Your Shepway, Issue 122, January 27, 2010

10.6 MB·English

by  KOS Media

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THE NEWSPAPER FOR FOLKESTONE, HYTHE AND DISTRICT January 27, 2010
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yourshepway
yourshepway.co.uk K O S
E
E
R
F
w e e k
midw s p a p er
n e Issue No 122
Available from Wednesday,
THE NEWSPAPER FOR FOLKESTONE, HYTHE AND DISTRICT January 27, 2010
JOBS… PROPERTY… SPORT…
Helping you make Buy-to-let market Round-up of all
the right choice promising for ‘10 the local action
PAGES 38-40 PAGES 27-34 PAGES 42-43
WE ARE SO
PROUD OF
OUR PETER
HUNDREDS of online trib- (cid:2)BY JAMES ALEXANDRE Green Jackets.He was determined to
get his first tour of duty under his
utes have been paid to a sol-
belt.He believed in the Army and was
dier from Folkestone who proud of his job and we are so proud of
Rifleman Aldridge,of A Company 4
died in an explosion in Rifles, was killed on Friday near you, Peter. We love you, sweet pea.
Swift and Bold Forever.”
Afghanistan last week. Sangin in Helmand province while
His commanding officer,Lieutenant
serving with 3 Rifles Battle Group.
Two Facebook groups set up in Colonel Rupert Jones,said Rifleman
The soldier was on foot patrol as
memory of Rifleman Peter Aldridge, part of an operation providing securi- Aldridge was still very much a young
19, have each attracted almost 800 ty for local people when he was hit by man but also one of the longest-
members, with many paying their the explosion. serving,having joined his band almost
respects and saying their thoughts In a statement his family said:“Our two years ago:
were with his family. son died a hero,he lost his life doing “He made a mark from the outset
His girlfriend Jem Dickenson what he believed in. and was already one of the natural
thanked everyone for their messages “Peter said ‘If I’m going to die,I want leaders in his platoon.The less experi-
enced Riflemen respected and looked
and said:“We knew he was loved,but to die a soldier’. Our son joined the
this has been overwhelming.” Army as a Rifleman in the Royal CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT’S ON & WATCH ALSO INSIDE
yourkenttv.co.uk WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 9
COMPETITON . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 12
ALLYOURLOCALSTORIES: Watch videos LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 14-15 Rifleman Peter Aldridge, from Folkestone, died following an explosion
of all the major news stories in your area LEISURE . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 16-25 while he was on patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, last week.
Tributes to the popular soldier have flooded in since his death.
Upload your favourite clip MOTORING . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 35-37
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Gunman was New procedures
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
‘do not affect
yourkenttv.co.uk
expansion plan’
‘lawfully killed’
TOP TV CLIPS LYDD airport bosses have hit back at
claims that new flight path proce-
dures should be treated as evidence
and further delay its expansion plans.
Protest group LAAG said the air-
(cid:2)BY IAN READ port’s introduction of the new naviga-
tion system is likely to lead to more
BANK-robber Robert Haines missed approaches, diversions and
flight cancellations, due to the
was “lawfully killed” by an
restricted airspace over the Hythe
armed police officer, an military range.This in turn will cre-
inquest jury has decided. ate more noise and pollution spread
out over a wider area of the Romney
The jury took three and a half
Marsh,according to the group.
hours to return its verdict on
But the airport said the satellite-
Monday afternoon,which brings an guided approach,known as RNAV,is
end to the hearing,which started on a back-up and provides more accura-
Monday,January 11. cy when approaching one of its run-
Robert Haines,43,from Challock, ways,while making no difference to
was shot three times after he opened its predicted environmental impact.
foifr eth oen N paoltiicoen wini dae c aBru piladrinkg a St othciee tbyacink BANK-ROBBER: Robert Haines was shot neLwo uRisNe ABVa rtporno,coefd uLrAeAs Gm,esaaind :L“Tydhde
New Romney in October,2006. senger door and the boot open. “I Airport now has an instrument
Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox summed heard people shouting ‘Freeze, approach procedure for both runways
Kent firemen return from their rescue mission to Haiti up the evidence yesterday morning armed police!’.I saw the shotgun go – runway 21 and runway 03 – where-
1 to jurors following the hearing at off. A spark came out of the end,” as previously it only had instrument
where their skills were put to good use. Search ‘Haiti’ Folkestone,then sent the jury to con- Jenkins told the inquest. approaches to runway 21.
sider their decision. “There were three cracking sounds “We understand the airport does
Flying Squad and Metropolitan and he fell forward onto his face.He not plan to redesign its current ILS
Police officers ambushed Haines and twisted round towards the police (flight paths).This means passenger
his gang. when he fired.His upper body moved aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and
After shouting at armed police, when the bullets hit him.” Airbus 319 would be unable to fully
Haines turned and opened fire with Haines was shot three times and utilise the proposed extended runway
his sawn-off shotgun. died on his way to the William on landing,further reducing the com-
Last week the armed police officer Harvey Hospital in Ashford. mercial attractiveness of the airport
who killed the robber,known only as and its employment prospects.”
Echo 19,told the hushed inquest in Evidence
Technology
Folkestone how he fired three shots Officers from the Independent
to bring the man down. Police Complaints Commission backed However, airport senior manager
He told them:“He was a huge fig- the use of lethal force against Haines Tim Maskens said it was making use
ure dressed in black. His face was because the firearms team was in of new technology to improve its oper-
covered in a balaclava.I could see the danger. ation,just as aircraft were becoming
white around his eyes... I shouted They concluded the Flying Squad quieter and more fuel efficient.
‘Armed police!’.I shouted as if my life would not have had enough evidence He said the angle of descent was no
depended on it.” to charge him if they had intervened lower than the original procedure and
Haines ran into a car park where before the robbery. there was no new impact affecting the
the get away car was waiting. Commissioner Mike Franklin said: runway 21 approach.
Echo 19 said:“With amazing speed “The death of anyone in these cir- Mr Maskens said: “As far as the
he ran and pirouetted round and cumstances is a tragedy that leads Environmental Impact Assessment
Why Gurkhas are working with a 500-year-old weapon brought the gun down.He was facing loved ones to ask if anything could under consideration by Shepway is
2 me.Then he fired. have been done that would have concerned,nothing has changed.”
of war at Dover Castle. Search ‘siege’ “I saw a flash and heard a loud changed the outcome. The improved track guidance pro-
bang.I had no doubt he was trying to “The officer was responding to a vided would help reduce the “already
kill me.I raised my weapon and fired clear threat to his and others’ life insignificant risk” of collision even
two shots.I aimed at the centre of his when he discharged the gun.” further,he said.
body.I thought he was wearing body Mr Franklin said officers acted Mr Maskens said:“The procedures
armour.I fired again.” professionally throughout. do not alter the findings of the
Fellow gang member Dean Jenkins He said:“We concluded that any Environmental Impact Assessment
also told the inquest how Haines arrest before the robbery would more but give reassurance that Lydd air-
opened fire on police even though than likely not have gathered suffi- port is working toward improving effi-
they warned him they would shoot if cient evidence to charge and the deci- ciency and reducing its impact upon
he didn't surrender. sion to intervene as he entered the people and the environment.”
Jenkins,currently serving 17 years car park provided the best opportu- • The council meeting to determine the
for armed robbery,said he parked a nity to safely control a dynamic and applications for the runway extension and new
Mercedes get away car with the pas- potentially dangerous situation.” terminal will be held on Wednesday, March 3.
Gills boss Mark Stimson looks to the future… and back at
3
the FA Cup exit at Accrington Stanley. Search ‘Gills’
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY
EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT
EDITOR:Dave Mairs 01303 817022
GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 3
Where now after SKC On a mission to
give help in Haiti
FOLKESTONE-based charity Mission
Aviation Fellowship has added a fourth
merger breaks down?
aircraft to its fleet operating in Haiti
after the devastating earthquake rocked
the country last week.
A new Kodiak 100 aircraft, based in
Nampa in Idaho,made its way there to
help with the relief efforts,together with
two MAF pilots and two engineers.
The charity already has a hangar in
Debts put an end to college plan Port-au-Prince airport, which is being
used as a logistics centre for the tons of
essential aid being flown in from around
the world,to help the estimated 1.5 mil-
lion Haitians left homeless.
(cid:2)BY ED HILL improving standards at SKC, which has
received heavy criticism from recent Ofsted Evacuating
reports. MAF spokesman Emma Stewart said:
A MERGER planned to secure the South Kent College Principle Monica Box had “Our flights are bringing desperately-
future of South Kent College,which hoped the merger plans would go ahead in needed relief supplies to outlying towns
has campuses in Folkestone and April.She said:“We are disappointed that the and returning to Port-au-Prince with
offer made to West Kent College didn’t make stranded international workers.
Dover,has broken down. sound financial sense to them. But we fully “Most of the work will be evacuating
Managers at West Kent College, who were understand why another organisation would the city of Jacmel on the coast south of
due to enter the deal,have pulled out because not want to take on the debts and liabilities of the capital,which has also been hit hard
of SKC debts. our own organisation. by the earthquake.
The principle of West Kent has written to the “It would be totally irresponsible for South “The United States Air Force,now in
Learning Skills Council (LSC), the Govern- Kent College governors now not to be planning control of the airport,is sending many
ment body responsible for funding further edu- in the event of the merger not going ahead.My humanitarian cargo flights to the MAF
cation,saying it cannot go ahead with the deal governing body is up to the challenge of looking hangar.Our team is helping planes refu-
unless reported liabilities of £4.9 million run up at alternative ways to provide for the learners el and clear cargo through Haitian cus-
by SKC are written off. of south Kent.” toms,as well as unload the cargo into the
The college,based in Tonbridge,is currently The college says current students do not have MAF hangar,ready for distribution.”
involved in its own rebuilding programme.Its to worry about the future of their own courses John Woodberry,MAF disaster response
principle Bill Fearon says the funding deal pro- despite the troubles at management level. manager,said:“The air traffic controllers,
posed by the LSC is not good enough. The Governors will now meet to try and find knowing there is space at the MAF
Writing to the LSC Chief executive Geoff the best way forward for the college,but any hangar,have allowed numerous flights to
Russell he said: “The financial uncertainties future plans to develop its services will have to come into this maxed out airport.”
that the two colleges now face are considerably be put on hold until it can deal with its finan- He said on one day last week 5,000lb of
different and more challenging.A merger at cial difficulties. cargo and over 78 critical relief workers,
this time without a more sound financial base Mrs Box said:“The college could not pay back doctors and surgeons were flown in,with
and opportunity for developmental investment its debts at a stroke, but would have to 63 medical personnel with their equip-
than your proposed offer is too great for the negotiate a plan. The college would have to ment coming in the previous day.
WKC Corporation.” break even and create a surplus in order to pay One local MAF staff is still missing,
The news leaves South Kent College,which this back.” presumed dead.All others are accounted for.
also runs a campus in Ashford,with an uncer- SKC has campuses at Shorncliffe Road, The charity,founded in 1945,has been
tain future. Folkestone, and Maison Dieu Road in Dover CHALLENGE: Monica Box is disappointed by the operating in Haiti for more than 20 years
The merger had been seen as the best way of and caters for over 10,000 students each year. breakdown of the merger but is looking at other options and works in more than 35 countries.
Affectionately Invicta meeting to
remembered
conquer troubles
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
up to him as a role model. CASH LOANS
“He was dedicated to being a
Rifleman and took great pride from
it.Looking the part was important From £50 TO £300
to him and he spent plenty of FOLKESTONE Invicta will hold a (cid:2)BY DAVID PRITCHARD
money on making sure that he did. shareholders’ meeting next month to Fixed and Manageable Repayments
“He fully embraced The Rifles formally agree a voluntary settlement
mantra to be a Thinking Rifleman over the club’s outstanding debts. points penalty from the Isthmian No Hidden Charges / Friendly Local Service
and was never backward in asking The club publicly revealed crip- League,where the Seasiders current-
‘why’. Indeed, he will be remem- pling financial problems in October ly sit top of Division One South.
bered affectionately for having 2008. The main creditors are HM The recovery group accepts the Example: Borrow £100 and repay £10
something to say about most Revenue & Customs in the form of club could face punishment, but
for 14 weeks, total amount repayable £140
things.He was always in the thick unpaid taxes going back several urged supporters for patience: “We
of events and being such a central years,which were originally believed don’t know what view the Isthmian
character in the platoon,he was a to be as high as £100,000. After League and FA will take,nor for how 1068.5%
regular subject for their jokes. months of work behind the scenes long they will deliberate once the for- APR
“This only encouraged him more the essence of a settlement, which malities are communicated to them...
Typical
as he was a man with a great sense will see the club repay creditors for We will have to resist speculation
of humour and an infectious ability several years,has now been agreed. and wait for those issues to resolve.”
to laugh at himself. Next month’s meeting has been Asked about the possibility of
“His loss will be a devastating called to ratify the plan and will also administration and a points penalty, CALL US ON 0844 879 7224
blow to his family and loved ones; discuss the make-up of a new board Invicta manager Neil Cugley said:
our thoughts are with them.The and plans to transfer ownership of “Ask me in a month’s time.So much OR APPLY ONLINE AT
last thing Rifleman Aldridge said the club into a supporters trust. has been going on for the last 15
to the medic treating him at the A statement released by Folke- months since it blew up,all we can do www.convenientloans.net
scene was to tell his mother that he stone Invicta Recovery Group on the is keep going.At times we weren’t
loved her.” club’s website sought to reassure even sure if we’d start the season,so
Rifleman Chris Turvey said of supporters. It read: “This message all credit to the players and coaches Compare the price of home collected and other cash loans
him: “Pete Aldridge was a good should be seen as an optimistic one... who have not let it bother them.” available in your area at www.lenderscompared.org.uk
mate of mine.He was one of the we can now start to rebuild the club’s • The meeting has been scheduled on Friday, All home credit customers are entitled to a free detailed
first people to talk to me when I got administration around the great February 5, in the club’s Stripes bar. The statement once every 3 months; just ask
to Battalion.He was a funny,kind things being achieved on the pitch meeting is set for 3.30pm to satisfy certain
person...He was just a brilliant sol- and the industry of the youth and rules, but it will be immediately adjourned until
dier and will be remembered by supporters organisations.” 6.30pm to allow as many members and Convenient Loans Ltd is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading: Licence No. 625075.
everyone.” The measures put forward are supporters to attend as possible. Formal voting Written credit quotations are available on request. Available to UK residents ages 18+.
Applications subject to status.
Rifleman Aldridge also leaves believed to briefly take Invicta into will be restricted to shareholders, but other
Postal Address:Convenient Loans Ltd, c/o H&W Cholmondeley House, 2 Dee Park Hills, Chester CH3 5AR
behind his brother Matthew. administration. It could attract a supporters are welcome.
yourshepway.co.uk
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Harbour boat club on
The Marquis heads
smooth trip to capital
FOLKESTONEHarbour Motor Boat Club
has enjoyed a visit to the London
International Boat Show.
Nine members of the club, formed in for a Michelin star
October last year,went on this month’s trip.
Founded by Gerald Gregson and Bob
Chittock,the club is intended as a forum for
pleasure-boat-owners to maintain a close
relationship with Folkestone Harbour
Company, which has agreed to provide a
venue for regular meetings.
Mr Gregson said that about 40 members
had joined so far.
The next meeting will be at Folkestone (cid:2)BY NICK AMES
harbour drivers’ lounge on Thursday,
February 4,from 7.30pm.Prospective mem- THE Marquis restaurant in
bers are welcome to attend. Alkham has been named as one of
For more details, you can phone Mr
Gregson on 07505 362145 or Mr Chittock on the Rising Stars of British cuisine
07880 537990. in this year’s Michelin Guide, out
Put the bee back in GB this month.
The eatery – which used to be called The
BUMBLEBEESfrom New Zealand are be- Marquis of Granby – has received much praise
ing relocated to Dungeness RSPB as part of from diners in east Kent and has become one
a series of projects at the charity’s reserves. of the most popular venues in the area.
Insect species that are either extinct or Owner Ben Walton said the recommenda-
threatened with extinction in the UK are tion would help boost visitors to the area.
being reintroduced by the RSPB as part of “We are quite a new business,so it can take
the International Year of Biodiversity. seven or even eight years to get established,
The short-haired bumblebee was once but this will really help,”he said.
widespread in England but has disappeared “It shows that the area can support a good-
as a result of modern farming methods. quality restaurant and naturally we are all
However, populations taken to New extremely pleased.It has taken a lot of work to GOING PLACES: The latest Michelin Guide has stated that The Marquis in Alkham is a rising star of British cuisine
Zealand by British settlers a century ago get to this standard,though.
have survived. “The recommendation is given by the guide Andrew Pern at the Star Inn in Harome,which when the puddings arrived: coffee mousse
RSPB volunteer Rob Jones is in New with a view to the restaurant concerned won numerous accolades,including a Michelin with hogweed ice cream for her and a banana
Zealand with Nikki Gammans of the Bum- obtaining a Michelin star the following year. star.Charlie’s emphasis is on seasonal produce, souffle with tonka-bean ice cream for me –
blebee Conservation Trust.They have been “The idea is that the guide needs to see a local suppliers and low food miles. sounds odd,but they were bafflingly yummy.”
collecting queen bees reared in Christchurch. similar level of consistency over the next 12 “Rabbit from the valley,wild herbs from the In total there are 140 restaurants to be
By this summer it is hoped the bees will months or so and then the full award is made. hedgerows,and the catch of the day from the recognised by Michelin with a star,the highest
have been introduced to the Dungeness “But we are very pleased to have got to this fishing boats at Deal. number Britain has ever won.
reserve,near to the site where in 1988 the stage and it is good news for the area as well.” “I had freshly-caught turbot,a lovely,intri- Derek Bulmer,the guide editor,said:“Food
UK’s last population was recorded. In a newspaper review,The Observer corre- cate dish that was rich,flavoursome and plate- in Britain can be compared to the best in the
spondent Martin Love praised chef Charlie lickingly delicious. My wife went for roast world. OK, we don’t have as many stars in
Lakin as well as the food. partridge – the bird had been shot by The total as France or Italy does,but London is a
The article said: “Charlie grew up in Marquis’s owner the previous weekend. gastronomic powerhouse and chefs are doing
VIEWTHIS CLIP ON
Yorkshire, where he started working under “But these delights paled into insignificance amazing things here in this country.”
yourkenttv.co.uk
‘Flawed’ Dungeness decision under fire
LOCAL
SHEPWAY council says it has sent a “hard- Written evidence will now be considered by Council leader Robert Bliss said there were
hitting”response to the Government about its a parliamentary select committee, and a very strong grounds for a review of the deci-
decision to not build a new nuclear power council-commissioned report has said the in- sion to exclude Dungeness.
station at Dungeness. correct data formed one of a number of errors. He said:“We have stressed the heavy local
Energy secretary Ed Miliband announced in The report states:“If the assessment of Shep- dependence on the nuclear industry and that
November that the site would be excluded way’s economic condition was made on this basis, a new station at Dungeness is vital to ensure
from the latest round of consultations on envi- then it calls into question the judgements made. a sustainable future for local communities.
ronmental grounds,sparking fears about lost “This is a vitally important shortcoming, “If Dungeness is not included as a site for a
job opportunities on Romney Marsh. particularly in the case of Dungeness as the new station,this council calls on the Govern-
But as part of its response,Shepway said the current decommissioning of A station and clo- ment to explain what intervention packages it
Upcycle is a project reusing items in decision was “flawed”and partly based on the sure of B station from 2018 are key threats to will put in place to ensure that the loss of
a different form. Search ‘upcycle’ wrong unemployment statistics, using those the area’s future prosperity and its already existing prosperity and the loss of future
for Suffolk instead. fragile economy.” opportunity is mitigated against.”
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 5
Thinking outside the box
yourshepway TWO ShelterBoxes worth nearly £1,000 have
been sent to earthquake-hit Haiti after the
NEWS IN BRIEF money was raised by Hythe Rotary Club.
Rotarians have also received £1,000 from
pupils at the Harvey Grammar School in
Folkestone for two more boxes,which contain
relief supplies and tools.
Marsh’s future on agenda Rotary has also received a cheque from a
private individual,with the possibility of two
more boxes being sent.
TOURISM, environment and education
The club has also been collecting for addi-
organisations and local authorities on both
tional ShelterBoxes outside Hythe’s Waitrose
sides of the Channel are holding a three-day
and Aldi supermarkets.
meeting on initiatives for Romney Marsh.
The agenda includes visits to the Royal Water firm’s gold award
Military Canal,Dungeness,churches,Little
Cheyne Court wind farm and other land-
marks.The project is part financed by the WATER supplier Veolia has earned a gold
European Regional Development Fund and award from the considerate contractor
organised by Kent Wildlife Trust,Shepway scheme run by Kent County Council.
council, Discover Folkestone, Hythe and The awards are for high standards of work-
UNDER COVER: New traffic signals near Folkestone West station have still not been connected by EDF Energy Romney Marsh and the Boulogne Shepway manship on the roads and pavements by con-
Slow reaction to Co-Operation Organisation. tractors who operate in a safe,consistent and
The meeting began on Tuesday and runs considerate manner.Veolia’s Ian McAthy and
until tomorrow (Thursday). Helen Apsey accepted the award during a
In a separate event,Liberal Democrat par- ceremony at the Ashford International Hotel.
liamentary candidate Lynne Beaumont has It is a third safety award for Veolia,former-
arranged a meeting about boosting eco- ly Folkestone and Dover Water Services,fol-
tourism on the Marsh.It is being held on lowing recent accolades from the Royal
high-speed lights Monday,March 1,from 2pm,at Dungeness Society for the Prevention of Accidents
RSPB reserve. (RoSPA) and the British Safety Council.
EDF Energy has come under fire (cid:2)BY NICK AMES
for failing to get new traffic lights
operational which were designed nately this is now down to EDF.”
to ease congestion near Cllr Prater said:“If EDF require such a
long lead time to get new lights working,
Folkestone West station.
then its time we found a partner who can act
Lost paperwork has been revealed as part quicker.
of the reason the lights are not working,even “It’s not just traffic lights.There are street
though they had been due to come into action lights across Shepway that EDF has failed to
as the high-speed rail service started its full get working.
timetable. “There’s one in Horn Street,Cheriton,out-
Liberal Democrat county councillor Tim side a school,that’s been out for over a year
Prater said he has been told it was unlikely and EDF has failed to connect it.
EDF would connect the lights in Shorncliffe “The service from EDF is awful.It’s time a
Road before March,more than three months new partner was found,one who would take
after their installation. less than three months to connect new traffic
The lights were designed to ease traffic lights.”
congestion,which was expected to increase An EDF spokesman said: “Kent County
after the introduction of the 140mph trains Council and EDF have introduced measures
in December. to improve the way we respond to street
The revised junction and lights were lighting faults and new connections.
installed by the end of November,but delays “These have already improved results.We
– including a possible loss of paperwork – work closely with KCC and share the aspira-
now mean they are not expected to be work- tion to continue to improve performance.
ing before March at the earliest. “KCC signed up to a service level agree-
An email from a Kent Highways engineer, ment to raise EDF’s street lighting perform-
revealed by Cllr Prater states:“the [EDF] ance to the desired level and provide the
Scheduling Team (the people who carry out service residents deserve.
the work) have not yet received the job from “New working arrangements were intro-
the Design Centre,to whom we sent full pay- duced, ensuring more teams are available
ment on 03/12/09. during the day,when faults are repaired.
“They currently have a lead-in time of 6-8 “Additional teams were also taken on to
weeks from when they receive the job,which work on jointing underground cables,as part
was apparently sent to them on 11/01/10. of a recruitment campaign.
“As a result,I cannot see us having the sig- “To support new connections,the company
nals commissioned and working before appointed new contractors,with additional
March.I have done everything I can to try resources to ensure new power supplies can
and get this work completed, but unfortu- be connected more promptly.”
NSPCC: no comment on vomit case
THE KENT branch of the NSPCC has showed the boy had been eating cake when
refused to comment after a woman was jailed he was sick.Mr Reid said:“He was told to lick
for making a child eat his own vomit in it up.He was given a smack to the head.”
Folkestone. The police were told and Riding was inter-
The charity says it needs more time to look viewed.The court heard statements from the
into the details of the case before it can issue boy’s parents,who said he was now nervous Name
a statement about what happened. and at times aggressive and out of control.
Nicola Riding,32,of Knottingley in York- The boy’s father said:“This is devastating Surname
shire,admitted one charge of child cruelty to witness in a child of your own.He never
after she was filmed shouting orders at the did anything wrong to deserve such a life- Address
eight-year-old after he had been sick on a table. changing ordeal.The effects on my son are
Maidstone Crown Court was told that a utterly devastating.”
girl heard Riding shouting at the boy in May Catherine Donnelly,mitigating,said it was
2008 and recorded what happened on her one incident involving a loss of control and email
phone,according to a report in the Pontefract the effect on Riding had been devastating.
and Castleford Express. Riding was jailed for ten weeks and Judge Telephone
Dickon Reid, prosecuting, showed Judge Patience said mistreating the child clearly
Andrew Patience QC the short clip which crossed the custody threshold. Closing date for entries 7th February, the winner will be notified by 9th Feburary
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email the editor, [email protected] 7
Nicole opens the book
Drivers get advice on
cutting child deaths
MOTORISTS are to be reschooled in road
on a life with cancer
safety as part of a month-long campaign to
reduce the number of child deaths in Kent.
Police will visit 40 accident black spots to
give advice to drivers about the importance
of driving safely,while the ‘stop,look and
listen’ method of crossing the road will be
hammered home to pupils.
Officers hope the operation will lead to a
reduction in the number of children killed
(cid:2)BY STEVE KNIGHT rhage that robbed her of her sight.This was or seriously injured on Kent’s roads,which
followed by a debilitating stroke that left the
in 2008 stood at 87.
youngster confined to a wheelchair, and in
A further 570 received ‘slight’ injuries.
CANCER battler Nicole Dryburgh late 2007 tumours were discovered behind
Acting Chief Insp Preston Chalk said the
says she hopes the sequel to her Nicole’s ears that have practically destroyed campaign came about as part of the You
inspirational first book will give her hearing. Said, We Did initiative, which promotes
Yet despite such setbacks Nicole has devoted police following up residents’ concerns.
further hope to fellow patients. her life to helping others and is currently
The 20-year-old from Whitstable was diag- working with the Teenage Cancer Trust to try Campaign
nosed with cancer when she was just 11 and to raise enough money to fund a specialist unit He said:“It’s absolutely crucial that child-
has since suffered a brain haemorrhage and a at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey. ren are taught about road safety from a
stroke, leaving her wheelchair-bound, blind She said: “I enjoy organising events and young age.
and virtually deaf. coming up with different ideas of ways to raise “They’re often very frantic and enjoy run-
But despite her predicament, Nicole has money.I know what these young people are ning about, but it’s important they know
devoted her life to helping others and has so far going through,and that spurs me on to raise they can’t always be like that when they’re
raised more than £130,000 for charity. as much money and awareness as I can. not in school.
Her first book The Way I See It earned her an “I’d also like to write more books in the “We hope this campaign will allow children
army of admirers when it was released in 2008, future, but I’m not too sure at the moment to reflect on the consequences of running in
with its sequel,Talk To The Hand,covering the FIGHTER:Nicole Dryburgh is inspiring many with illness what to write next.” the road and the impact it would have on
hectic months in her life that followed. “So much has happened since my first book Named Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser their parents,friends and teachers if some-
Nicole said:“I’ve only ever had nice comments came out, so it’s a good way to let people in 2008,Nicole acts as a glimmer of hope for thing terrible were to happen to them.
about The Way I See It and I’m really happy know how things have turned out.It’s differ- young and old people alike whose lives are “Thankfully, the schools already work
people have enjoyed reading it.It’s been out for ent because I’m not just telling my story,I’m being torn apart by illness. very hard to promote this issue,as do the
two years now and I still get emails almost sharing my advice,too.” When asked if she had any advice for such majority of parents,so we are just enforcing
every day from someone new who has read it. Nicole was a competition-winning gymnast people,she replied:“Yes,just to stay positive the message.”
“I decided to write the second book because when, at the age of just 11, an operation and never give up. The campaign – launched in partnership
my first kind of ended on a cliffhanger.I was revealed a rare type of cancerous tumour close “I believe a positive attitude can get you with Medway Council’s road-safety team,
still on chemotherapy at the time and having to her spine. through anything. Obviously it can be hard Kent Highway Services and other partner
other health problems,so I wanted people to Through radiotherapy it was reduced, but sometimes, but just look to the future and agencies – was launched at Senacre Wood
know I’m still here and fighting. two years later she suffered the brain haemor- keep smiling.” Primary School in Maidstone last week.
Concentration camp survivor’s lessons about racism
BELA Rosenthal was just six months old when she This year’s theme is ‘The Legacy of Hope’,which “I was flown with five other surviving orphans –
was taken prisoner by the Nazis. encourages young people to learn from survivors’ it was a very confusing time.There was no family
Her Jewish father had already been killed at experiences. for me in Britain,so I was put in a home.”
the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration Mrs Millan,who lives in London,is using her She was eventually adopted by a wealthy
camp in 1942 and her mother’s death was soon to own experience to push home the message about Jewish couple in London who changed her name
follow when she was struck down with TB. racism and tolerance to youngsters. to Joanna.
Orphaned at just two years old, Bela was The 67-year-old,who has eight grandchildren, Eight years ago,Mrs Millan,who is chairman of
released from the Theresienstadt concentration managed to survive in the Theresienstadt camp – the Holocaust Survivors Association,married a
camp when the Red Cross took it over from the 50 miles outside Prague – thanks to a lady called Jewish man and continues to have a close rela-
Nazis at the end of the Second World War in 1945. Litska Shallinger. tionship with her own family.“I think I’ve tried to
Despite having little memory of the Holocaust, Knowing that the food in the concentration compensate for what I missed out on,”she said.
during which six million Jews were murdered by camp was contaminated, Litska would collect This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemo-
vegetables and hide them under her clothes so
the Nazis,Bela – now Joanna Millan – has clear rates the 65th anniversary of the Auschwitz-
she could feed the young girl.
memories of her childhood. Birkenau liberation.
On May 3,1945,the Red Cross took over the
And to bring home the terrifying realities and camp and Bela was freed, but she was not to Karen Pollock,chief executive of the Holocaust
pay respect to those who died,the mother-of-three return to her home in Berlin. Educational Trust,which organised the visit,said:
gave her poignant account to schoolchildren at “My first memory was being put in a house by “Joanna’s story is one of tremendous courage
St John’s Catholic School in Gravesend. the Russians while they decided what would during horrific circumstances.
Her talk was timed for just before Holocaust happen to us,”she said. “By hearing her testimony,St John’s Catholic
Memorial Day, which is being held today “The British government said it would take up School’s students will have the opportunity to
(Wednesday). to 1,000 children,but it took 300 in the end. learn where hate and racism can ultimately lead.” IDENTITY:Bela is now Joanna Millan
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8 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
yourlocalinterview
QTell us a bit about yourself QWhat are your highlights? over the past five years or so.It’s certainly not
a place you can make your million just by
QUESTION & ANSWER
AI am James Heming, 39. I’m from AOne main one has to be being able to evolve standing in front of a microphone. Once,
Whitstable and one of the presenters on to keep it fresh.I never thought I would be maybe,but not any more.It’s a daunting ques-
JAMES HGeemarmt’sa .BI arema kthfaes Jt amSheosw b itw. ith James and paMrtyic buolasrsl yp rgooboadb alyt estviolll vtihnign kors cIh’ma nngoitn,gb.ut a ttioo gno b aencadu tshei sI csetritlla ihnalvye w 3o0n-’otd lda syte faorrse voefr .work
lot has changed in 10 years and I’m still there, I’d love to perhaps end up on a national sta-
QWhat is your job and what does it involve? so I must be doing something right.That’s a tion and do radio that involves more current
HEMING highlight for me. affairs.I’d love to be a foreign correspondent.
AOinfvfioclivaelsly e In taemrt aain riandgi oK benrota edvcearsyt emr,owrnhiinchg plOactehse r I hihgahvlieg hbtrso wadocualsdt bfer oamll tahreo uanmda ztinhge QWhat skills are needed to be a good radio host?
as they wake up on Kent’s No 1 commercial world, my favourite being Melbourne,
radio station. Australia.Three blokes in a hotel,the entire ARealise there is nothing funnier or more
Victoria tourist board at our beck’n’call, relatable than the truth; remember who
QHow did you get into radio? helicopter flights,after-show parties with rock your audience is;and check that your charac-
bands and writing our very own Aussie soap... ter is someone people will want to spend time
what a week! with.Try not to be like someone else – have
AIt was back in 1992 that I got my first confidence that who you are will be appealing.
break,but years before that in my early
teens I knew it was all I wanted to do but QAny big bloopers you wish to share?
had no idea how to do it,or indeed if I would QWhat do you like to do in your spare time?
be any good.And to start with,I really wasn’t AThere is only one that I remember,but I
very good. genuinely think it is the only one.I got so ASleep, eat (less at the moment), watch
impassioned with a subject, I accidentally great American TV series,go sailing and
QTen years is a landmark, what are your feelings now? included the ‘F’ word in my delivery.I’ll never try to keep the peace among the children.
forget the looks on the faces from everyone
AI just can’t quite believe that I have been ealnsde mino stth pee osptuled isoa.idI iitm wmase dthiaet efulyn naipeoslto tghisinedg QAnything you would like to add?
yeagrse ttnionwg. uYpe sa,t i4t .3is0 aam l aenvedrmy amrko,rnbiuntg ifto rh 1a0s they’d ever heard. AJust a huge thank-you to everyone who has
flown by.I mean,when we were younger I’m supported the show.If you weren’t there
convinced we thought a decade was a massive QWhat other broadcasting goals do you hope to achieve? listening,I wouldn’t be here.I put a huge value
amount of time. It’s been like being on the on the fact that people choose to listen to us
radio for the whole of the 80s,just not quite as ABlimey,that’s a tough one.The commercial here at Heart,especially with so much choice
revolutionary. radio industry has changed dramatically around.It’s extremely flattering.Thank you.
&
The Heart FM DJ speaks to Simon Robinsonabout his 10th anniversary as a breakfast presenter, a trip to
Melbourne in Australia which turned out to be a highlight of his career and one memorable on-air blooper
Sunday 28 March 2010
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