Your Dover, Issue 120, January 13, 2010

14.2 MB·English

by  KOS Media

yourdover
E E yourdover.co.uk K O S
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Issue No 120
Available from Wednesday,
THE NEWSPAPER FOR DOVER AND THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES January 13, 2010
ATTACK ON
Picture KAROLSTEELE
CLOSURE OF
TOWN LOOS
A FURIOUS attack has (cid:2)BY NICK AMES The leader of the Labour group,
been made on Dover District Ben Bano,said:“This is an appalling
way to treat the people of Dover.
Council after the closure on to say:“We understand this deci- “We condemn this cynical move of
of two public toilets in the sion was taken due to the lack of Dover District Council which will
progress in discussions with the town cause considerable inconvenience for
town centre. council over taking over responsibility residents and visitors alike.
Labour councillors say the public for future maintenance.” “This is a popular and historic part
conveniences at Buckland Bridge and The issue of toilet facilities across of the town and we can’t let DDC
Maison Dieu are now shut in what the region has been much discussed in withdraw these facilities without any
they call a “cynical move”. recent months as the district council prior notice or consultation.
And in a statement they claim the seeks to transfer control of them to “Other toilets are likely to be closed
closures “came about without any town and parish authorities. without notice.”
prior notice and were not subject to This move is part of a wider attempt He added: “Labour will be doing
any consultation”. to reorganise facilities run for public
The Labour group statement goes benefit across the area. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 IT’S SNOW JOKE
WHAT’S ON & WATCH ALSO INSIDE
yourkenttv.co.uk LEISURE . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 16-29 This classic snowman was one of the more pleasing sights during the
PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 31-38 cold snap of recent days. Sledge rides, snowball fights and other fun
activities have also been popular among children.
ALLYOURLOCALSTORIES: Watch videos MOTORING . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 39-41 But not so welcome has been the traffic chaos and schools and
of all the major news stories in your area JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 42-44 businesses closing during the wintry spell.
• For a full round-up of snow stories and pictures, see page 4
Upload your favourite clip SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 46-47
2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Wage discrepancies
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
between the sexes
yourkenttv.co.uk
WOMEN working in Dover and the
surrounding district are earning a
third less than their male counter-
parts, according to figures compiled
by Kent County Council.
TOP TV CLIPS The Annual Survey of Hours and
Earnings for Kent,which uses data
from 2008,measures the earnings for
county residents.
It shows women in Dover are earn-
ing an average £384.80 a week before
NEW OUTLOOK? An Audit Commission report has praised the work of Dover District Council tax.This is £126 less than the £510
average wage for men in the district –
Inspectors give but is £1 more than the female aver-
age for Kent.
Witnesses sought
over cables theft
district council a
POLICE in Dover are appealing for
information following the theft of 20
drums of electricity cables,worth an
estimated £1,500.
The theft happened between
December 27 and January 3 from a
pat on the back property in Cleveland Close.
The cable is described as 100m
Solicitor Donna Payne is campaigning against domestic drum of Armour black cable, one
1
drum of red fireproof cable and vari-
abuse in Deal. Search ‘abuse’
ous black,brown and grey cable.
Anyone with information should
call police on 01303 289180 or
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES are satisfied with the council’s Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
response to it.But challenges include
improving sporting facilities, and Community have their
DOVER District Council maintaining progress on regeneration
has won praise in a nation- plans in the face of recession. say in play area plans
In the Kent-wide assessment,two
al report.
green flags have been given for major
The authority is laying the founda- achievements and innovations. PROPOSALS for a new children’s
tions for future achievement for regen- The first is for the series of play area at Kearsney Abbey are
eration of the district and is making Gateways across Kent,which includes being developed.
good progress with projects to bring Dover Gateway,and the other is for Design options for a creative and
homes,jobs and services to the area, improving skills to match Kent’s innovative play area and improve-
according to the survey. growing economy. ments in Russell Gardens,were dis-
The report, by the Audit Com- cussed at the abbey site on Monday.
mission,says the council is providing Foundations The plans have been welcomed by
good support to vulnerable people,and Paul Watkins, leader of Dover locals as being of considerable benefit
has coped well with the recession, District Council,said:“We are pleased to young people in the area.
offering assistance to local employers this report recognises the foundations The design proposals have been
and increasing resources in its bene- for the future in Dover district. developed following a range of ideas
fits service. “We continue to work hard to sup- from the community after a consulta-
Some beautiful snowy scenes taken across Folkestone All aspects of the work of the local port and listen to residents and, in tion in September.
2
authority were studied by the report’s these difficult times,we continue to
and Hythe. Search ‘snow’ Jobless numbers rise
inspectors. work with all our partners to provide
It also says the council has sound the most effective services and founda-
arrangements in place to manage tions for the future. UNEMPLOYMENT in the Dover
its finances,local people are consulted “This is a realistic assessment that area has risen according to the latest
about spending decisions, and identifies the limitations of district figures – despite a national trend
people feel the council offers good councils to be able to deliver compre- which sees jobless numbers falling.
value for money. hensive change unless supported by The number increased by 5.6 per
The council has an effective wider and progressive partnership cent to 2,373 and the worst-affected
approach to partnership working,and organisations. regions include Eythorne and Shep-
is working closely with other east “We will continue to be the voice of herdswell.
Kent councils to explore ways of pro- the community’s aspirations, and Nationally the rate fell by 0.8 per
viding more cost-effective services. carry the message to the wider audi- cent – mostly thought to be due to an
The report says people are con- ence about the opportunities Dover increase in seasonal work being avail-
cerned about antisocial behaviour but district offers.” able over the Christmas period.
More than 100 swimmers go for a Boxing Day dip in
3
Dover harbour. Search ‘Boxing’
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY
EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT
GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032
EDITOR:Dave Mairs 01303 817022
WEBSITE: www.yourdover.co.uk
TELEPHONE ADVERTISING: 01303 817110
FAX: (Advertising) 01303 817002
EMAIL:Editorial:[email protected]. Sales:[email protected]
HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR
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© 2007 KOS Media. yourdover.co.uk by KOSMedia award-winning publications
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email the editor, [email protected] 3
Support at the centre
Bug outbreak on
New Year cruise
of solicitor’s altruism MORE than a quarter of the passengers
on board a cruise of the Canary Islands
were taken ill during an outbreak of
norovirus on the ship – possibly caused
by contact between passengers during a
New Year’s Eve Party.
A total of 342 passengers and nine crew
members on the Fred.Olsen vessel
Balmoral,which left Dover on December
21,were affected by the contagious vom-
Making a stand – where visiting sessions can be conducted in a iting bug.
secure environment – in the Dover area. A spokeswoman for the cruise operator
“We have around 50,000 households yet peo- said the ship arrived back in Dover last
ple have to travel to Folkestone or Canterbury week and passengers had disembarked.
against abuse for such facilities.” The spokeswoman said contact during
Mrs Payne was the first solicitor in the coun- New Year’s Eve celebrations may have
try to offer free legal advice and support for vic- encouraged the spread of the virus.
tims,although there is now another practise in Norovirus causes vomiting and diar-
Leeds which has the same undertaking. rhoea.It normally lasts between one and
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES “I have received a lot of help from police and three days but can affect victims for
some amount of surprise from judges that I am longer periods.
offering to work for no financial gain,”she said. A number of cruises have been hit by
LAWYER Donna Payne is looking “But the legal system has its own problems in this bug in recent years.
this field.In some cases the courts feel bail con-
to set up the UK’s first centre for
ditions in a domestic case are sufficient to pro-
families in crisis after already tect the victim. VIEWTHIS CLIP ON
establishing a pioneering project to “This is not always the case – what I do is
help those in trouble to get an injunction
help victims of domestic abuse. against the offender,which has far more strin- yourkenttv.co.uk
The solicitor, who is based in Walmer, said gent conditions and so offers more protection.”
there is worryingly little help available in east Mrs Payne is now looking to expand on her LOCAL
Kent for people who suffer abuse or violence in work.
the home. “What I want to establish now is a centre
Statistically across the country one in four which will assist families in crisis in every way,
women and one in four men will experience whether that be counselling,legal advice and
problems of this type at some point in their mediation,child access or family therapies,”she
lives. Figures also show that the number of said.
such offences is higher than the national aver- “As far as I know it will be the only one of its
age in the Dover area. type in the UK.”
“I started thinking seriously about what a Funds to set up the centre are currently being
problem this matter is when I was involved sought and one of Mrs Payne’s ideas is for a
legally with a woman who had suffered abuse sponsored slim.
yet her abuser was still in the home,”she said. “I have a number of local fitness experts to
“Legal Aid is of course available to victims but help and advise,”she said.“People can get to
it is not open to all.To take someone to court for lose a few pounds and help to provide facilities
domestic offences is very expensive and that for victims of domestic abuse at the same time.” Take a view of Dover from the
FREEHELP: Solicitor Donna Payne is providing free
makes it prohibitive for many people. To see how to get involved, you can go to air. View ‘air’
“There is not even a children’s contact centre www.yourkenttv.co.uk. legal advice and support to victims of domestic abuse
Meeting is Exercising is strictly
called over
sponsored for NSPCC
the toilet Come experience the difference in our Inn, Dining Halls & Lodgings
FOOTBALLERS’ Wives and Strictly
shutdown Come Dancing star Zoe Lucker is Friday 5th February
calling on local people to get fit by The Best Quiz of 2010!!!
taking part in the NSPCC’s biggest Including Bar snacks... £2.00 per head. Groups of no more than 5 please
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE ewvoerrk oAute r–o obna t hMoonn d–a y,oFre bsrpuoanrsyo 8re.d Prizes including winners Bottle of Champagne
everything possible to get the More than 150 leisure centres are
toilets reopened as soon as taking part across the UK,including
possible.” The Tides Leisure Centre in Deal
A spokeswoman for the district and The Sandwich Sports and
council said the financial situation Leisure Centre in Sandwich,to sup- Saturday 13th February
was behind the move. port the NSPCC Child’s Voice Appeal. DJ Frog Spinnin loving retro wax from the 1940’s to 1960’s
She said: “These are difficult The sponsored two-hour aerobic Sensual food, Fab pianist playing romantic Broadway tunes
financial times for local govern- workout will be led by qualified Win Champagne and wine in our Raffle!!
ment. instructors at exactly the same time
“Dover District Council issued in each location,from 6-8pm.
press statements in October stress- Zoe Lucker said:“I urge readers to
ing the importance of alternative take part in the Aerobathon.Money
ways to fund toilets and other dis- raised will help the NSPCC to grow
cretionary services. its Helpline for adults concerned
“DDC has subsequently engaged about a child,and its ChildLine serv-
with very positive results from ice.This will help protect more chil-
town and parish councils through- dren around the UK.”
out its district. Anna Keir,NSPCC local fund-rais-
“Should this be the case for ing manager said:“This is the first
Dover Town Council in support- year the NSPCC has organised the ENERGETIC: Zoe Lucker supports NSPCC
ing toilet provision, we will be Aerobathon across the UK.
happy to review our position to “This is a great way to blitz the new taking part to help raise money for
achieve an amicable outcome for year calories we tend to accumulate our Child’s Voice Appeal.”
the public.” and have fun at the same time,so Those who want further details
Dover Town Council has called a why not sign up with friends,family about the Aerobathon – which To reserve a table & for more info on all events
public meeting about the issue, and colleagues and encourage any- organiers hope will raise £425,000 Please call Marilyn on 01304 613 245
which is set to take place next one you know to sign up too? across the UK – should visit The Street, Worth, Nr Deal CT14 0DE
Wednesday,January 20. “We hope to see hundreds of people www.nspcc.org.uk/aerobathon.
4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
The white way to have fun
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES Pictures KA
TCanHhdaE nb nuesble igsc owafesrrtee e azcesa ntcrgearlliienpd p,essedcr hvoitcoheless ROL STEELE
closed and businesses were unable
to function properly due to people
being unable to get to work.
Country roads were littered with abandoned
vehicles and some were completely covered in
snow as fresh downfalls occurred.
But for children it was all fun – sledging and
snowball fights were the order of the day as
many schools shut their doors.
Police said roads were “passable with
extreme care”,but many motorists did not risk
going out and instead stayed at home.
Buses remained one of the best ways to get
around,with services from Dover,Folkestone
and surrounding areas mostly running, if
subject to delays.However,some modifications
to routes were made to take them away from
country lanes.
Last week,traffic could not get up Whitfield
Hill at Dover and there were reports of cars
getting stuck in the ice and snow at Dover
Road and at St Margaret’s at Cliffe.
Officers were then alerted to a giant snow-
ball in Victoria Road,Deal,which had been
rolled into the road and blocked it.
There were also vehicles stuck in Connaught
Road,Dover,and reports of lorries slipping on
the roundabout at the town’s Archcliffe Road.
Eurostar ran a restricted service after a
train broke down in the Channel Tunnel,
while a revised train schedule was in opera-
tion from Folkestone and Dover stations
because of the freezing conditions.
However, high-speed services continued to
run to schedule and passengers with standard
tickets were allowed on at no extra cost.
Roads and many pavements were gritted
but conditions on pavements away from town
centres were treacherous because of ice.
The hills surrounding Dover and Folkestone
were popular with sledgers.
But youngsters were warned to stay away
from icy water after a group of 12-year-olds
were seen skidding across a large pond.
Police arrived at Radnor Park,Folkestone,
after receiving calls from the public,despite
them both being fenced off.
They were first alerted when children were
seen skating along the bottom of the duck
pond,which had already been drained as it
SNOW GO!Clockwise from top: the only way to travel; Buckland Church; keeping warm; sledging at The Crabble
was due for cleaning.
Sgt John Merritt said:“Children and adults
should stay away from frozen ponds as there is passing cars in Cheriton High Street and an ple having fun in the snow,but they should do
the obvious danger of falling through the ice.” elderly lady in East Folkestone called police so safely and responsibly.
Several calls were also received throughout after snowballs were thrown at her window. “Throwing snowballs could cause alarm,
the day from people complaining about snow- There was also a complaint about snowballs intimidation or damage and we have received
balls being thrown at their houses or cars. in Taylor’s Lane,St Mary’s Bay. a number of calls from people who have found
Men were reportedly throwing snowballs at Sgt Merritt said:“We don’t want to stop peo- this to be a nuisance.”
Your local BusinessTV Channel
To advertise your business in your local paper, local website For all your
and online TV, telephone our team on 01303 817000.
Visit servicing
yoyouNourOukrWresN dneEaetrnWtvtvadi.ci coleasonsd .fl!udoinkre pnroefeeyosdsusiro lvnoiacsalistl
Page 45
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email the editor, [email protected] 5
Drug smuggler locked up
A MAN has been jailed for nine years for
attempting to smuggle heroin valued at an
NEWS IN BRIEF estimated £2 million into the UK through the
Port of Dover.
Dutch national Marcel Volkers, 47, from
Amsterdam,was convicted of the charge at
an earlier hearing and sentenced at Cant-
Fresh call for a big screen erbury Crown Court on Tuesday last week.
When he was charged,UK Border Agency
officers said they found 99lb of the Class A
A CAMPAIGN has been set up on social net-
drug in a lorry trailer at Dover’s Eastern
working site Facebook calling for a new cine-
Docks. The vehicle, which arrived from
ma in Deal.
Calais,had been carrying a cargo of apples.
So far it has some 300 members,all echoing
the call for a full range of new releases to be House arson investigation
shown in the town.
The site states:“This is for those who used
to go to Flicks [the last cinema] before it got POLICEin Dover are appealing for informa-
closed down in late 2007. tion after an arson attack on a house in
“The cinema benefited everyone because Crabble Avenue overnight on New Year’s Eve.
it was a good walking distance for those No one was hurt and the property did not
who live in Deal,Walmer and the surround- sustain serious damage,although a double-
ing villages... glazing window unit sustained £300 damage.
“During the holidays young people used to “The motive for this arson is unclear and
go there by their own or with friends.” one line of enquiry is that the house was tar-
Campaigners say that a new cinema in the geted in error,”said DC Melissa Avory.
FRESH START: The Remade In Dover opening event gave new life to a range of unwanted items from the home town would aid its regeneration as the Astor “I would like to speak to anyone who has
Theatre reopening establishes it as a cultural information that will help the inquiry.”
There’s nothing
centre for east Kent. Anyone with information should phone DC
One suggestion has been to establish a new Avory on 01303 289415 or alternatively they
cinema in premises close to the pier. can call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
wasteful about
this thrifty art
REMADE IN DOVERis the name (cid:2)BY NICK AMES
of an innovative arts project in the
community and a recycling drive Development Unit’s New Recipes funding
known as ‘upcycling’ – which also programme,the aim of which is to increase
wants to remove the recession participation in the arts in Kent.
The main face of Remade In Dover is the
stigma from charity shops. Recreation shop at 15 Bench Street.
Upcycling is the recreation of something The shop will be open until mid-February
old into something new – waste materials or and has four aspects – a shop where you can
items are used to make new products. buy upcycled products;a swap shop,where
The project aims to get people upcycling people can bring an item and swap it for
and sharing skills,changing general percep- something someone else has left;a workshop;
tions of what waste is. and the reading area with a selection of
Organisers say it also aims to challenge books on related topics.
people’s view of Dover’s charity shops as The shop also features work by artists in
a sign of a struggling economy;instead they the field of upcycling,which include reusage
look at them as ethical modern leaders in the of old postcards and other artistic creations.
field of reuse and a great source of materials Sarah Lang,Dover Pride programme offi-
for upcycling. cer,said “We are really grateful for all the
The town centre has often been the subject support we have received in creating the
of criticism for the number of charity shops shop and at the opening.
it has. “This is a positive example of Dover
The project was put together by Dover Arts supporting something new and I hope
Development and Dover Pride Regeneration people continue to come into the shop and
Partnership in response to Kent Arts join in the workshops.”
Improvements you can counter on
THE public enquiry counter at Dover police
station in Ladywell is being refurbished.
Improvement work started this week
and the old-fashioned counter will be
replaced with a larger,modern open-plan
one,designed to be more customer-friendly.
It will be business as usual for visitors to
the police station throughout the building
work and a portable cabin is being set up
at the front of the station,which will be counter has not been changed for many
open during the usual times – 8am-8pm years,but when the improvement work is
Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm Sundays. completed there will be more room and a
The refurbishment is expected to be better environment for visitors.
completed within four months. “This is part of our commitment,with
Chief Inspector Ken Elmes, Dover our partners,to provide a high-level and
District Commander, said: “Our front accessible service to the local community.”
6 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
yTelephoone edituorial: 0r1303 8w17200 Emeail the editaor, [email protected] r 7
Volunteers needed to help
SPONSOREDBY at hard-of-hearing clinics
[email protected] HI KENT,the charity that works with the deaf
and hard-of-hearing,needs more volunteers in
the Deal and Dover area.
The charity,which covers the whole of Kent,
TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND runs several volunteer-staffed hearing-aid
aftercare and advice clinics and is looking to
HIGH TIDES recruit new volunteers to help run them.
Statistically,one in seven people has hearing
loss,and many elderly people have difficulty re-
Chatham Saturday 1:36pm 5.7m tubing their NHS hearing aids or in changing
the small batteries which they need.Hi Kent
Sunday 2:08pm 5.8m carries out all these tasks at its clinics and also
Dover Saturday 11:46am 6.3m supplies batteries free of charge.After training,
volunteers need only contribute two or three
Sunday 12:19pm 6.3m hours a month,and expenses are paid.
111111
111333 Dungeness Saturday 11:41am 7.1m People interested in joining Hi Kent’s volun-
Sunday 12:15pm 7.2m tfoere rt hteea mvo lsuhnotueledr pchooonrde i0n1a6to2r2, o6r9 1a1lt5e1r naantdi vaeslky
Ramsgate Saturday 12:16pm 4.8m email [email protected].
Sunday 12:49pm 4.8m Proposed merger to help
Sheerness Saturday 1:26pm 5.5m
S7.5U7NaRmISE S4.U12NpSmET Sunday 1:58pm 5.5m cut council-housing costs
MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 1:27pm 5.0m BETTER council housing could be on the way
6.57am 2.20pm Sunday 1:58pm 5.1m for tenants in Dover and Shepway if a pioneer-
FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST ing plan is approved.
AROUNDTHE The idea is for a project allowing the two
local authorities to work alongside Canterbury
Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY and Thanet councils to manage council hous-
Ashford 1°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Gravesend 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 6°C ing across the area as one.This should cut
costs which come with duplicating services
Canterbury 1°C 2°C 4°C 5°C 5°C Maidstone 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Amsterdam 0°C Madrid -1°C which would then be reinvested elsewhere in
Chatham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Ramsgate 1°C 2°C 4°C 5°C 5°C Athens 15°C NewYork -4°C the housing budgets.
Barcelona 7°C Paris 1°C If proposals are approved, each council’s
Dartford 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 6°C Rochester 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Beijing -6°C Rome 8°C tenants will be able to have a say in setting up
Dover 1°C 1°C 3°C 4°C 4°C Sevenoaks 0°C 1°C 2°C 3°C 4°C Bombay 31°C Sydney 26°C a not-for-profit housing company to be owned
CapeTown 24°C Tenerife 21°C by the four councils.This is the first time four
Faversham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Sittingbourne 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Cardiff 1°C Tokyo 5°C councils have combined their housing services
Folkestone 1°C 1°C 3°C 4°C 4°C Tonbridge 1°C 1°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Gibraltar 16°C Vancouver 10°C i£n1 .5s umchil liao nw oavye ra fnivde yite airss .estimated to save
Gillingham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C TunWells 1°C 1°C 3°C 5°C 5°C LHaosnPgaKlmonags 1241°°CC WWealrlsinagwton 1-53°°CC mAad efi nina lt hdee cniesxiotn f eown wteheek sp.lans is set to be
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YYoouutthh TThheeaattrree SScchhooooll ooff PPeerrffoorrmmiinngg AArrttss
Regency productionsis one of Regency is a voluntary
Thanet’s largest theatre schools (non-profit) organisation.
with its own costume design and
Working with the local community.
scenic building workshops.
Employing Professional Teachers
Performing large scale
and staff.
productions at major theatres
throughout Kent. School Term (15 weeks)
only £3.00 per class!!
Specialising in Street Dance,
Singing, Drama and Musical Twice weekly show rehearsals –
Theatre. a total of 7 hours for only £3.00!!
Develop your performing skills;
overcome shyness and build self confidence.
Unlock your hidden talents and express yourself!
ContactSophia Tarjomanifor more information on
07876 343772or Email [email protected]
8 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
yourlocalinterview
QWhy did you want to get involved with The Caldecott affairs in a professional and businesslike way. es to meet the needs of children and young
QUESTION & ANSWER Foundation? We don’t receive Government funding or people and to strive continuously to improve
AMy involvement began five years ago after grants,so we need to work hard to provide the outcomes for those in our care.
a casual conversation with a friend who best care, therapy, education and fostering
ANGUS has been a long-serving Caldecott trustee. service we can within the resources available. QWhy do you think it has managed to maintain this
Caldecott had just built a new school on their We have to be competitive to earn the opportu- success over all those years?
Smeeth site and were looking for school gover- nity to do that. What’s more,we need to set ABecause we care,and because we’re always
nors. I have always been interested in edu- money aside to invest in facilities for the thinking about how we can best help the
FRASER cation,both personally and professionally – I future,so we look after our money very care- children who are placed with us.Our services
was chairman for almost seven years of the fully and are very appreciative of the dona- are constantly evolving and we now provide a
Alpha Plus education group in London – so I tions and legacies we receive from our sup- complete package, from initial assessment
was delighted to help. porters. These help pay for life-enriching through to residential care in one of our seven
extras for the children,such as holidays,out- houses,therapy,schooling,fostering and,final-
QHow has it changed in recent years? ings and sports equipment. ly,supporting them into the outside world.
AA great deal.In the mid-90s,an appeal was QAre the services the foundation offers under more QHow can people get involved to help the foundation?
launched for major projects, including pressure at the moment? What are the main problems?
building a new school and improving the hous- AWith public finances under scrutiny,it is an AThere are lots of ways to help the Caldecott
es. This raised £8 million. The Duke of economically difficult time for our local Foundation by giving a little time or
Edinburgh visited us three years ago to mark authority clients and we will need more than money.There are volunteering opportunities
its successful conclusion.But it’s not just about ever to demonstrate high quality and value for and a regular programme of events.We enjoy
capital investment.We have also made great money. Running a care organisation like working with companies,and there are plenty
strides in developing our range of services and Caldecott is inevitably costly,not least because of ways to make donations.Visit our website at
in enhancing the quality of integrated care we of our relatively high staff-to-child ratio. www.thecaldecottfoundation.co.uk and click
provide for some of Britain’s most neglected on ‘How You Can Help’.
and vulnerable children,so as to help them QThe foundation is almost 100 years old – how do you see
rebuild their lives. its future? QWho inspired you when you were younger? How did
AWe’re looking forward to our centenary in they affect your life?
QYou have extensive experience in business. How does 2011,but it is a sobering thought that child AI was fortunate to work early on in differ-
this help in your work with the Caldecott Foundation? cruelty and neglect cases such as Baby P show ent enterprises for a succession of bosses
AMost of our income is from local authority there is as great a need as ever for the sort of whom I liked and admired and from whom I
social services departments,who place chil- care and protection we provide.Our role is to learned a great deal.The one common feature
dren in our care.They expect us to manage our ensure that we continue to develop our servic- was that they were all extremely demanding!
&
The new chair of trustees at The Caldecott Foundation, which cares for up to 50 children who have
suffered cruelty and neglect, talks to Ed Hillabout the future of the foundation and its achievements so far
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email the editor, [email protected] 9
(cid:2)BY MARIJKE COX Devastated dad’s TV plea
A GRIEVING father whose son
was killed by a speeding driver has
spoken of his heartache for a hard-
hitting TV advert. to stop speeding drivers
Michael Bollom, from Bearstednear
Maidstone,hopes the candid account of his
son James’ death will bring home to viewers
the harsh reality that speeding can kill.
He said: “This isn’t just coming from an
actor on TV – this is coming from a parent
who lost his child.” message through that speed kills,”he said.
In the advert,which will be shown on ITV Director of Southside Television, Martin
Meridian, the 50-year-old recalls James’s Smith,also praised him.
death in December,2005. He said:“He was brave to do something
The 16-year-old was killed a month short of like this as it obviously brought memories
his 17th birthday when the car he was flooding back, but he is determined James
travelling in lost control in the village of should not have died in vain.”
Wateringbury. As part of his own personal plight, Mr
He died instantly after taking the full force Bollom has also written a book entitled
of the crash. Losing James:A Father Cries Too.
The driver was prosecuted and jailed for It gives a poignant account of his grief and
dangerous driving. how he dealt with the tragedy that tore his
The life-changing consequences of the world apart.He hopes it will help other fam-
crash took a further tragic twist when ilies cope with bereavement.
James’s grief-stricken mother, Samantha, He said:“It’s going very well – Waterstone’s
took her own life three months later. has taken it on in two of their branches in
Mr Bollom believes by opening up Maidstone.I’ve had emails from people say-
about the tragedy on television,people will ing it has helped them with their own grief.”
take notice and think twice about their speed Money from sales is donated to Holding On,
while on the road. Letting Go,which is part of Demelza House,
“I want to get the message across to some of MESSAGE: Michael Bollom hopes that his moving account of his son’s death will make drivers think and (right) with a children’s hospice based near
these young drivers that speeding can have James at a wedding before the tragedy which claimed his life. He has also had a book about his experiences published. Sittingbourne.
tragic consequences,”he said. The charity aims to help families cope with
“If I can prevent just one death,prevent one approached by Kent Police to talk about his brought up a lot of sad memories,”said Mr bereavement.
family from going through the pain we suf- grief as part of a campaign to clamp down Bollom.But if helps prevent people speeding Mr Bollom said:“We have already raised
fered,then it will be worthwhile. on speeding. then it’s been worth it.” £2,000.Some of the people who have read my
“By me doing it rather than an actor it The 30-second advert was filmed at Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge book have also given extra donations to the
makes it all the more real for people and Maidstone Studios by Southside Television paid tribute to Mr Bollom for taking part in charity.”
therefore will have more of an impact.” and will be shown on ITV from this Friday to the campaign. • To buy Losing James:A Father Cries Too,
Mr Bollom,who is director of a manufac- mid-February. “We are grateful to Michael for having the email [email protected] or go to
turing company in Sittingbourne, was “It was daunting doing the advert and courage to do this and to help us get the Waterstone’s in Maidstone.
‘Designer dogs’ dumped by cash-strapped owners
A RISE in demand for so-called and are quite expensive, which
‘designer breeds’ has sparked may be why they are becoming
fears even more dogs will be increasingly popular as fashion
dumped in the coming weeks and accessories.
months. “But still people do not seem able
The Dogs Trust says cross-breeds to cope with them or keep them
like the labradoodle face an long-term. Many don’t seem to
increased risk of being abandoned understand the dogs they buy will
due to their newfound popularity need to be looked after for the next
as short-term fashion accessories ten years.
rather than lifetime companions. “We took in quite a few labradoo-
Staff at the charity’s rehoming dles last year but the problem has
centre in Canterbury are currently become more apparent now we
caring for three such animals and have three cross-breeds at once.
are concerned they may receive Fortunately because they are so GIVE A DOG A HOME:(from left) Puggle Ruby, boxador Benson and sprollie Charlie are all being cared for by the Dogs Trust Canterbury
more in the weeks and months to popular they tend to be rehomed sprollie (springer spaniel-collie). However, Ms Reffell said there with them but as time goes on we
come. fairly quickly.” Last year the BBC sparked a con- was no evidence to suggest cross- will find out more and more about
Manager Lizzie Reffell said: Three dogs that are currently troversy when it dropped the annu- breeding caused any of the genetic the effects of cross-breeding.”
“We’re seeing more designer breeds being cared for by Dogs Trust al Crufts dog show from its televi- defects uncovered by the broad- • Anyone who is interested in
coming through the kennel system Canterbury are Ruby the puggle sion schedule, citing concerns caster. providing a home for one of
and it’s quite unusual. (pug-beagle), Benson the boxador about the welfare of some of the She added:“The dogs we’ve come the Dogs Trust’s animals can
“These dogs are new on the scene (boxer-labrador) and Charlie the pedigree canines on show. across haven’t had anything wrong phone [phone].
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yourblogger
Lifelong Kent supporter Dave Mairs berates the club’s decision to play a home game in south London
The day our county
SO Kent’s cricketers are to play a
‘home’ match at The Oval,home of GET IN TOUCH…
Surrey County Cricket Club.
A joke,a hopelessly mistimed April Fool’s,or
We want to hear your views
perhaps a necessary move in the wake of The
cricket lost its way
St Lawrence Ground’s planned redevelop-
ment… these were the first thoughts to flash EMAIL: We want your letters,
through many supporters’ minds.
But no,it was none of these.The decision to comments and views. Send your
schedule a Twenty20 clash between Kent subbmissions to editor Dave Mairs
Spitfires and Essex Eagles was taken in the
at [email protected]
cold light of day to – in the words of acting
chief executive Jamie Clifford – “spread the No it isn’t.It’s like watching Kent v Essex trickiest away challenges are at the grottiest
Kent cricket message far and wide”. at The Oval when we should be watching the places.
And what precisely is the “Kent cricket mes- fixture at Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells or Not, you understand, that I’m saying The LET US KNOW…
sage”that we’re so keen to spread? Beckenham. St Lawrence is grotty.It isn’t – it’s a lovely
The county’s failure to win the County The only time Kent should be playing at The place to watch cricket – and it’s Kent’s home.
Championship since 1978? A truly lamentable Oval is when they face Surrey in an away Can you imagine Lancashire playing If there is a story in your area you think
return of three trophies in 31 years? fixture – which,of course,is what it is. home games at Headingley (Yorkshire’s HQ),
Or perhaps,more likely,the abandonment of Kent supporters invariably turn out in big or Yorkshire hosting games at Old Trafford we should be covering, contact the editor,
all trace of history and tradition at a club that numbers for those matches,ironically making in Manchester? Dave Mairs, on 01303 817022, or email
has – admittedly perhaps too much – placed them feel like home games. Of course not – both clubs have enough him on the details above. If you wantto be
great stock by such values. That is the triumph for Kent and their fans, respect for their traditions and,importantly,
Whatever the answer,thankfully the initial not the club’s administration doffing the cap their supporters. the next blogger, then all you have to do is
marketing drivel has been replaced by a more and begging to be allowed to party at the Perhaps at the core of this is the concept of submit an article to us (of about 550 words)
honest explanation:we’re doing it for the money. home of the supposed big boys. what county cricket is all about.
and email it to the editor.And don’t forget,
The truth is certainly more palatable than As a Kent supporter,I find the whole thing With the club having fielded disappointingly
any talk of the Kent cricket message (spare humiliating.Doubtless the Essex supporters few home-bred players over recent years,what for all the latest news and video from your
us!) but,forgetting the weight of the coffers, at The Oval on July 9 will be quick to point makes us Kent? town, log on to www.kentnews.co.uk.
what’s the real cost? out quite how laughable Kent are making It clearly isn’t that fact that we have a team
Even if The Oval venture proves a financial themselves look. of cricketers who mostly hail from the county
triumph, Kent appear to be behaving like It’s the very essence of team sport in this – because we don’t – so the only credible Write to Editor Dave Mairs, KoS Media, Apple Barn, Hythe
some awe-struck kid brother. country – there are home ties and there are answer is the fact that we play in Kent. Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR.
“People should come and watch us at what is away ties. As the fans sing,“We are Kent”.And that is
an iconic venue,”Mr Clifford has told us.“It’s In that respect,the quality of your ground where,when we are competing at home,we •We cannot guarantee all articles will be published and all are at the editor’s discretion
like having a final early in the season.” or facilities doesn’t matter – some of the should play our cricket.
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