Your Ashford, Issue 69, January 7, 2009

7.7 MB·English

by  KOS Media

yourashford
K O S
yourashford.co.uk
E
E
R
F
w e e k
mniedw s p a p er Issue No 69
Available from Wednesday
THE NEWSPAPER FOR ASHFORD, TENTERDEN AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES January 7, 2009
WIN £1 MILLION
...IN PRIZES IN OUR BUSINESS CHALLENGE 2009
For full details visit our website www.kentnews.co.uk
POSITIVE START TO
CHALLENGING YEAR
WHAT’S ON & WATCH Picture:IGORKUPCO (cid:2)BYED HILL
yourkenttv.co.uk AN ambitious string of attractions
designed to lure shoppers into the
town over the festive period proved
the silver lining to the increasing
cloud of economic uncertainty.
While traders across Ashford were left
counting the cost of the credit squeeze on their
bottom lines both in the run up to Christmas
and the January sales,town centre chiefs were
taking some crumbs of comfort.
And crucially it appears the aggressive mar-
keting of the area last month paid off,with
huge numbers flocking to the town.
After a slow start,ice skating fans saw fig-
ures increase during the school holidays for
BLOCKBUSTERS:Watch teasers of the the Ice World temporary rink in the car park of
latest big screen releases. Search ‘preview’ Charter House as crowds flocked from across
east Kent.
ALSO INSIDE There are also encouraging signs the town
centre is once again becoming an essential
shopping destination for those living in the
COMPETITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 15 borough. After years of decline, the recent
improvements to the town centre appear to be
LEISURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 19-28 paying off.
MOTORING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 29-31 Spearheaded by the multi-million pound
revamp of County Square crowds flocked –
JOBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 32-35 giving under pressure traders hope the gloomy
SPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 38-39 ICE STALLS WINNING STREAK ouFtlroaonkc efosr 2B0u0r9t ,macyo mnomt ehricti tahl emm atonoa hgaerrd .at
County Square,said:“We put a lot of effort into
our Christmas activities.You can get the peo-
ple in but getting them to spend is another
matter.Stores say their sales figures are up
Ashford Town’s march towards promotion was given the cold shoulder this weekend as a frozen pitch at and some have been the top in their region and
neighbours Whitstable put hopes of making it seven wins in a row on hold. beaten branches at Bluewater.
But there will still be a warm glow in the confidence-packed dressing room – as boss Steve Lovell was “Footfall has been the best we have had for
named Ryman South Manager of the Month for December after leading his club from mid-table years.Just before Christmas we had the best
mediocrity to within five points of the league leaders. FULL STORY – SEE PAGES 38 & 39 week since 2002 and then the next week was
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Nasons Department Store
47 High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2SB
01227 456755 www.nasons.co.uk
Nasons Furniture,Carpet and Bed Centre
Maynard Road, Wincheap Estate,
Canterbury, CT1 3RQ. 01227 463550
2 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
Email [email protected]
Protect traders
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
by shopping local
yourkenttv.co.uk
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
was the best since 2003.”
An estimated 130,000 visited the
TOP TV CLIPS centre in the week running up to
December 25.But despite the good
cheer,the town centre is still in des-
perate need of residents giving it their
support and shopping local.
Viv Kenny heads Ashford Town
Centre Partnership – the organisa-
tion behind the Winter Festival and
ice rink.She has rapped out a warn-
ing that only by shopping local can
the local economy survive the gloom.
She said:“I have been saddened by
the forecasts about retailers going out
of business.We have all got used to
SUCH A WASTE:Claire Pitts (inset) has slammed KCC for pulling out of its deal with Greenfields one-stop shopping but we should get
back to the historic way of shopping
Waste recycling
and making an event of it in the town.
“We would love to do more events
for Ashford but we rely on the support
of local businesses to fund them,so we
need to work together to bring
project scrapped Ashford ahead of its competitors.”
Other areas of the town have
reported a good shopping period
1 How simple changes to your driving can save you money. See despite the closure of well known
www.yourkenttv.oc.uk and search the leisure channel. names such as Woolworths.
Natalie Price from Park Mall said:
over rise in costs “Things have gone very well.Despite
the weather, footfall has been very
good and is on the rise.The sales peri-
od started before Christmas and
meant numbers steadily improved.”
Sally Starley from Tiny Tots in
(cid:2)BYED HILL making it prohibitive. Bank Street said:“I think while we
KCC leader Paul Carter said: will be okay,the next 12 months will
“Claire Pitts is to be applauded for be difficult.I think we will see more
A GROUNDBREAKING trying to do something positive about shops close but those that are left will
recycling scheme has been recycling furniture materials. be much stronger.”
forced to close – prompting “There is always a risk with any new Mrs Kenny added:“I think Ashford
business venture and Greenfields has coped well over the festive season but
the woman behind the been a victim of market forces due to independent traders face a struggle
doomed project to fire a the downturn in the market for recy- and need the help of local people.
broadside at Kent County clables,especially scrap metal. “We have improved shopping on
“KCC originally agreed to pay £45 offer and Ashford can now compete
Council. a tonne for the materials produced, with Canterbury and Maidstone.”
Greenfields Resource Management but the company has almost doubled
Ltd was set up on the Cobbs Wood the fee to £80 in the past nine
industrial estate last April by Claire months and we cannot justify paying Keep fit and clean
Pitts,a former waste manager with this increase.”
Can you help trace the history of Folkestone through the years? Dover council. Ms Pitts said:“Obviously the unit
2 But it has been forced to shut up costs are more expensive at this up the community
See www.yourkenttv.co.uk and search the leisure channel. shop as a result of the county council experimental stage and that tips
pulling out of a deal to recycle rub- the cost balance very marginally
bish at the facility. in favour of the landfill option,but THE Green Gym, launched last
It says the costs have soared and those costs would fall substantially month for volunteers who want to
the money demanded by the facility once we were able to roll it out in a keep fit while carrying out practical
too high. bigger way.” conservation work, will regroup on
Headache The company’s five employees January 12.
have been laid off and it says it will It will get to work on the first of a
The company breaks down bulky not be able to pay the rent into the series of tasks in the Community
refuse such as beds and furniture into new year. Woodland at Singleton Hill and at the
the component parts and then sells She added:“We are the first com- Singleton Environment Centre.
the material on the open market. pany as far as I am aware to be Every Monday until February 23
Ms Pitts said:“What to do with doing this. Landfill sites will get the volunteers will work for three
bulky refuse has always been a fuller and jobs will be lost in an inno- hours to clear overgrown shrubs,
huge headache for councils across vative business that had the poten- improve access, plant trees, create
the UK. Some charities do re-use tial to create hundreds of new jobs, glades and enhance wildlife habitat.
items but not everything can be re- benefiting councils UK-wide. So The teams will be led by a project
used if it is not labelled properly.” much for KCC’s much trumpeted officer from conservation charity
She says costs have had to increase green credentials.” Kent BTCV (British Trust for Cons-
to keep the project going.But KCC The company also takes items from ervation Volunteers) who will provide
says the fee has almost doubled the NHS and Customs and Excise. tools,expertise and guidance.
3 Catch a glimpse of one of the infrequently spotted waxwing bird.
See web TV site www.yourkenttv.co.uk and search ‘waxwing’. KPOOWSE MREEDD BIAY
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAY
AND THE SATURDAY EDITIONFOR ALL THE
WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT
EDITOR:Chris Britcher 01303 817171 View 100s of
GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032
WEBSITE: www.yourashford.co.uk our exquisite jewellery at
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EMAIL:Editorial: [email protected]
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HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, ‘exquisite jewellery’
Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR
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yourashford.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 3
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Tent is a big top-ic Probe into brutal
assaults continues
TWO vicious, unprovoked, assaults in
the early hours of Christmas Eve are
for theatre lovers being linked by police.
The first assault took place around
5.30am on December 24, when a 30-
year-old man was walking home with a
friend. As they turned into Godfrey
Walk,near to the Beaver Road barriers,
they saw two men walking towards
them on the opposite side of the road.
Support grows for a temporary panto venue A police spokesman said:“One of the
men crossed the road and punched the
30-year-old man, knocking him to the
floor.He sustained a fractured cheekbone.
“Between 5.40-6am,a 65-year-old man
was walking along the cycle path off
(cid:2)BYED HILL Beaver Road which runs alongside the
Eurostar car park, and a man jogged
past him.Suddenly he was punched in
THEATRE-starved townsfolk are the face and knocked unconscious.”
He sustained cuts and bruising to his
rallying behind a call for Ashford to face,a fractured skull and a broken arm.
stage its own festive pantomime – He was taken to hospital but has since
been discharged and is now recovering
in a circus-style big top.
at home.
Nearby Canterbury will be staging its winter Anyone who saw anything on the night
2009 show in a massive tent as work gets under should contact police on 01303 289180 or
way on rebuilding the Marlowe Theatre. Crimestoppers on 0800 555000.
And it prompted Yourashford to ask drama
lovers in the town if there should be a push for
Ashford to follow suit. VIEWTHIS CLIP ON
It could potentially prove a huge draw for the
town during the busiest time of the year,bring
some much needed family fun to the town,and, yourkenttv.co.uk
put the spotlight on the fact there is no perma-
nent performance space in the borough. LOCAL
Panto
Stella Critchley,who last year was awarded
an MBE for her services to the Ashford Youth
Theatre,told us:“I think it would be a good idea.
“I know a lot of people in Ashford would
rather take their children to a panto here than
have to travel to Canterbury or Folkestone,par- PUTTING ON A SHOW:Could Ashford follow Canterbury’s example and stage a pantomime in a heated big top?
ticularly if it was in walking distance of the
town centre.But it would have to be a profes- space at St Mary’s Church in the town centre. to continue to run productions in the same
sional standard production to attract people.” Jack Cowan,who has been campaigning to way as the Marlowe.If a professional compa-
She also said it may give young performers in find a venue in the town,and has gathered a ny was keen to do a production on a council
the area a chance to take part in a professional petition with more than 2,000 signatures site we would have to negotiate whether that
production if they were auditioned to play parts calling for a permanent theatre,said:“I think would be possible.”
in the chorus;as is the case in Canterbury. a big top would be an excellent idea if we could • What do you think of the idea? Let us know: Email:
The town does not currently have a make it work.” [email protected]. Write: The Editor, Trace the history of Ashford cattle
permanent performance venue for theatre A council spokesperson said:“As we do not Yourashford, KOS Media, Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, market. Search ‘cattle’
although plans are in the pipeline to create a have a theatre at present we are not obligated Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR.
Police safety Dad’s pride over
unit reveals FREE
MBE awarded to
drop in crime FITTING*
TARGETED crackdowns last year
have dragged down crime figures
Olympic hero Staff
in the borough,say police.
It follows the success of the Safer
Spring, Summer and Autumn
campaigns.
Inspector Andrew Judd said:“A
number of operations,focusing on
different types of criminal damage FATHER of Olympic cycling hero showed his ability – he used to play
in the area,were undertaken by Jamie Staff has spoken of his pride squash and run with me when he
the Community Safety Unit. at the award of an MBE to his gold was young and it was obvious he
“During the Safer Summer cam- medal-winning son. had talent.
paign a 25 per cent reduction in all The Beijing star was given the “When he started cycling that
reported crime was recorded for the award in the New Year’s Honours was obviously what he wanted to 40% off
Victoria Ward and during Safer List – recognising his role in the do and we gave him every encour- (cid:54)(cid:81)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1) (cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:13)
Autumn, the four-week period hugely successful Team GB squad. agement.
including Halloween and Bonfire And while he was enjoying a “We had 12 years of taking him to plus free fitting*
night,there was a 57 per cent reduc- much needed holiday in Los meetings and to training – wherev-
tion in criminal damage,equating to Angeles,his father,Alan Staff,was er he wanted to go.
74 less victims of crime.” glowing with pride. “But it has now paid off and he
Fashion Stripe Kelso Supreme
Overall it resulted in a 15 per The builder from Brabourne Lees has achieved what he set out to do.
80% wool, 80% wool,
cent reduction in criminal damage said: “It’s fantastic for him. It’s “This recognition is just the final
across the borough. great that people who make these thing and we are all obviously (cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:1) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:89)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:87)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:1)
Police say they have targeted sort of decisions recognise his delighted.” (cid:88)N(cid:66)O(cid:84)(cid:1)W(cid:98)(cid:19) (cid:22)£(cid:15)(cid:26)1(cid:26)4(cid:1)(cid:84).(cid:82)6(cid:1)(cid:78)7 (cid:1)sq m (cid:88)N(cid:66)O(cid:84)(cid:1)W(cid:98)(cid:19) (cid:26)£(cid:15)(cid:26)1(cid:26)8(cid:1)(cid:84).(cid:82)5(cid:1)(cid:78)9 sq m
areas that have had problems in achievements.” Jamie and his American wife
the past. Mr Staff said Jamie had always Malia are currently in LA. (cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:111)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:98)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:26)(cid:22)(cid:78)2(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:18)(cid:22)(cid:78)2(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)
During the school holidays shown his athletic ability, even His father added:“But he’s com- (cid:87)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:98)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:90)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:38)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:74)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:15)
schools were regularly checked from an early age. ing back later this month.He’ll def-
by patrols and as a result no He said: “I played a fair bit of initely come and visit because we (cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:80)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:90) Opening times:
reports of damage were received sport when I was younger but the are looking after his pet dog - a 01227 766655 Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm
and there was only one burglary. opportunities really weren’t there cocker spaniel named Marilyn. (cid:88)(cid:88)(cid:88)(cid:15)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:90)(cid:84)(cid:15)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:15)(cid:86)(cid:76) Sun 10.30am – 4.30pm
• To find out the crime figures in your area to progress far. “Then we can get the chance to FURNITURE .BEDS .CURTAINS . FLOORING. ACCESSORIES
go to www.kent.police.uk/crimestats. “But when my son came along he congratulate him properly.”
4 yyyyoooouuuurrrraaaasssshhhhffffoooorrrrdddd....ccccoooo....uuuukkkk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
Email [email protected]
Charity helping youngsters to rebuild their lives after disaster
yourashford
NEWS IN BRIEF
Man on a mission to
NHS trust advises young
and old keep wrapped up
KEEP warm and keep well is the New Year
help tsunami children
message from NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent.
Children and older people are especially
vulnerable when the temperature drops and
are being urged to keep their heating on at
home and wrap up warm when they go out.
The PCT’s medical director Dr Robert
Stewart said:“People should aim to keep their
m(70a ind reogormeess hefaahterde ntho e2i1t) ,dewgrheieles cbeendtirgoroamdes (cid:2)BYED HILL
should be kept above 18C.”
Residents’ fears put halt FOUR years after the devastating
effects of the Asian tsunami, one
to rail maintenance site man in Ashford is still determined
to make the lives of those involved
A DECISION to build a maintenance cen-
better.
tre by Network Rail on the Isis Business
Park in Sevington has been delayed after Devsiri Hewavidana, from Kingsnorth,
concerns from residents. founded the UK Friends of Galle charity to
The company wants to build the centre so help his home town which was wrecked by the
it can move staff from its current location at devastating wave.
the Newtown works. Mr Hewavidana originally hails from Galle
The new building would operate 24-hours in south Sri Lanka.The town was one of the
a day and house administrative as well as worst hit in the country and he still has many
traHcokwsiedvee rs,t9a8ff .people have signed a petition friFernudsst raantde df abmyi lwy hthaet rhe.e saw as the ineffec- NEW HOPE: Children outside a library donated by UK
objecting to the scheme, citing concerns tiveness of some of the major charities in deal- Friends of Galle and (right) the devastation wreaked by
over noise,traffic,lighting and the loss of ing with the problem,he decided to try and the Boxing Day tsunami which hit Sri Lanka in 2004
wildlife. help in the best way he could.
Since then he has ran a campaign to raise “We have moved into rural areas of Sri
How TV fitness star was awareness of the problems but more impor- Lanka,a few miles inland,where the poverty
tantly start rebuilding homes and facilities to is appalling.
motivated for his big day help the families struggling in the aftermath “Now we are concentrating buying shoes
of the tsunami. and books for poor children and building
The latest new home has just been finished libraries for poor schools. We still support
GMTV fitness guru Mr Motivator is back and a mother and her young children moved in. about 65 tsunami children and another 90
on TV this week after a decade off our Her husband was killed when the wave struck, rural children with scholarships.
screens – but not many people know he tied washing him and the taxi he drove,away. “For most children in Sri Lanka,a pair of
the knot in a glitzy showbusiness wedding Mr Hewavidana said:“We stepped in to give school shoes or a dictionary are unimaginable
at Chilham. them a house,but it took us four years to raise luxuries. Families live from hand-to-mouth
The star,real name Derrick Evans,tied the enough funds.The original sponsors pulled out and have no money to spare on the children’s
knot at St Mary’s Church in the mid 1990s. halfway through the building.Luckily for us, education.”
Among those attending the ceremony the diamond company De Beers in London The 2004 tsunami was sparked by a massive
were singer Paul Young and GMTV pre- stepped in to make up the difference. earthquake off the coast of Indonesia.It sparked
senters Lorraine Kelly and Penny Smith. “Many of the people have now been rehoused a huge wave which swept inland killing more
The reception was held at nearby in the area,so the charity is looking at other than 150,000 from Somalia to Sumatra.
Chilham Castle. ways it can help – particularly the children. •For more information visit www.ukfg.net.
The wedding was held under strict secu-
rity as the photographic rights had been
sold to a glossy magazine. VIEWTHIS CLIP ON MP’s high hopes for the New Year
TA unit to be granted
yourkenttv.co.uk
freedom of the borough LOCAL
THE town’s MP who has been at the Commissioner,Bob Quick,is coming under
centre of a political storm over the increasing pressure to stand down from
TERRITORIAL Army unit,the REME 133 last month has declared his hopes for Ashford leading the investigation after he branded
Field Workshop Company,is set to be grant- in the New Year. the Conservatives “wholly corrupt” for
ed the freedom of the borough. In an interview recorded for our free broad- allegedly leaking
Council chiefs agreed in principle to make band TV site,www.yourkenttv.co.uk before his a story to intimidate him and his investiga-
the gesture at a meeting before Christmas controversial arrest,he looks positively on the tion.
– and announced the decision last week.It year ahead as the high-speed rail service and It comes amid mounting speculation the
coincided with 2008 being the centenary the completion of the new-look ring road kicks inquiry into Mr Green will be dropped later this
year of the TA. in. month.
Mayor of Ashford,Cllr John Link,himself Meanwhile,more senior positions are under Mr Green escaped the media furore over
a former Royal Engineer,has been invited threat as a result of their role in Mr Green’s Christmas by going on holiday.
to convene a special meeting of the council arrest in November. • To view the clip yourself, simply log-on to
in the New Year to consider the formal The Metropolitan Police’s Assistant www.yourkenttv.co.uk and search ‘Damian’.
resolution.
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 yourashford.co.uk 5
Email [email protected]
Council still unhappy over
yourashford plans for airport extension
NEWS IN BRIEF
DEVELOPMENT of the airport at Lydd will
continue to be opposed by Ashford council
after a meeting failed to allay its concerns.
Bogus water officials Staged before Christmas,the planning com-
mittee met with representatives from London
on prowl, warn police Ashford Airport about its proposals to expand.
The airport wants to increase the length of
its runway and build a terminal capable of
A WARNING to be on guard against fake catering for up to 500,000 passengers a year.
officials preying on the vulnerable on their Although Shepway council will rule on the
SHOPPING MECCA: Improved County Square and CAMPAIGN: Sellindge villagers have their hands full doorsteps has been issued by police. site,Ashford was consulted as a neighbouring
It comes after two recent incidents in South council.It was concerned over an increase in
town centre attractions should put town on the map with three threats to their peaceful way of life Ashford involving pensioners falling victim to noise and traffic on junction 10 of the M20.A
door-to-door callers. final decision is expected early this year.
Back on track In the incidents – both reported to police –
intruders called claiming to be from the water Plans to make farmers
board.They distracted the elderly homeown-
ers and searched rooms for valuables,before tag flocks electronically
stealing a number of items.
Now police say householders should take
extra precautions to ensure they do not fall SHEEP farmers in the borough are being asked
as trains pick victim to the tricksters. to take part in a survey about the introduction
They include: of electronic identification of their animals.
• Always answer the door with the security The Government wants to introduce the
chain on; new technology to keep better records of
• Ask to see identification.If you are not sat- sheep movements but National Farmers’
isfied,you do not have to allow callers into Union chiefs are less happy about the new
your house; legislation citing the extra costs involved.
up pace again • If you’re still unsure, make an appoint- Under the proposed regulations,all sheep
ment for the caller to come back at a time born in England after January 1 next year
convenient to you and ask a neighbour or will have to be electronically tagged.
friend to be with you; The questionnaire is available on the NFU
• Join the nominated neighbour scheme; website at http://www.nfuonline.com/sheep-
contact Paul Brosnan, Neighbourhood survey.xml and copies will also be available at
Watch on 01233 896126. the local NFU regional office.
ED HILL
Yourashford reporter looks back at the
events of last year and how they look likely to
shape the news agenda over the next 12 months.
FROM Jeremy Clarkson’s views
on shared space to MP Damian
Green’s arrest, the last few
months of 2008 saw Ashford cata-
pulted into the national spotlight.
In fact,12 months ago we were making
headlines again.Although back then it was
the impending sense of gloom that Eurostar
was turning its back on the town as it
switched its attention to the all-new
Ebbsfleet International as it was unveiled to
the world.
However,2009 is showing all the signs of
being a vintage one for rail travel in a town
built around the industry.
Later this month,Eurostar will reinstate
its much-missed direct route from the town
to Brussels.And by the end of the year we’ll
be able to hop on a train – albeit via an
expensive ticket – and be in the capital in
just 37 minutes.
Keeping on a transport theme,the much-
maligned shared space scheme will prove it’s
either here to stay or a colossal disaster in ARRESTED: MP Damian Green was taken into custody
2009,as the eyes of Kent County Council and after a police investigation into alleged leaks from the
the likes of media pundits such as Top Gear’s Home Office
Clarkson,keep a sharp focus on it and its
safety record. to intensify over the coming months.
If it works,then it will open up the town But,without question,the most significant
like never before – finally allowing it to factor weighing on the hopes and dreams in
breath again after years of constraint within 2009 will be the economy.For a town identi-
the suffocating ring road collar. fied for huge housing growth,we may finally
If it fails? Well,get ready for a ridiculously see a slowdown as the banks remain appre-
loud chorus of ‘we told you so’ from Clarkson hensive about lending.
and his cronies. Woolworths has also blown a huge hole in
MP Damian Green will certainly be keep- the centre of the town centre both of Ashford
ing a close eye on things.However,he may be and Tenterden.We must all hope there are
forgiven for paying more attention to a cer- no more casualties on our high streets.
tain date in his diary next month.Because it But above all,we must all – as a communi-
is then he must report back to police in ty – work together through potentially tough
London as per the terms of his bail.After times to ensure 2009 is a year to remember –
three months of investigations into allega- for all the right reasons.
tions surrounding leaks of sensitive Home We live and work in a town with a bright
Office information,he will be told whether he future.Where funds are being granted to
faces charges. allow our community to flourish. Where
It seems,perhaps,a little unlikely given major work on breathing new life into previ-
the furore and cross-party outrage it has ously troubled areas will raise the standards
sparked. for everyone.
But stranger things have happened.Just The result should be a borough rich in
ask the people of Sellindge. They started employment opportunities; a town centre
2008 living in a peaceful village.They enter acting as a shopping Mecca; industry the
2009 fighting the triple threat of a massive envy of the county;and,in time,a range of
lorry park,sludge recycling centre and wind leisure and entertainment facilities to put an
farm – all on its doorstep.The fight is likely even bigger smile on everyone’s face.
6 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 yourashford.co.uk 7
yEmail [email protected] weather
Fostering trustee
SPONSOREDBY THE Caldecott Foundation,
which provides residential
[email protected] homes,a school,therapy and
fostering service for children
who have suffered cruelty and
neglect, has appointed Dr
TODAY’SFORECAST WEEKEND Alicia Etchegoyen (pictured) as
a trustee.
Dr Etchegoyen, who was consultant child
HIGHTIDES
and family psychiatrist at the Chelsea &
Westminster Hospital for 25 years,co-edited
the book The Importance of Fathers,and has
Chatham Saturday 11.34am 5.8m published papers on subjects including child
psychiatry and psychotherapy, training and
Sunday 12.30am 6.1m medical education.
Dover Saturday 10.04am 6.4m She also holds posts with the Healthcare
Commission, the General Medical Council,
111000 Sunday 10.58am 6.6m the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the
111000 Dungeness Saturday 9.52am 7.3m Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Amanda Ellingworth,chair of the founda-
Sunday 10.47am 7.6m tion’s trustees, said: “We are delighted Dr
Ramsgate Saturday 10.31am 4.8m Eextpchereigeonyceen,,hawsi tahg rheeedr tbor jeoaindt uhs oafs sak tirlluss taene.d”
Sunday 11.26am 5.0m
Sheerness Saturday 11.31am 5.6m Thumbs up Downtown
S8.U0N0RAIMSE 4S.U0N3PSMET Sunday 12.27am 5.8m
MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 11.37am 5.2m FTAhuSmT b riwsiinllg cfeulenbkr atfeo urt-hpeie cec omUpnledteiro n thoef
12.00PM 4.08AM Sunday 12.38am 5.4m the new album with a special launch party at
FIVE-DAYKENTFORECAST the Downtown Diner later this month.
The group, whose members hail from
AROUNDTHE
Ashford and Maidstone,will hold the launch
Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY party at the popular venue on January 25.
It marks the completion of 10-track disc
Ashford 2°C 4°C 4°C 3°C 4°C Gravesend 2°C 4°C 4°C 4°C 4°C Multicoloured Elephants.
Canterbury 1°C 4°C 3°C 3°C 2°C Maidstone 2°C 3°C 4°C 4°C 4°C Amsterdam -1°C Madrid 3°C Promoter Sue Bell said:“Their alternative
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Dover 2°C 3°C 3°C 3°C 3°C Sevenoaks 1°C 2°C 3°C 2°C 3°C CBaopmebTaoywn 2297°°CC STeyndenreiyfe 2300°°CC PaTrikck eStstr eefto r evethnet
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8 yourashford.co.uk Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
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yourlocalinterview
QCan you tell us about your role as fund-raising support Project that I decided I’d really like to pursue AWhen I started with Macmillan in May
QUESTION& ANSWER assistant? a career within the charity sector. 2008,I was involved with a sponsored walk
AMy main duties as FSA are to provide sup- I approached Macmillan as a volunteer but at Penshurst Place, just four days prior to
port to two fund-raising managers and was lucky enough to be offered a full-time posi- starting.
ensure the office runs smoothly. tion at the Kent office. I helped as much as possible,putting togeth-
LISA WELLS Often I am the first point of contact,so I er packs for the Army cadets and helping with
meet a diverse range of people.On a typical QTell us about Macmillan Cancer Support admin for the day.It was great to see the team
day I’ll speak to volunteers such as committee in action and to introduce myself to our sup-
members or our schools speaker,Macmillan AMacmillan provides practical, medical, porters and volunteers.
staff and other supporters who may be doing emotional and financial support to people I am very involved with our Medway group,
anything from sponsored slims to running affected by cancer.We have set ourselves the which raises funds solely for the Macmillan
marathons to raise money. ambition of reaching and improving the lives Cancer Care Unit at Medway Maritime
I am also responsible for thanking donors of everyone living with cancer by 2010. Hospital in Gillingham.
and banking donations,writing press releases At a local level we have more than 100 Kent- We organised a fund-raising day in October
for our website,providing admin support dur- based Macmillan nurses, doctors and other which made £500.I support the group by rais-
ing local and national events and solving prac- health professionals such as our dietician and ing awareness of events, providing fund-
tical problems in our office. speech and language therapist,who have the raising materials and sourcing raffle prizes.
Every year,Macmillan holds collections at expert knowledge to help make living with Our Christmas fair included a perfume tom-
Tesco and Morrisons stores across Kent. I cancer easier. bola from John Lewis.We raised more than
helped co-ordinate the Tesco collections in In 2007, Macmillan gave more than £1,000,which was fantastic.
October which raised more than £16,000. £210,000 in small grants to about 600 Kent In September I hosted my own coffee morn-
Recently I have been working to deliver the cancer patients.These grants can help cover ing as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest
same success at our Morrisons collections. the cost of transport to hospital,a warm duvet, Coffee Morning. I organised games, raffles,
It is a varied role with lots of opportunities to or even a much-needed family holiday. food and drink.We raised £559.
meet supporters and attend events.It is chal-
lenging and demanding – no two days are the QWhat is it like to work for such a worthwhile cause? QWhat is the highest amount ever raised from an event?
same – but also very rewarding.
AIt’s a charity that is close to my heart and AThe highest amount I have received was
QIs working for a charity something you planned to do? I’m sure this is the case for many people.I £10,832 from the Rochester and Cobham
am always greeted very positively because Park Golf Club.
AAfter university,I found it extremely diffi- people are so interested in the charity and The captains at the club chose Macmillan as
cult to find a job without having real busi- want to support such a good cause. their charity of the year and worked tirelessly
ness experience. to produce this fantastic amount.The money
It wasn’t until a friend offered me some work QCan you give us some examples of fund-raising events or was collected through fund-raising days,raf-
experience at a charity called the Riverwood activities that you have helped to organise? fles,a hog roast and a silent auction.
&
Fund-raising support assistant Lisa Wells speaks to Nick Ames about the amazing work done
by Macmillan nurses and why they need our help in easing the burden of people living with cancer
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 yourashford.co.uk 9
Email [email protected]
EDITOR’S CHOICE
You can view all these
videos and others from
around the county with
the click of a mouse at...
Dr Ed Jarzembowski guides One of the country’s most Kieran Renihan, from Deal, County MP Damian Green Hurtling down the Cresta
us around the old Fremlins entrancing wonderlands – reveals how to make talks about what a new Run, Chatham, to the music
yourkenttv.co.uk
brewery in Maidstone. the marshes of The Swale. natural chocolate. Search president means for of Queens Of The Stone Age.
Search ‘Fremlins’ Search ‘Oare’ ‘chocolate’ America. Search ‘Damian’ Search ‘Cresta’
Water shortage fears Picture:PHILHOUGHTON
for the Kent desert
MEATY: Chris Rook (centre) presents Florence Neves
(cid:2)BYNICK AMES and her son Michael with their festive hamper.
A prize turkey
KENT falls into a part of the UK
which has less water per head of
population than that available to
ONE lucky KOS Media reader had a tasty
the inhabitants of largely desert Christmas to remember after winning a
countries Morocco and Egypt. food-lovers’ competition in our newspapers.
Butcher JC Rook and Sons,which has
The county is one of the areas of “serious shops across the county,offered a luxury
water stress” identified in an Environment hamper worth more than £1,000 to make
Agency report on the state of the nation’s sup- sure the winner enjoyed the festive period
plies which states that in the event of a hot dry in style.
summer rationing and hosepipe bans would More than 2,500 readers entered compe-
inevitably come into force. tition,but it was Florence Neves and her
The survey warns that many lakes,estuar- son Michael from Sittingbourne who took
ies and rivers are drained so quickly to provide home the turkey.
fresh water for Britain’s growing population Other tasty treats included Kent-reared
there is a danger to wildlife and public sup- beef, pork and lamb, a goose, smoked
plies during dry years. salmon, cheeses, cakes, biscuits and of
The Environment Agency says people are course wines,whiskey,brandy and port.
still wasting too much water in their homes,
while water companies are allowing supplies
Drop in stab deaths
to escape from leaking pipes.
It calls for the speedier introduction of water
meters such as those introduced in Folkestone
and on Romney Marsh – and for more reser- FIVE people were stabbed to death on the
voirs and desalination plants to be considered streets of Kent and Medway last year,new
only as a last resort. figures have revealed.
Trevor Bishop,the head of water resources, The Conservatives found that the num-
said:“We are trying to change the way we ber of fatal stabbings in England and
manage water resources and put in place the Wales during 2007-08 had reached a record
right incentives for people to use less water. high with five people a week nationally los-
“There are three main ways – metering of ing their lives to knife crime.
customers,tackling leakage and more water LOW: Water levels have dropped at Bewl, meaning supplies have to be supplemented from other sources Figures for Kent Police showed five peo-
efficiency in the home.” ple had been killed due to knife violence in
According to the agency,homes with meters “Over the next 30 years, there will be Compared to the rest of Europe, water 2007-08,down from six in 2006-07.
use 13 per cent less water than those paying increasing pressures from the rising popula- resources are under greater stress only in James Brokenshire, the shadow home
fixed water rates. tion and associated development,”it states. drier countries such as Cyprus,Malta,Spain affairs minister, called for the offence of
Mr Bishop added:“We are calling for meters, “Looking further ahead,the impact of cli- and Italy,the report added. knife possession to carry an automatic jail
but done in the right way.” mate change could have a major impact on the In recent years hosepipe bans have been sentence.
The report says the pressure is greatest in water available for all uses.” introduced in the summer across much of “The Government’s only response is short
the South East and warns that the risk of Computer forecasts of climate change sug- the county and supplies – including those term,ad-hoc police operations,the results
water shortages, hosepipe bans and other gest winters will be wetter on average in drawn from Bewl Water – have had to be of which they spin and manipulate anyway
restrictions will increase in the next few Britain but summers will be drier,particular- supplemented by river water from the to try and get a good story,2009 must her-
decades. ly in the South East. Medway. ald a new approach.”
New range of courses
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Course areas for young people and adults starting from January 2009
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