,and food bills could rise
She was taken to the William Harvey by £230.
Hospital with swelling and bruising and was VAT at 20 per cent,changes in tax credits,
(cid:1)BY ED HILL kePpotl iince o vaerren igchatr froire do bsoeurtv athiooun.se-to-house ifnrecerzeea soens cihni ldm boerntgefaigt eh arveep aaylsmo ehnitts f aamnidli eas
enquiries and studied CCTV to try and iden- hard.
LAP-DANCING and sex shows in tify the offender who was wearing dark cloth- Financial expert Kevin Mountford, from
pubs face more stringent control, inTg.he stolen handbag is described as a large, Mweobnseiytes,upsaeirdm:a“rTkheetr,e thise npor idcoeu bcto mthpaatr istohne
after a move to give residents bright red Jasper Conran crocodile-style bag. start of 2011 will see a real impact on every-
more say. Anyone with information is asked to con- one’s finances,and the next 12 months could
tact DC Karen Lorimer on 01233 896291 or see the nation’s wallets getting squeezed fur-
Sex shops and cinemas already come under email: [email protected] or ther.”
licensing control from local authorities,but you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
until recently,pole dancing,lap dancing and
similar shows have been put on at pubs and
clubs with a general music and dancing
licence.
As part of the new legislation,a category of
venue has been created known as a Sexual
Entertainment Venue. These are roughly
designated as any site where sexual shows
and displays of nudity are put on for the
financial benefit of the organiser.
For a venue to put on sex shows,it will
have to apply for an additional licence and
pay a fee.
As part of the process it must also advertise
in a local newspaper that it has made an
application to put on sexual entertainment
and display a public notice for 21 days.
Any person can object to an application, SEX SHOWS: A sign in Lower High Street, Ashford
but these mainly have to be because of issues
such as the locality.For example,if they are about the new legislation.The lobby group
close to a school,church,historical site,resi- welcomed the new framework, but raised
dential area,or if it would create a prolifera- concerns about such venues coercing women
tion of sex venues in one area. into performing and increasing crime.
Moral objections will be given less weight They also suggested a ‘nil per ward’ restric-
when the licensing committee considers an tion on the number of venues allowed,but
application to grant a licence. the council has decided it is better if each
However,the new licensing policy will not application is considered on its individual
apply to venues that put on sexual entertain- merits.
ment fewer than 12 times a year. The new legislation will be introduced in
The council consulted with Kent Feminista April.
Air ambulance needs your help
A FATHER whose daughter’s life was
saved by the Air Ambulance service is urg-
ing people to run the Brighton Marathon
for the charity.
Jason Denny’s five-year-old daughter,
Pearl, was airlifted by the helicopter to
King’s College Hospital in London follow-
ing a road accident in Ashford last June.
The operations manager, from New
Romney, said: “She had life-threatening
injuries and I think that without the
intervention of the Air Ambulance’s crew,
she would not have survived.
“I am now aware that the service relies County fundraiser Lynn Hyder said:
almost exclusively on charitable dona- “This is traditionally a time of year,follow-
tions,and I just want to show my grati- ing the festive period, when people are
tude. looking for ways of keeping fit.
“People tend to become aware of the Air “The Brighton Marathon is a fantastic
Ambulance only when someone they way to do this,but it requires a lot of train-
know needs it, but it is indispensible ing which is why we need people to sign
because it can mean the difference up now.”
between life and death. Pearl has since It costs £1.7m a year to keep the helicop-
made a full recovery.” ter flying. All marathon entrants will
Mr Denny, 41, will be running the receive a fundraising pack, including
marathon himself on April 10 this year. sponsor forms, support and advice from
Charity places are still available for any- the charity’s fundraising team.
one who wants to raise money for the Air Anyone interested in running the
Ambulance.The deadline for registration Brighton Marathon should call Lynn
is February 4. Hyder on 07884 338317.
6 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] (AS)
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Have your say...
Ba
The University of Kent is bringing forward development proposals for
new on-campus student accommodation alongside a new hotel and Downs Rd St Stephen’s
Community Centre
conference centre. These facilities will enhance the University’s
aIPtnhclenceaoo psmveraom tcpioooomdnsa aeCtl sieao nlwnot nriateghn. dtao c mooemumrp pbleuembr leoicnf tet hxthhee ibt enitaeimoanr ba tyno dC l oagnoivtkee a rybto utuhryre cpolmanms,e dnitssc.uss TheCrescent Moorfield Tenterden Dr GoddenRd Long MeadowWay
Tenterden Dr
STetn.t eSrdteen pDhrivee,n H’asl eCs Polamcem, Cuannteirtbyur yC CeTn2 t7rBeN, Manwood Ave The Terrace Witching Close Headcorn Dr
Saturday 22 January 2011 JSutn Sioter pShcheno’osl Hever Pl Farleigh R
Between 10am and 2pm The University of Kent makes a million to the economy in the
major economic, social and cultural Canterbury district.
contribution to the area and is one
For more information visit our website www.uok-consultation.co.uk of the region’s largest employers. It The project represents a £60 million
employs over 2,000 academic and direct investment by the University
We hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend for any reason and would like non-academic staff and has 16,000 during construction of the project
further information, please contact: students in Canterbury. that will, in turn, deliver significant
local employment opportunities, as
Jessica Stewart 020 7357 6606 [email protected]
In 2010/2011, the University well as increased expenditure in the
expects to contribute at least £200 local economy.
(AS) Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourashford.co.uk 7
ARCHANT KOS MEDIA CAMPAIGN ISSUES COUNTYWIDE CALL TO ARMS TO KENT BUSINESSES
Time to roll up our sleeves and
work together for prosperity
(cid:1)BY STEVE KNIGHT ation and economic development,Cllr Kevin Claire Trevill,who has vast experience of busi-
Lynes.“There could be a little more thought ness in Kent,says she fully understands what
between businesses about the beginning and employers and employees are going through.
the end. She has worked closely with the
THIS newspaper calls on employ-
“I’d like to reach a point where we are engag- Government’s Future Jobs Fund and is acting
ers throughout the county to join ing really closely with the private sector to find as a business mentor for young people with
together and support our new cam- out where the skills gaps will be in future,so the Prince’s Trust charity.
we can address that and train up tomorrow’s “Everyone is aware that these are tough eco-
paign to Keep Kent Working. workforce today.” nomic times,but that creates an opportunity
With unemployment at its highest rate in One of the main aims of the Keep Kent for doing things differently,”said Miss Trevill.
years and Government spending cuts in full Working campaign is to encourage businesses “And that includes how businesses recruit
force,now is the perfect time for businessmen to take on young workers,as a third of the their staff and how they take on apprentices
and women across the region to collaborate county’s unemployed are aged 18-24. and offer graduate placements.
and improve the Kent economy for all. Investing “Our proximity to London has also become a
Our campaign aims to keep people in work, blessing and a curse,because we lose many of
generate jobs and develop our talent for the do something positive and use our media as a Cllr Lynes pointed to KCC’s support our best workers there.But now’s the time to
future. vehicle for employers and organisations – as scheme for employers, which drastically stop the brain drain and for Kent employers to
It will provide a forum for local companies to well as the wider community – to communi- reduces the bureaucracy involved with tak- fight back and keep the talent here.
demonstrate what they are doing to aid the cate how adaptable the business community ing on an apprentice,as an example of how “Keep Kent Working is a positive campaign
recovery – be it by taking on new apprentices in Kent is to dealing with change and to make different organisations can work together for and I’m pleased this newspaper is giving
or coming up with innovative new ways of sure the people of Kent know what opportuni- the benefit of all. employers and employees the platform to com-
working – while also acting as a launch-pad ties are out there.” He added:“The benefit of investing in youth municate good employment practice as well as
for firms to join together and share their The Keep Kent Working campaign already is that you get a huge amount of enthusiasm, to raise awareness of what help is out there to
expertise. has the backing of Kent County Council and energy and drive that comes with being young. keep Kent strong.”
Archant KOS Media has faced difficult deci- the Federation of Small Businesses. “Letting young people look at things with a To achieve the aims of our campaign we will
sions itself in recent times,as have many busi- “Anything that gets businesses working fresh pair of eyes and question the way in need everyone to contribute.We may lead the
nesses within the county. together to create more employment opportu- which they do things can be so valuable to Keep Kent Working initiative,but we also wel-
Managing director Paul Stannard said:“We nities for people – and especially young people businesses,and can give them a serious edge come any ideas or suggestions.
ourselves have had to make tough decisions, – absolutely gets my backing,” said Kent over their competitors.” • Show your support for Kent’s economic prosperity by
and it is from this backdrop that we decided to County Council’s cabinet member for regener- The Keep Kent Working campaign manager emailing [email protected].
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yourletters LETTERS: Please send your letters in to us at Yourashford, Apple Barn, Smeeth, Ashford,
Kent TN25 6SS
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Peninsula land ideal it will choke and stall. finally claim left numb;
I would like to reassure residents That smallest of trophies,the best From Melbourne to Sydney a
– for our wildlife on the Hoo Peninsula that the in the game. nation in black
RSPB remains resolute in its As we sat and we shivered down Shane Warne shed a tear,with no
commitment to the protection of the under they went clocks to turn back.
Re your story,Campaigners’ fury at unique wildlife and heritage of the
plans to bring Cliffe airport plans North Kent Marshes. Ambition unbridled,success their The Man of the Series – a young
back to life,on Kent News, Chris Corrigan intent, chap called Cook,
January 8. Regional Director Each man on a mission,a purpose, His name now enshrined in the
Mr Olsen is right to say that the RSPB South East England a quest game’s record book,
Hoo Peninsula includes the best With pride in his heart and three The runs from his bat flowed like
piece of undeveloped land near a lions on his chest. great vintage wine
Scrooge attitude not children at Christmas may seek to
major city.But it is not the best Only five skips before had returned Reminiscent of Gower with stroke
make a valid point about the value
piece of land for an airport. with the spoils play divine.
to be applauded of money.But some might think
It is best for the amazing range of he’s become the Ebenezer Scrooge Immortal their names,of legend And on that last Friday,the
wildlife and the spectacular,open of the 21st century. their toils; ultimate prize
landscape that’s found there;much What a miserable attitude Terry, comment on website From Jardine to Hutton, When Beer stood and faced
of which is legally protected for its displayed by your blogger last Illingworth,Brearley,Gatts Tremlett’s seven foot eyes,
iannPtyelwrannhaset rtieoo n ibnau lt iilhmde apTnohr ataaimrnpecoser .Et stuary wkieCdeshk rl.eisatrmniansg h tahse nvoatlhuien go ft mo dono ewyith Waxing lyrical on Abonwdl enrosw a Andn dbraetws. Strauss with his Hvicist owryic wkeats w swase eshtattered and
and everything to do with having a our Ashes success Then ...three wins by an innings - After 25 years the job was com-
have been repeatedly rejected,
great time as a family. no never before plete.
including by the current
Government.It’s time Mr Olsen, I can see the point in making Over the years I’ve written Not even with Grace in those great So...hats off to Strauss and to all of
Mayor Johnson and others youngsters carry out chores for copious amounts of poetry,so I days of yore, his men,
rae gcoagpn biseetwd ethena tt hjues ht obuescaesu,siet ’st hneorte’s ttishh eeriiydr sipchouocluokluedts .hmaovnee lye,sbsu att t Co hsurigsgtmesats cwoiuthldonu’tt pleetn tnhien gA sahne os dter.iumph go Tath he aglrf emena satnd the yellow soon flew Sgotoond eohlden Bgieg, fBisehn and chips and
appropriate to cover it in runways. Mrs T Leigh, by email Ashes to Ashes,perhaps dust to As the red,white and blue was It’s good to be British and to say
Regeneration in the Thames dust, raised – quite unsurpassed. that we won
Estuary may be a crucial fuel for • Gary Wright’s support for Jamie But who’d hold the aces,who’d fold The Army went barmy,Aussie fans The Ashes,down under,by three
the UK’s economic engine,but a Oliver and his suggestion that we and go bust; were struck dumb, Tests to one.
powerful engine needs to breathe or should not spend so much on our Which pack hid the jokers,who’d Kangaroos hopped away,platypuses Michael Claughton
For the latest blogger column see yourashford.co.uk
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(AS) Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourashford.co.uk 9
yourlocalinterview
QTell us a little about yourself. pointed with things they buy over the inter- and has become a classic.It had a British serv-
net.I also restore items and will track things ice life of 60 years and is still going strong in
QUESTION & ANSWER
AI’m 59 and took early retirement from a down for people.I can sometimes do research India.Similarly the Mills grenade,which was
major PLC just over two years ago. I’m into customers’ grandfathers’ WWI history. designed in 1915,modified in 1917 and then
JOHN married and have two grown-up kids.I live remained in service for another 55 years com-
just outside Ashford. QTell us about the flag you recently discovered. pletely unchanged. I also think First World
War medals are potent symbols of the terrible
QWhen did you first become interested in the First World AI bought the flag from a local collector who experiences soldiers had of trench warfare.
BAILEY War and military history? had acquired it 12-15 years ago. It was
AMy father and all my uncles were in the made by a French woman in Calais during QWhat do you think of the social and cultural life of the
forces in WWII and I was brought up hear- 1944 to welcome the liberating troops. It’s area?
ing stories from the war.I acquired my first made mainly from parachute silk,plus what AMy wife and I moved to Ashford from south
military item when I was about seven years looks like the gold edging from a tablecloth.It east London four years ago and wished we
old.I swapped a Mars bar for a brass Spitfire is quite crudely made. I am investigating a had done it earlier.The quality of life here is
that a school friend’s father had made in the couple of leads on the French woman,but it’s far better, with the superb countryside and
RAF.I’ve still got it.I became very interested early days yet. coastline.There seem to be many more people
in the First World War after visiting the actively trying to make Kent a better place.
Somme in the mid 1980s and was amazed by QWhat are the favourite items in your collection and
what I saw.I then started researching my two why? QHow can people find out more about you and Still in the
grandfathers’ part in the Great War. AI do like military paperwork,such as the Trenches?
documents a soldier would have had in his AThey can learn a lot from the website but
QWhat inspired you to set up Still in the Trenches in service from recruitment to discharge.I have also I'’d like them to come to the shop in the
Folkestone? those papers for my father and one of my Old High Street,Folkestone.I like to chat with
AI had done a little spare time trading in grandfathers and it is far more human than my customers and have had some incredible
militaria and felt that Kent needed a five- the metalwork and hardware of war.I’ve also people in the shop – D-Day veterans,serving
day-a-week military history shop where peo- got a lot of Home Guard training manuals and soldiers, Blitz survivors, and V1 witnesses.
ple could buy interesting and genuine items at papers.I think the Home Guard was amazing. Recently a marvellous lady who was in the
reasonable prices. French resistance visited the shop.
Many military collectors’ shops have closed QWhat kind of items would typically be considered of his-
as the internet has grown,but I saw a need for toric military significance? QTell us something that people don't know about you.
people to be able to see and touch things before AThere are many iconic items that come
they buy them.In collecting,condition is very from the two world wars.The Lee Enfield AIn the mid 1980s I qualified as a pilot and
important and many people are often disap- rifle was probably the finest service rifle ever even got to fly a WWII military aircraft.
&
The owner of wartime memorabilia shop Still in the Trenches spoke to James Alexandre about his
fascination with military history, the significance of a handmade flag and the joys of living in Kent.
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10 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] (AS)
Pupils put under pressure
New baccalaureate
blow to grammars
A CONTROVERSIAL system intro-
in battle to pass Kent Test
duced to boost the number of pupils
studying traditional academic subjects
has exposed failings in Kent’s grammar
schools.
League table figures revealed that
while selective schools excel in GCSEs,
under the English baccalaureate,many
(cid:1)BY MARIJKE COX of five asking for 11-plus tutoring,but it’s too are lagging behind.
young – year five is the right time.” The qualification is awarded to pupils
The tutor,who asked not to be named for pro- who achieve five A* to C grades in
PARENTS of children as young as fessional reasons,said:“I’ve had parents call up English,maths,a science,a foreign lan-
five are trying to hire private tutors about children as young as six.There’s a year guage,and a humanity.
four girl (aged eight) whose parents asked if she Schools were previously only judged
for 11-plus coaching,as the demand on the number of pupils who achieve
could have in excess of an hour’s tutoring,which
for grammar school places rockets. is too long for someone that age.” five A* to C grades in any subjects.
While six selective schools in Kent
Tutors across the county said they had been Figures from Kent County Council showed achieved above 80 per cent,others only
inundated with calls from parents desperate to 10,947 children sat the Kent Test in September, managed to scrape average scores,and
start preparing their children,despite the exam, 2010,to start secondary school in the 2011 aca- six fell below 50 per cent.
known as the Kent Test,being up to six years demic year. Twenty-eight grammars, however,
away in some cases. A spokesman said even if a child passes the had 95 per cent or more of their pupils
The influx is being blamed on the huge exam it does not necessarily mean they will be achieving five A* to C grades,including
demand for grammar school education. Last given a grammar school placement. English and maths – Maidstone’s
September 10,947 youngsters aged 10-11 sat the “Many grammar schools are their own admis- Invicta Grammar School achieved 100
test for just 4,475 places in the academic year ALL WORK, NO PLAY: Pupils are being put under too sions authority,”he said.“KCC cannot guarantee per cent for a second consecutive year.
starting in September 2011. much pressure at an early age, say education experts that a grammar-assessed child will be offered a Aside from the baccalaureate results,
Tutors said competition was fierce and parents grammar school.” however,headteachers,staff and pupils
were going to extreme lengths to secure their plus at a young age does not help. Marian Darke,south east regional secretary of were celebrating record GCSE results.
child a place. “I can understand why parents want to do this, teaching union the NUT, said there was too The majority of Kent’s secondary
Kent and Medway tutor Patricia but it really is unsuitable. Coaching for 12 much pressure being put on children to pass the schools beat the previous year’s results,
Matthewman, principle of the Eleven Plus months before they take the test is adequate.” with the number of students gaining
Kent Test.
Academy,said year five,aged 9-10,was young Mrs Matthewman said the high demand for five or more A* to C grades up 6.3 per
“There is more and more pressure to get them
enough to start coaching. grammar school places was pushing parents to cent to 79.3 per cent – 3.2 per cent
“I don’t believe starting younger than that is try and start tutoring early. through the test,rather than allowing them to above the national average.
beneficial,”she said. But another Kent tutor, who works in the enjoy their education,”she said. Medway Council was also celebrating
“We have had parents asking for tutoring for Maidstone area, said the idea tutoring would “It’s making it all about succeeding or failing, record GCSE results,with 77 per cent
younger children and we’ve turned them away. secure a grammar school place was misguided. and this isn’t good for children. of pupils achieving five A*-C grades –
Some calls were for year three children (7-8) and “It’s more about the child.Even the brightest “Education should be about developing, not six per cent up on the previous year.
others even younger,specifically for the 11-plus. won’t always be suitable for grammar schools,” about labelling children who don’t go to a gram- Gad’s Hill School in Higham, near
“General tutoring in subjects such as creative she said. mar school as failures.Tutoring young children Rochester, was named as the eighth
writing is fine at any age,but tutoring for the 11- “I’ve been contacted by parents with children puts far too much pressure on them.” best performing school in England.
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