Your Medway, Issue 119, January 6, 2010

12.8 MB·English

by  KOS Media

yourmedway
E K O S
E yourmedway.co.uk
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midw s p a p er
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Issue No 119
Available from Wednesday,
THE NEWSPAPER FOR CHATHAM, GILLINGHAM, ROCHESTER, STROOD, RAINHAM & DISTRICT January 6, 2010
JOBS… MOTORING… SPORT…
Helping you make Stunning drive Round-up of all
the right choice from new Astra the local action
PAGES 27-29 PAGES 23-26 PAGES 30-31
1,000 POWER PLANT
JOBS AT THE CREEK
WHAT’S ON & WATCH EXCLUSIVE
yourkenttv.co.uk
(cid:2)BY MATHEW BEECH
MORE than 1,000 jobs could be
created if council planning chiefs
give the go-ahead to a multi-mil-
lion-pound power development.
Scottish Power has submitted plans to dou-
ble the output of the Damhead Creek station,
on the Hoo Peninsula, by building two new
gas-burning turbines.
The energy giant has vowed to employ
“much of the required workforce” locally
should they be given approval.
The new generators would raise the station’s
THAT’S HANDY:Check out the great new KOS output by 1,000 megawatts – up from the cur-
rent level of 780 megawatts.
Media iPhone application. Search ‘iPhone’
Medway Council planners will discuss the
ALSO INSIDE proposal tonight (Wednesday).
Scottish Power’s submission reads:“The pro-
WEATHER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 7 posed extension to the existing power station
would comprise two additional units each com-
SCHOOLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 9 WILD TIMES IN BORNEO prising a gas turbine,one or more steam tur-
LEISURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 12-16 bines and other ancillary infrastructure.
“One stack per unit is proposed and would be
PROPERTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE2 19-22 approximately 75m in height and 5.9m in
diameter.”
The application has prompted objections
A dedicated fundraiser travelled more than 7,000 miles to catch a glimpse of orangutans, like the one
from pressure groups, parish councils and
pictured here. Gillian Flack, of Blue Bell Hill, made the journey from Medway to the jungles of Borneo to charities.
reach the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary, where rescued and injured primates are nursed back to health. A letter from High Halstow Parish Council
The 49-year-old podiatrist, who raised more than £7,500 for the World Society for the Protection of states:“There are already several power sta-
Animals, which helps fund the centre, said: “It was an adventure and I loved every minute. It was great tions on the Hoo Peninsula and air quality
to see the dedication of the staff and to watch the antics of the babies at play was a total delight.” from emissions is an issue.
SEE PAGE 3 FOR THE FULL STORY “An extension to Damhead Creek would in
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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yourmedway.co.uk
2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Brother and
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
yourmedway
yourkenttv.co.uk
NEWS IN BRIEF
his family face
TOP TV CLIPS Householders warned
of telephone bill scam
murder charge CON artists are posing as BT callers
in a telephone credit card scam,coun-
cil bosses have warned.
The fraudsters have been calling
Medway homeowners demanding
payment of a phone bill by card.
Medway Council’s community safe-
ty boss Rehman Chishti said:“I would
(cid:2)BY ANNA WHITE urge people to be aware of who they
are giving their personal details to.”
For advice on how to stay safe and
FOUR close relatives of a keep personal credit card details
secure, contact Consumer Direct at
man killed in a hit-and-run
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call
attack have been charged 08454 04 05 06.
with his murder.
Cabbie is fined £200
Father-of-five Jack Treeby,43,from
Rainham,was mown down by a car
after dropping litter
in Quarry Road,Tovil,just two days
Brave swimmers go for an icy dip in Dover Harbour on
1 after Christmas Day.
Boxing Day. Search ‘Boxing Day’ @yourkenttv.co.uk Mr Treeby’s brother, Bill, 49, his A TAXI driver has been fined £200
wife Charity,50,and their two sons after dropping a cigarette butt in
Billy, 29, and George, 22, all from Aylesford.
Queen Street,Paddock Wood, went Robert Goodwin, of Silverweed
before Maidstone Magistrates Court Road, Chatham, was given an £80
last week charged with murder. fine after council chiefs caught him
They were remanded in custody to littering in May.
appear at Maidstone Crown Court But Goodwin failed to pay the fixed
on Monday,January 18. penalty notice and was prosecuted.
Jack’s widow Karen paid tribute to Sevenoaks magistrates ordered
her late husband,saying he was a Goodwin to pay a £200 fine,a victim
“loving, caring” man who “wor-
surcharge of £15 and costs of £75.
shipped”his wife and children. MOWN DOWN: Father-of-five Jack Treeby Tonbridge and Malling council’s
She added: “He did not deserve
environmental boss Owen Baldock
what happened to him.I feel like my burnt out on Tuesday,December 29, said: “There can be absolutely no
heart has been ripped open.We have in Tong Lane, Lamberhurst, in excuse for dropping litter,which costs
been robbed of a wonderful man who Tunbridge Wells. the tax payer more than a £1million
will live in our hearts forever.” Forensic tests recovered the each year in clean-up fees.”
Police were called to the murder remains of a firearm and ammuni-
scene at 7pm on Sunday,December tion inside the vehicle. All you need to know
27. Paramedics pronounced Jack A second vehicle,a Ford Mondeo,
dead at the scene. was set on fire at the site of the mur-
His younger brother,Gary,39,was der and is undergoing examination. about sport facilities
Kent Fire and Rescue Service demonstrate the aftermath also hit by the vehicle and shot at The investigation into Mr Treeby’s
2
of a crash. Search ‘carmageddon’ @yourkenttv.co.uk cinlo ase s traabnlgee c.oHnde itrieomn.ains in hospital dkeeaenth tios sopnegaokin gto a anndy poonleic ew ahroe mstailyl Ain gW wEBouSlIdT-bEe hsapso rbtese ns tlaarusn cthheed lgoiwv--
Brothers Billy and George Treeby have witnessed the attack.
down on all Medway’s classes,events
have been charged with his attempt- Kent Police’s Detective
and activities.
ed murder. Superintendent Lee Catling said:
Medway Gets Active has detailed
A third victim,thought to be Jack’s “We would like to reassure the local
listings for leisure centres,gyms and
teenage son – also named Jack – suf- community that extensive inquiries
fered minor injuries in the attack. are being carried out in order to other sports facilities,as well as con-
He was treated at the scene. bring the offenders to justice. tact details for local sports clubs.
It has been reported in the nation- “We continue to appeal for infor- Current activities to sign up for
al press that the attack may have mation and would like to hear from include running groups, Back 2
been sparked by an argument sur- anyone who witnessed the incident Badminton and Back 2 Netball coach-
rounding sexual infidelities. or the moments leading up to it.” ing sessions and indoor futsal.
A Range Rover,believed to be the Anyone with information is asked For details visit www.medwaygets-
one used in the attack, was found to call police on 01622 652222. active.co.uk.
Julie Maddocks looks at the new housing development at
3
Kingshill. Search ‘Kingshill’ @yourkenttv.co.uk
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY
EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT
NEWSEDITOR:Simon Robinson 01303 817185 For information and advice on travelling in Kent and for
GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032
WEBSITE: www.yourmedway.co.uk all our traffic regulation orders, please see the Kent on
TELEPHONE ADVERTISING: 01303 817110
FAX: (Advertising) 01303 817002 Saturday or the Kent on Sunday or visit our website at
EMAIL:Editorial:[email protected]. Sales:[email protected]
HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR
www.kent.gov.uk/highways
Printed by Newsfax
© 2007 KOS Media. yourmedway by KOSMedia award-winning publications
yourmedway.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 3
Gillian braves jungle to Games whizz
among those
on honours list
see rescued orangutans
COMPUTER games expert Paul Stafford
Jackson has been awarded the OBE in
the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Mr Jackson, from Gillingham, will
receive the title later this year in recog-
nition of his service to the industry.
(cid:2)BY MATHEW BEECH A further 20 Kent residents were hon-
oured.These include a professor,a police
PRIMATE-loving podiatrist Gillian constable and an advisor to Prime
Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon
Flack trekked through tropical Brown.
forests to see the rescued orang- Gabriel Lancaster,from Rochester,was
included in the list in recognition of his
utans she raised money to protect.
services to the community.
The private practice worker, based at The Further afield, Robin Castle, from
Dame Sybil Thorndike Centre in Rochester, Sheerness, was awarded an MBE for
battled through the dangerous jungles of services to the Royal National Lifeboat
Borneo to reach the Nyaru Menteng animal Institution.
sanctuary in November last year. The 55-year-old has worked as
The centre is funded by the World Society for coxswain mechanic for the Sheerness
the Protection of Animals,a charity for which RNLI lifeboat for 28 years after working
Gillian raised more than £7,500. as coxswain on the Medway Port
Gillian,49,from Blue Bell Hill,said she thor- Authority patrol boat.
oughly enjoyed her time with the orangutans. He said:“I was pleased and very proud
“Although,this trek was an extreme adven- when I found out about the MBE.It was
ture,I loved every minute of it,”she said.“To a big surprise though,I didn’t expect it.”
experience the rainforest and then the emotion- This is the second time Mr Castle has
al visit to the sanctuary funded by the World been recognised for his service,the first
Society for the Protection of Animals,was a real being after the hurricane of 1987 when
privilege. EMOTIONAL: One of the baby orangutans plays at the he was given a bronze medal for gal-
“It was great to see the dedication of the staff sanctuary, and right, podiatrist Gillian Flack on the trip lantry by the RNLI for rescuing two peo-
and to watch the antics of the babies at play. ple from a small fishing charter.
“A boat trip out to the islands where the She said:“I have to thank all of my friends, Others honoured included Ronald
orangutans start the process of their release family and patients who have supported me Bowers,from Dartford,for work at the
back to the wild brought more hope,as most of with not only good wishes but lots of cash. Ministry of Defence,Constable Belinda
the females had young babies. “I would also like to thank Rochester busi- Harding,from Beckenham,for services
“Everyone agreed it was a life-changing expe- nesses who donated to quiz night raffles.” to the police,and Joan Warwick for char-
itable services to Darent Valley Hospital.
rience and I would really like to encourage peo- Nyaru Menteng is the world’s largest orang-
Across the UK, hundreds of local
ple to sign up for next year’s trek.” utan sanctuary and rehabilitation scheme,car-
heroes and professionals were com-
Gillian raised the money for the WSPA by ing for more than 650 of the primates,many of
mended, including Status Quo’s Rick
hosting charity events such as quiz nights,sell- whom are rescued from the pet trade or are
Parfitt and Francis Rossi and Star Trek’s
ing hand-made greeting cards and attracting aided back to health following machete injuries.
Patrick Stewart.
personal sponsorship. For more information visit www.wspa.org.uk.
Miliband calls Paedophile abused
for approval
children of women
of power plan
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE he had befriended
effect be an additional power sta-
tion and would only make air qual-
ity worse.”
Hoo Parish Council has also
attacked the proposal, saying
Scottish Power does not go far A PAEDOPHILE who preyed on
enough with its pledge to fit carbon young girls across Medway and the
capture storage (CCS) technology rest of the county has been sen-
“as soon as technically and finan- tenced to 18 years behind bars.
cially viable”. Simon German,pictured,formerly
Other objectors include Kent of Shortlands Road, Sittingbourne,
Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, was convicted at Maidstone Crown
which say ecologically important Court of a string of sexual offences
habitats along the Thames Estuary against children – the youngest vic-
would be lost. tim aged just four years old –
Despite the opposition, energy between 2000 and 2008.
and climate change minister Ed He was charged with a number of
Miliband has recommended that offences, including three counts of
Medway Council chiefs make no inciting a girl under 13 to engage in
objection. a sexual activity, causing a girl
The proposed units would create under 13 to watch an image of sexu-
more than 1,000 jobs if built in one al activity, sexual assault of a girl “He would form relationships with
phase,or 600 if built in two stages. under 13,assault by touching,three women who had children of an age
Once operational, the site will counts of rape and one count of he found sexually attractive and
require about 50 permanent staff. attempted rape. would then target them for abuse.
Scottish Power said the develop- German,who denied the charges, “All of the offences have shown a
ment could bring more than £27 must serve a minimum of nine years gross breach of trust and we are
million to the local economy. before being considered for parole. pleased that he has been given a sig-
The turbines would be built over Investigating officer Detective nificant sentence.
five years within the grounds of Constable Jane Miller said:“German “Sexual offences of this nature
Damhead Creek power station. committed a number of horrific acts cause great distress to all of those
No-one at Scottish Power was of a sexual nature on innocent and involved and we hope that this sen-
available for comment. helpless victims. tence offers some form of closure.”
yourmedway.co.uk
4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Call to blood donors
yourmedway
NEWS IN BRIEF
as supplies run low
Eurostar ‘needs to work
to rebuild confidence’
A FORMER British Airways brand consult-
ant says that Eurostar needs to work hard
to regain the public’s confidence after the
train breakdowns in the cold weather.
Simon Middleton said: “All companies (cid:2)BY MARIJKE COX “Red cells last longer,at 35 days,and are
will,at one time or another,face a product often transfused to patients suffering from
crisis and let its customers down. severe anaemia or severe blood loss.
“The most important thing is how they “It’s therefore vital that both regular and
VITAL blood supplies are at risk of
respond.Eurostar’s response was not good new donors come forward to give blood and
enough for the brand or its customers.” falling drastically low – and the ensure sufficient blood is available for
The chaos in the run-up to Christmas left NHS is calling on our readers to patients.”
more than 55,000 passengers stranded in Ruth Greenaway,from the National Blood
roll up their sleeves and help re-
France,England,Belgium and the Channel Service,part of NHS Blood and Transplant,
Tunnel itself. stock essential provisions. said although supplies in the county were not
Passenger have been asked to write to Health experts say the drop follows the yet at rock bottom,the spell of severe weather
Eurostar’s office in Ashford if they want to severe weather which left many people unable had hit stocks.
claim compensation. The address is: to get to donation sessions. “The bad weather kept people from getting
Traveller Care,2nd Floor,Kent House,81 Accidents caused by icy pavements and to their donation sessions,”she said.
Station Road,Ashford,Kent,TN23 1AP or treacherous driving conditions also meant “We can’t stockpile blood.Red cells only have
email [email protected] additional supplies were used across the UK a shelf life of 35 days and platelets just a few
to treat casualties in A&E. With all the preparations and anticipation for days.People should make it their New Year’s
How to stay warm and The busy Christmas period was another fac- the festive season,giving blood can fall down resolution to give blood – it’s only once every
tor blamed for the decrease in donors. the ‘to do list’.We are urging your readers to 16 weeks.”
safe during cold weather Claire Dolling, spokesperson from NHS think of others and give blood,as it really does Ms Dolling added:“Giving blood is one of
Blood and Transplant,said the festive season save lives. most selfless acts you can do to help others.
always leads to a drop in donors,but this year “Blood stocks have to be constantly replen- “It takes less than an hour,is painless and
KENT Fire and Rescue Service is remind- the problem had been even worse. ished,and we’d like to get more people regu- you never know when you may need blood
ing people to take a few simple safety pre- “Because Christmas fell on a Friday this larly giving blood in the Kent area.” yourself.
cautions to stay safe during the winter. year, there were fewer blood donor sessions Donated blood – which is used in life-saving “Appointments can be made so you’re not
With temperatures remaining low,people over the two-week period;six full days and two operations – cannot be stockpiled as the two kept waiting and many people fit it in on their
often turn to open fires and otherheat half days instead of the usual ten full days,” components taken from it have short shelf way to or from work.
sources to stay warm but firefighters have she said.“It’s vital that people continue to give lives. “If it’s been on your to do list for ages and you
the following advice to prevent a blaze: blood – especially at this time of year as stocks Ms Dolling said:“Platelets – a clotting factor haven’t got around to it,then tick it off today.”
If you plan on using an open fire,make traditionally take a drop. used to help treat leukaemia and cancer To find out how to become a donor go to
sure your chimney has been recently swept “Christmas can be a hectic time for many. patients – last for just five days. www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
as build-ups of soot and ash can cause
chimney fires.
When going to bed,householders should Fire crews rescue dog trapped for six days
also make doubly certain that an open fire
is either out,or pushed back into the grate
and a guard used to prevent sparks hitting
carpets or furnishings.
A FIVE-hour rescue by firefighters got urban search and rescue team,used cam-
Wildlife park can make
Lucky the dog out of a badger sett just in eras and listening devices to find Lucky.
time for Christmas. Larkfield firemen cut down trees to make
use of Christmas waste The 12-year-old Lakeland Patterdale cross sure the area was safe and the crew from
had been stuck for six days before his dra- Ashford dug down to rescue the dog.
matic rescue on Christmas Eve. Larkfield station manager Colin King
STAFF at a wildlife park have appealed for
Lucky went missing on a walk in wood- said: “It took about five hours but we’re
donations of Christmas waste for educa-
land near the William Harvey hospital in delighted at the successful outcome.”
tional projects.
Ashford on Friday,December 18. Lucky was taken to a vets with dehydra-
The Wildwood Trust,near Herne,is ask-
Owner Sue Williamson said:“We searched tion and a serious eye infection which need-
ing for old wrapping paper and cards for
for two days, but had no joy. On the ed an operation,but was home by Sunday.
craft activities at its education centre.
Wednesday we heard Lucky barking, but Mrs Williamson said:“He has made a fan-
Staff also want biscuit tins and clear plas-
had to leave him until it got light when the tastic recovery,thanks to the firefighters.
tic sweet boxes to use as storage for speci-
firefighters arrived.” “We can’t get over how dedicated they all
mens and artefacts. RESCUED:Lucky is reunited with his owners
Alerted by the RSPCA, crews from the are and this has been a brilliant Christmas
Education officer Laura Hester said:“We
Ashford and Larkfield stations, and the present for us.” after his six-day ordeal in a badger sett
want people to donate what would normal-
ly get thrown away.”
For information and advice on travelling in Kent
and for all our traffic regulation orders, please see
the Kent on Saturday or the Kent on Sunday or
Phone to make an appointment
Micks MOTs Ltd Tel: [phone] visit our website at www.kent.gov.uk/highways
17 Castle View Business Centre, Gashouse Road, Rochester
yourmedway.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 5
Actress Joanna ‘national
hero’ for Gurkha campaign
yourmedway
NEWS IN BRIEF ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has been named
as one of the Heroes of 2009 by The Daily
Telegraph.
The paper said she “became an established
Steam engine to rescue national treasure when she battled for recog-
nition for the Gurkhas.”
In salute an article stated “She has always
STRANDED rail passengers were given a held the regiment in deep esteem and affec-
helping hand during the cold snap – by a tion – her father, Major James Lumley,
steam locomotive. served in Burma during the Second World
As heavy snow brought much of Europe’s War with the 3rd Battalion of the 6th
rail network to a standstill, the Tornado Gurkha Rifles – and she was outraged to dis-
steam train completed the route from cover that Nepalese soldiers were denied the
London Victoria to Dover twice on Monday, right to live in the UK.
PROFESSIONAL: Firefighters lift off the roof of the car during the demonstration in Canterbury city centre December 20, carrying commuters left “She became the figurehead for the Gurkha
stranded by modern trains. Justice Campaign, using her intellect and
Playing victim The Tornado,a Peppercorn Class A1 steam elegance to bully, belittle and badger the
train,now operates excursion tours and took Government into a policy change.
a group of enthusiasts almost 20 years to “Her triumph has meant that those brave
build. Nepalese soldiers who have fought for
It was unaffected by the icy weather and Britain across the globe, and who retired
dropped passengers at various stations along before 1997,will now be entitled to live here,
the Network Rail main line before its arrival along with their families.”
in Dover. Last month the former Absolutely
of car accident Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Fabulous star sent “a blizzard of kisses”to
Locomotive Trust, said:“We delighted that Kent on Sunday and its readers for support-
she was able to brave the arctic weather to ing her campaign for the soldiers currently
haul two of the few trains to run in Kent.” based in Folkestone and Maidstone.
CARPETS • VINYLS • RUGS • LAMINATES • BEDS • MATTRESSES • PINE FURNITURE
an eye-opener CARPETS!
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES FREE Estimates FREE Delivery Landlords Trade Discount
VIEWTHIS CLIP ON FREE Underlay FULL Fitting Developers Letting Agents
JOURNALISTS often – probably
too often – have to write about car yourkenttv.co.uk Offers Service Call for details
crashes and the clichés come
easily to the keyboard. LOCAL
“Emergency services rushed to the scene”
is one,then there is “cut from the wreckage”,
or “pulled to safety” before “condition is
reported as comfortable/stable/critical” –
which is usually the last readers hear of the
victim.
A cold day in the centre of Canterbury gave
me the chance to see what it is like – without 1,000’s of rolls available
the pain and grief – to be the person at the
sharp end of a road accident.
The county’s emergency services wanted
someone to play the part of a driver stuck
behind the wheel of a crashed car while they
demonstrated to the public how rescues were To learn how fire fighters and paramedics
carried out – as well as explaining the dan- approach vehicle rescue operations go to
gers of drink driving. www.yourkenttv.co.uk
The road show,which involves firefighters
and paramedics, has toured the county to
drive home the safety message. bers told me her job was to keep the victim
After a short briefing I was wedged into the calm by talking.
car which had been placed in Rose Square by “The person is obviously in shock,but my
Whitefriars Shopping Centre and a crowd of job is to keep on reassuring them,”she said.
several hundred gathered round. The voice behind me then said:“They are
One firefighter carried on a commentary as starting to cut the roof off,but sit tight,you’ll
the team prepared.I was in the driver’s seat be okay.”
and the exercise started. An icy blast of wind assured me the car was
A firefighter came to the window of the car well and truly cracked open, as the wind-
and asked me how I was feeling.“Can you screen was also removed.
move at all?”he said.“Where is it hurting?” A stretcher was manoeuvered down the
I had been told to simulate spinal injuries back of the seat and I was pulled on to it.
so I said my back and shoulders – he told me “One,two,three four pull,”said a member
not to nod my head and just to keep calm. of the emergency crew as I was pulled on to
A crash helmet had been put on my head the stretcher,strapped up,and removed from
and a neck brace strapped to my torso.An the wreck.
oxygen mask was then put on me and a The whole procedure was remarkably
mock-up plasma bag strapped to my arm. smooth,and I never felt that I was in a prob-
Another firefighter then came into the lem situation.I know it’s not real and I was-
back seat:“You’re in no danger,”he reassured n’t hurt.I could hear,mostly,and see,a bit,
me.“I wouldn’t be here if you were.” everything that went on.
Just as I was getting used to it – and it But I admired the way the crews,firefight-
wasn’t really claustrophobic – a microphone ers and paramedics,carried out their tasks.
appeared under the mask and I heard the It must be really grim when the victim has
question “How do you feel?” lost a limb or is close to death.
“Err,well okay really,I know I’m in good But the professionalism they showed and
hands. I don’t feel in danger, I don’t feel their ability to communicate and reassure
trapped or shut in,I’m just relying on people me convinced me there are probably no finer
who obviously know their jobs.” people in the world to be forced to rely on
A female Fire and Rescue Brigade mem- when your life is at stake.
yourmedway.co.uk
6 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
yTelephoone edituorial: 0r1303 8w17200 Emeail [email protected] er yourmedway.co.uk 7
SPONSOREDBY
[email protected]
TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND
HIGH TIDES
Chatham Saturday 7:00am 5.3m
MISTER MAKER: TVpresenter Phil Gallagher meets
Sunday 8:11am 5.1m five-year-old Nicole Prior and her mum Lorna Prior
Dover Saturday 6:09pm 5.5m
Sunday 6:37am 5.7m Pantomime stars bring
888
888 Dungeness Saturday 6:03pm 6.2m
cheer to children’s ward
Sunday 6:35am 6.4m
Ramsgate Saturday 6:39pm 4.2m
THE stars of the Central Theatre’s Christmas
Sunday 7:07am 4.3m panto production of Aladdin took a magic car-
Sheerness Saturday 6:48am 5.2m pet ride to Medway Maritime Hospital’s chil-
S8.U0N1aRmISE 4S.U0N2pSmET Sunday 7:59am 5.0m drTehne’s wcealerdb.s – including Star Trek’s George
MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 6:49am 4.9m Takei, former EastEnder Shaun Williamson
and CBeebies’ Phil Gallagher – met patients,
- 10.25am Sunday 8:05am 4.7m posed for photos and signed autographs.
FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST Freya Meader,three,from New Ash Green,
AROUNDTHE
was one of the first to meet Gillingham-born
Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY Phil, better known as children’s entertainer
Ashford 3°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Gravesend 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Mister Maker,when he walked on to the ward.
Mum Arlette said her daughter enjoyed the
Canterbury 2°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 1°C Maidstone 3°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Amsterdam 1°C Madrid 8°C visit, saying:“It’s definitely cheered her up.
Chatham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Ramsgate 2°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 1°C ABathrceenlsona 1100°°CC NPaerwisYork --36°°CC ShNei’sc oale b Pigr ifoarn,.a”ged five from Lordswood,was
Dartford 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Rochester 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Beijing -11°C Rome 8°C also delighted to meet Phil.She said:“I can’t
Dover 3°C 1°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Sevenoaks 2°C 0°C 0°C 0°C 0°C BCaopmebTaoywn 2296°°CC STeyndenreiyfe 2223°°CC waTiht et ov giesitt b wacaks toor sgcahnoiosle tdo tbeyl l Halol smpiyt afrl ieRnaddsi.o”
Faversham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Sittingbourne 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Cardiff 0°C Tokyo 6°C Medway. Volunteer DJ Trevor Fox said: “I
want to thank the stars of the panto.It’s been
Folkestone 3°C 1°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Tonbridge 3°C 1°C 0°C 1°C 1°C Gibraltar 17°C Vancouver 7°C a magical event for all the children,parents
Gillingham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C TunWells 3°C 1°C 0°C 1°C 1°C HLaosnPgaKlmonags 2231°°CC WWaelrlsinagwton 2-61°°CC asonmd es ttaruffe. Aprnodf eists iwoansa las.n” honour to interview
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yourmedway.co.uk
8 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
yourlocalinterview
QTell us a bit about yourself the basis of the Look At Medway exhibition. Park in June and have the blueprint for a fes-
QUESTION & ANSWER I’m influenced by Medway music.I was a tival.We’ve also found ourselves giving inter-
AMy name is Phil Dillon,photographer and musician before becoming a photographer and views, putting on gigs and speaking at col-
member of Medway Eyes. love taking my camera to gigs. leges. We’re attempting to engage with
PHIL Medway Council about regeneration.
QWhat is Medway Eyes? QWhat has been your biggest success so far? raWthee rfe etlh tahne rfoerg eunse.raWtieo nf eise lb esitnrgo ndgolnye atob ouust,
DILLON AAn independent artists’ collective,mostly ALthoaonk aAnt yM oetdhwera ye xhhaibs ithioand amt orthe ev iBsirtooorks Mtheed Twhaeya’str he eRriotyaagle a anndd t haep ppalallnend eadt dtehme ofalittei oonf
made up of photographers and musicians. Theatre to date,so that was encouraging.It of the Aveling and Porter building.We’d like to
In our first year we’ve had three exhibitions, was clear from listening to visitors that we see Sun Pier repaired.The key to regeneration
numerous gigs,one arrest,and have put out a had created something people could relate to. is the preservation of your heritage.And if
compilation album and e-zine. We learned an awful lot about Medway. you’ve got a waterfront,open it up.
QHow did you become involved? QWhat have been your biggest challenges? QWhat advice would you give aspiring photographers?
AAfter my first exhibition at the Brook AOne of our photographers was arrested ALearn how your camera works.Take lots of
Theatre in Chatham,they offered me the under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 pictures and learn from them.Learn the
opportunity to exhibit again.I asked if I could when he had acted within his rights and with- rules but don’t be constrained by them.Try to
put on a group exhibition featuring Medway in the law.He had simply taken a photo of a get it right ‘in-camera’ – software doesn’t make
photographers and the next thing I knew the chip shop. It’s a long story. We arranged a por pictures good.Try not to get stuck with one
deadline was looming. photo walk as a peaceful response to this and style.Join the Medway Towns Group on Flickr.
I was with photographers Jack Picknell and received broad press coverage. That was a
Alex Turner trying to decide exactly what the challenge,because we had to learn an awful QWhat do you do in your free time?
brief for a group exhibition should be and what lot in a short space of time.
the group should call itself.It might not be the AI take photos and go to gigs.I like to look at
best name ever,but we’ve settled into it now. QWhat are the aims and goals of Medway Eyes? other people’s photos,too.
QWho or what has been the biggest influence on you? AWe’re trying to work out what we want to QAny final comments?
be and will be holding a meeting to discuss
AAs a group,the answer must be each other. that.We have an ongoing multimedia project AFind out more about us by visiting
Seeing someone else’s take on a Medway that will become more public as 2010 unfolds. www.medwayeyes.co.uk.You can also find
view or landmark can be refreshing.That was We have an exhibition at Riverside Country us on Facebook,Twitter and MySpace.
&
The Medway Eyes photographer talks to Mathew Beech about exhibitions, gigs, regeneration, heritage
and why there’s much more to come in 2010 from the independent arts collective
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yourmedway.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 9
yourschools
4=x 132 established
over
50 years
Improvements
put school on
the right track
(cid:2)BY MATHEW BEECH
A ONCE-failing school placed into
special measures by Ofsted
inspectors has turned the corner,
it has been found.
The Hundred of Hoo School received a poor
Ofsted report in April,but the first monitor-
ing check-up has shown that the school is
making notable improvements.
Ofsted’s initial damning report for the
Main Road school stated that insufficient
progress was being made by the pupils and
that the achievements and teaching stan-
recent progress,there is no room for compla-
dards were low.
cency. We do need to maintain and even
Now teaching is said to have improved,
increase our efforts to get rid of the ‘special
with fewer inadequate lessons.Attendance
measures’ tag as quickly as possible.”
has also risen.
Medway Council’s children’s services boss
Teachers also have more support, pupils
Les Wicks said:“I’m very pleased that,under
have benefitted from a wider range of activi-
its new leadership arrangements,the school
ties and students with more complex learn- is making progress.
ing needs are receiving better individual sup- “There is a long way to go before we can be
port. satisfied with the school,but this represents
Inspector Robert Ellis said:“The IEB has a a good start.
clear view of its strategic role,while main- “My congratulations go to all who have
taining appropriate oversight of day-to-day been involved.”
matters. Children and adults services director Rose
“Plans are well advanced to secure the Collinson added:“I am very confident that
future of the school.” the whole team at the Hundred of Hoo is now
Headmaster Kevin Mahon said:“The staff on track to improving students’ learning,
and students are committed to making sure achievement and progress swiftly and sus-
the school improves as quickly as possible. tainably.
“There is real determination to make sure “That’s due to the relentless ambition and
we transform the school and make it once focus in the school since April to make sure
E
again the pride of our community. students are safe,cared for,succeed in learn- A D
“While we can be quietly pleased with ing and thrive.” T R D I Y
a n d O M E
C
BREAK TIME W E L
Lifesavers win national gold medal
TWO teenage girls have won gold medals in
a national lifeguard competition.
Dana Batts,13,a pupil at King’s School,
Rochester and her competition partner
Shannon, 14, from Walderslade Girl’s
School, struck gold at the National
Lifesaving Championships in Sheffield,
winning the junior girls section in the line-
throwing event.
The pair,who have previously won coun-
ty and regional titles,are both members of
the City of Rochester Swimming and
Lifeguard club.
Dana’s mother,Kathy Batts said:“This is
Dana and Shannon’s first year of competing
and the gold medal is an excellent achieve-
ment – we are very proud of them both”.
SEND your schools news and pictures to [email protected]. You can
also upload your video clips of schools events on to www.yourkenttv.co.uk
yourmedway.co.uk
10 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Police call to share Stack costs
Agencies urged to Gilmartin.said:“We are not trying to shift the
responsibility completely as that wouldn’t fair
at all and not want we want to do,but we need
to look at other partner agencies getting
take responsiblity involved.
“Kent Police needs to be involved as there is
the safety issue,but it’s not right to always use
our front line resources,our officers should be
in the community.”
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES In response to the police authority’s call for
extra help to operate Stack, the Highways
POLICE leaders are calling on Agency says it has contributed and does not
have the funds to give any more.
other agencies to help pay the £2 A Highways spokesman said: “The
million needed to run Operation Highways Agency has made significant capital
investment – around £10 million in the last
Stack instead of forcing Kent’s tax-
four years – into Operation Stack including
payers to foot the bill. provision of the Quickchange Moveable
Operation Stack is implemented to sections Barrier, advance signing on approaches to
of the M20, should ferries from the Port of junctions on the M20, CCTV, traffic officers
Dover or the Channel Tunnel stop running – and other associated costs.”
turning the motorway into a lorry park until The effect of Stack,when implemented,also
services to Europe resumes. hits companies financially.
Burden The Federation of Small Businesses estim
ated that blockades at Calais port and the
The responsibility for Stack originally fell subsequent stoppage of crossings costs the UK
with Kent Police when it first ran on the A2 haulage industry £1 million a day.
at Lydden in the 1980s, as the Highways And with delays on deliveries and traffic
Agency did not exist, but now the Kent problems caused by Stack,a further half a mil-
Police Authority thinks it is time to share lion daily is lost.
the burden. The latest implementation of Stack which
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Authority, has took place last month follows three other
called for a long-term solution for Stack after occasions it has been brought in this year
the bill for policing the foreign lorries during CLOSED: Operation Stack is enforced on parts of the M20 when cross-Channel ferry services are disrupted and 21 times last year – which includes the
2008/09 cost Kent taxpayers about £2million eight implementations for the Sea France
and each time takes up hundreds of hours of and our neighbourhoods keeping people safe But from a safety perspective we have no strike between February 28 and March 15,
valuable police time. and doing what we pay them to do. choice. last year
Mrs Barnes said: “No one has taken any “I think it’s shocking that police time is being “Without Kent Police, Operation Stack Kent Council County’s favoured option to
responsibility for Operation Stack.This is not spent babysitting foreign lorry drivers. would grind the county to a halt.The econom- deal with Stack is to open giant lorry parks
a local problem,but a national one. “It’s grossly unfair that our police council ic impact would be enormous.” to keep truckers of the M20 when the ports
“Our officers should be in our communities taxpayers here in Kent have to pay for this. Chief executive of the authority, Mark are closed.
Hauliers slow to pay £1.5m immigrant smuggling fines
TRUCK drivers are not being punished companies or drivers had been added to the The report said that although officers on the Mr Vine said that more vehicles should be
enough for smuggling illegal immigrants agency’s vehicle seizure list since September ground in Calais tried to do their best to carry impounded by the UKBA because in most
from Calais into the UK. 2008. out searches they lacked the equipment and cases the fine was paid within two days.
That is the conclusion of an inspection into In his report Mr Vine said:“We saw little facilities to do the job. He concluded: “We found no evidence to
the work carried out by the United Kingdom effective leadership or accountability for the Mr Vine said:“We found there was a short- show that quality reviews were undertaken
Borders Agency (UKBA). civil penalty process within the UKBA.” age of basic equipment available to staff, in relation to the civil penalty scheme,either
The report was published by the agency’s The inspectors blamed a lack of resources, including torches,cameras and bolt-cutters. to identify opportunities for improvement or
independent inspector John Vine. poor management and a lack of targets that “The accommodation at Calais was also to ensure consistent application of the
He found that £1.5 million worth of fines affectively allowed lorry companies to ignore very limited – in terms of both the space and scheme.”
were still to be collected by the agency from the law. facilities available for staff and customers.” Ashford MP and Conservative spokesman
lorry companies whose vehicles had been Stowaways If lorry drivers were caught with illegal on immigration Damian Green said the
found to contain illegal immigrants. immigrants in their trucks the penalty fine report was another example of the chaos in
Under the law,introduced in 2000,haulage The number of stowaways found in trucks system was not acting as a deterrent. the immigration system.
companies can be fined up to £4,000 and if in France has massively increased over the A large backlog of cases had built up mean- A spokesman for the UKBA said that it had
they fail to pay they can have the vehicle last three years. ing that the agency would resort to sending recovered £250,000 of fines since April;it was
impounded. In 2007 4,241 were found by UKBA staff, out warning letters and not issue a fine improving its holding facilities in Calais and
However,the report found that almost no this had risen to 8,058 by September 2009. because of lack of staff. speeding up its processing service.
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