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Animated Dovorians: There can be no doubt about it, the three things that animate our fellow Dovorians most of all, judging from our prolific 'postbag', are firstly the dismal dozy DTIZ development, or more appropriately the lack of it...( For those who are still not familiar with the term DTIZ, it's about the massive redevelopment touted and needed round and about the grim Russell St carpark area. Have you seen that abandoned multi-storey carpark recently? it makes your blood curdle!). Secondly the hoary Hospital situation which dithers and slithers into the long grass with every passing day. And now that spring is here the grass is getting ever longer! Lastly we have the putrid Port situation which irritates almost everybody to the enth degree.
Charlie Elphicke the Conservative candidate for Dover and Deal in the upcoming election, and whose voice has been heard loud and clear on this Port situation, has issued the following statement. This will keep us up to speed following our recent frontpage goodwill diversification with Christine Bleakley's channel hop and Phil Eyden's nature pictures.
Charlie Elphicke says... Gordon Brown's plan to sell off the port of Dover has hit a roadblock. The ferry operators have objected to the sell off. They say they have been made to pay higher charges to the Harbour Board to fund the development of the Western Docks. Yet, as I too have been pointing out, the Western Docks development has been kicked into the long grass and isn't likely to happen before 2020.
The operators say the Harbour Board plan to increase rates further and this will cost the people of Dover dearly with fewer jobs and less money.
What are we to make of all this? It's quite clear that this is all about Gordon Brown pressing to get the fattest possible amount of money for our port and devil take our community. There is no obligation to develop the Western Docks on the one hand. Yet operators are squeezed for every penny of cash on the other.
The expected sale price covers less than one day of Gordon Brown's binge borrowing. The price paid by the people of Dover will be measured in years. Gordon Brown's plan to sell off our port just as soon as he can is not just wrong. It's seriously damaging to our local economy.
If Labour are re-elected, I am certain that Brown will steamroller this thing through regardless. I am dead against the sell off and the Conservatives have pledged a review that I hope will put a stop to this plan.
end.
For all the latest Phil Eyden nature pictures, the butterfly collection, previously shown on our Home Page, go to Phil's Nature Page No 3. See menu on left.
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Charlie Elphicke the Conservative candidate for Dover and Deal in the upcoming election, and whose voice has been heard loud and clear on this Port situation, has issued the following statement. This will keep us up to speed following our recent frontpage goodwill diversification with Christine Bleakley's channel hop and Phil Eyden's nature pictures.
Charlie Elphicke says... Gordon Brown's plan to sell off the port of Dover has hit a roadblock. The ferry operators have objected to the sell off. They say they have been made to pay higher charges to the Harbour Board to fund the development of the Western Docks. Yet, as I too have been pointing out, the Western Docks development has been kicked into the long grass and isn't likely to happen before 2020.
What are we to make of all this? It's quite clear that this is all about Gordon Brown pressing to get the fattest possible amount of money for our port and devil take our community. There is no obligation to develop the Western Docks on the one hand. Yet operators are squeezed for every penny of cash on the other.
The expected sale price covers less than one day of Gordon Brown's binge borrowing. The price paid by the people of Dover will be measured in years. Gordon Brown's plan to sell off our port just as soon as he can is not just wrong. It's seriously damaging to our local economy.
If Labour are re-elected, I am certain that Brown will steamroller this thing through regardless. I am dead against the sell off and the Conservatives have pledged a review that I hope will put a stop to this plan.
end.
For all the latest Phil Eyden nature pictures, the butterfly collection, previously shown on our Home Page, go to Phil's Nature Page No 3. See menu on left.
Note: Comments Welcome Below on any topic.There is a slight delay for Non-Members.
Members can post LIVE but need to log in first. Comments always Welcome.
Add your comment...
I have received my latest Council Tax bill I pay more for the police than for DDC the Parish Council are 25% so DDC only take 75% more and offer far more services .Considering what you get from DDC unlike neighbouring authorities we are good.
KCC take the most Time to look into their budgets I think
16 March 2010 at 10:09 am
KCC take the most Time to look into their budgets I think
16 March 2010 at 10:09 am
Gold Cuff-Links life style of Council Bosses while Staff and Services are cut or removed.
The Audit Commission report on Council Bosses Gold Cuff-links contracts expose the reality of our Local Council Structure.Toilet closures and Two week Rubbish collection is just the tip of the Ice Berg.
Our Four East Kent Councils need radical restructure.
How much longer must`Joe Public`have top heavy Council Tax?
16 March 2010 at 9:46 am
The Audit Commission report on Council Bosses Gold Cuff-links contracts expose the reality of our Local Council Structure.Toilet closures and Two week Rubbish collection is just the tip of the Ice Berg.
Our Four East Kent Councils need radical restructure.
How much longer must`Joe Public`have top heavy Council Tax?
16 March 2010 at 9:46 am
Bernard ,Of course Canterbury continues to thrive .A University City with buses going into the centre every few minutes .A Park and Ride .Dover is surrounded on one side by sea we donot have the population or spend power to enable shops to thrive .
The cheap ones continue but any thing of quality struggles .
I visit Canterbury all the time .I can get to Canterbury nearly as quick on a bus as it takes to get into Dover .We have continually road works and soon it will be made worse when they repair the Rail bridge
The only shops who manage to survive are food ,and fast food outlets .
Dover needs to consentrate its main shopping area into one or two streets .There are so many shop units its impossible to let them all .
DTIZ is an opportunity to get a quailty shop there .
16 March 2010 at 8:37 am
The cheap ones continue but any thing of quality struggles .
I visit Canterbury all the time .I can get to Canterbury nearly as quick on a bus as it takes to get into Dover .We have continually road works and soon it will be made worse when they repair the Rail bridge
The only shops who manage to survive are food ,and fast food outlets .
Dover needs to consentrate its main shopping area into one or two streets .There are so many shop units its impossible to let them all .
DTIZ is an opportunity to get a quailty shop there .
16 March 2010 at 8:37 am
Roger go and asked the County Hotel if and what their long term plans are in Dover,I say no more.
16 March 2010 at 8:02 am
16 March 2010 at 8:02 am
ROGER
Its not realy doom and gloom, and i'm the first to congratulate all moves forward.
but either you go round the town with your eyes closed, or dont see things.
As a Dovorian its heartbreaking to walk into town.
16 March 2010 at 7:38 am
Its not realy doom and gloom, and i'm the first to congratulate all moves forward.
but either you go round the town with your eyes closed, or dont see things.
As a Dovorian its heartbreaking to walk into town.
16 March 2010 at 7:38 am
This shouldn't be doom and gloom - look upon it as a golden opportunity.
So many people voiced their opinion about ASDA not being good for Dover (I thought it would have been), well now's the opportunity to get what you really want - isn't it ?
If you didn't want ASDA, what do you want now ?
The project is still alive, just not with ASDA.
Landownership issues, including the County Hotel, were one of the reasons for ASDA pulling out, so you can either congratulate them or blame them; your choice, depends on your point of view.
Roger
16 March 2010 at 7:23 am
So many people voiced their opinion about ASDA not being good for Dover (I thought it would have been), well now's the opportunity to get what you really want - isn't it ?
If you didn't want ASDA, what do you want now ?
The project is still alive, just not with ASDA.
Landownership issues, including the County Hotel, were one of the reasons for ASDA pulling out, so you can either congratulate them or blame them; your choice, depends on your point of view.
Roger
16 March 2010 at 7:23 am
MAX
What Isn't happening is the ASDA thing.
You will recall this was going to change the face of Dover.
Now Dover gone backwards, another 15 years before it moves forward again?
Come over to Canterbury, looks nice, and continues to develope
16 March 2010 at 7:16 am
What Isn't happening is the ASDA thing.
You will recall this was going to change the face of Dover.
Now Dover gone backwards, another 15 years before it moves forward again?
Come over to Canterbury, looks nice, and continues to develope
16 March 2010 at 7:16 am
ditz,well what can one say.will it happen or wont it happen,i cant see it happening today,tomorrow,not in this century in any case.
the only way i can see it happening is if they put grade 2 listing on the site leaving it for a year and a day then demolishing it over night like with brook house.
15 March 2010 at 7:24 pm
the only way i can see it happening is if they put grade 2 listing on the site leaving it for a year and a day then demolishing it over night like with brook house.
15 March 2010 at 7:24 pm
Ah..yes ..well indeed Terry. At the time and Im talking quite a few years ago, we did speak to the chap who was manager there and wondered what it was like running his business in the shadow of the bulldozer...the thing is, naive I know looking back, but at the time we thought it was going to happen. They were struggling with an uncertainty that they probably need not have struggled with..if I can put it that way as tactfully as possible.
15 March 2010 at 12:09 pm
15 March 2010 at 12:09 pm
"......due to the immimence of the DTIZ development"
Imminence! Really Paul, it's never been imminent!
15 March 2010 at 10:46 am
Imminence! Really Paul, it's never been imminent!
15 March 2010 at 10:46 am
Interesting one there Tez about the County. I remember we did a story on the place several years ago and we spoke to the manager who was there at the time...long gone now. We wondered what it was like to try and run a business with the shadow of the axe hanging over it, due to the immimence of the DTIZ development.
You are right, it is quite pleasant in there, We had a small birthday dinner there once and enjoyed the comfortable bar. But sadly we were the only people in the restaurant and it had an air of gloom about the whole process. The grim reaper was waiting at the door.
I am amazed despite the difficulty of their situation that they have managed to keep going, whereas for example a place like The Churchill with no gloom hanging over it went out of business anyway. But good luck to The County and their endeavours.
15 March 2010 at 8:20 am
You are right, it is quite pleasant in there, We had a small birthday dinner there once and enjoyed the comfortable bar. But sadly we were the only people in the restaurant and it had an air of gloom about the whole process. The grim reaper was waiting at the door.
I am amazed despite the difficulty of their situation that they have managed to keep going, whereas for example a place like The Churchill with no gloom hanging over it went out of business anyway. But good luck to The County and their endeavours.
15 March 2010 at 8:20 am
Hi all,
Just thought I'd post about our experience today at one of Dover's restaurants.
For a change we decided to go out for Mothers Day and booked in for the Mothers Day menu at Christo's Restaurant in the County Hotel. We've never actually been there before as we've never been inspired by the outside of the hotel being that is hidden below Burlington House but once you've stepped inside you have entered a clean, well decorated and welcoming place. All the staff at the restaurant are welcoming and there for your every need. First of all we went in the bar for a drink and were welcomed by the barman who had an asortment of drinks for you to enjoy and then we enjoyed the ambience of the bar which was clean, welcoming and well decorated with pot plants and wood pannelling.
Afterwards we were taken from the bar and into Christo's Restaurant where we were all made welcome. The waitresses were very quick are taking down our orders and also very nice to their customers. The room itself is huge and cleanly decorated with wooden pannelling on the walls, and artistic pieces of work to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. The view outside where we were as well was nice even with Townwall Street outside as we could see the seafront.
All the food was freshly prepared with fresh vegetables and an asortment of meat for the carvery - beef, turkey and pork as well as a vegetarian tart option that my mum really enjoyed. The chef was also really helpful in helping us dish up our food and allowing us time to choose what we wanted and try new options.
The whole place is welcoming, friendly and has a warm atmosphere. You do not feel rushed and are allowed to relax and enjoy the food cooked on the premises and just have a nice time in a very nice setting.
Even though the outside is unappealing, the inside is welcoming and friendly, the staff are the same and extremely helpful and the food enjoyable.
I recommend Christo's at the County Hotel to anyone and give it 10/10 as we also very much hope to go down there again. Todays menu of a starter (we had soup), carvery (turkey/beef/pork or vegetarian option) and a desert (strawberry cheesecake/chocolate gateau or lemon merangue) plus tea/coffee with chocolates at the end cost £12 each and I very much recommend you all look for the deals as the place is really nice.
Tez
15 March 2010 at 7:52 am
Just thought I'd post about our experience today at one of Dover's restaurants.
For a change we decided to go out for Mothers Day and booked in for the Mothers Day menu at Christo's Restaurant in the County Hotel. We've never actually been there before as we've never been inspired by the outside of the hotel being that is hidden below Burlington House but once you've stepped inside you have entered a clean, well decorated and welcoming place. All the staff at the restaurant are welcoming and there for your every need. First of all we went in the bar for a drink and were welcomed by the barman who had an asortment of drinks for you to enjoy and then we enjoyed the ambience of the bar which was clean, welcoming and well decorated with pot plants and wood pannelling.
Afterwards we were taken from the bar and into Christo's Restaurant where we were all made welcome. The waitresses were very quick are taking down our orders and also very nice to their customers. The room itself is huge and cleanly decorated with wooden pannelling on the walls, and artistic pieces of work to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. The view outside where we were as well was nice even with Townwall Street outside as we could see the seafront.
All the food was freshly prepared with fresh vegetables and an asortment of meat for the carvery - beef, turkey and pork as well as a vegetarian tart option that my mum really enjoyed. The chef was also really helpful in helping us dish up our food and allowing us time to choose what we wanted and try new options.
The whole place is welcoming, friendly and has a warm atmosphere. You do not feel rushed and are allowed to relax and enjoy the food cooked on the premises and just have a nice time in a very nice setting.
Even though the outside is unappealing, the inside is welcoming and friendly, the staff are the same and extremely helpful and the food enjoyable.
I recommend Christo's at the County Hotel to anyone and give it 10/10 as we also very much hope to go down there again. Todays menu of a starter (we had soup), carvery (turkey/beef/pork or vegetarian option) and a desert (strawberry cheesecake/chocolate gateau or lemon merangue) plus tea/coffee with chocolates at the end cost £12 each and I very much recommend you all look for the deals as the place is really nice.
Tez
15 March 2010 at 7:52 am
sorry vic, i do not see what relevance the UKIP would have to a parish council.
people are mainly supportive of your party because of the stand taken over our sovereignty.
14 March 2010 at 9:48 pm
people are mainly supportive of your party because of the stand taken over our sovereignty.
14 March 2010 at 9:48 pm
Be very afraid .Do you reckon they will get over 1,200 votes Vic .??If they stand for River Parish Council I hope they are local .
I might even give the old Parish Council another whirl .I did have to get the votes each time not co-opted The Parish Council is not political .
14 March 2010 at 9:19 pm
I might even give the old Parish Council another whirl .I did have to get the votes each time not co-opted The Parish Council is not political .
14 March 2010 at 9:19 pm
No paper candidates Sue and two will be standing for River. Also have candidates for the River parish council next time.
14 March 2010 at 9:07 pm
14 March 2010 at 9:07 pm
Just been to church so must now post with peacful comments .
Dont know what you are on about Howard .Please explain .Vic Im pleased that you have 45 candidates in waiting .
Real candidates not paper ones .
14 March 2010 at 11:41 am
Dont know what you are on about Howard .Please explain .Vic Im pleased that you have 45 candidates in waiting .
Real candidates not paper ones .
14 March 2010 at 11:41 am
i do not follow your logic susan, if you get a bad meal when out, you complain.
you don't say to yourself, i didn't like that, i will open a chippie.
14 March 2010 at 10:26 am
you don't say to yourself, i didn't like that, i will open a chippie.
14 March 2010 at 10:26 am
Vic ,
Did ypou see the revised plans .It would have looked like a shed .The orignal was not that impressive
.
Maybe Jimmy is unable to attend meetings Marek but there are plenty of posters on here who can attend .
No I dont mind the snipes and Im not going to hang up my hat A little credit goes along way .I try to keep you informed and Roger does the same .
14 March 2010 at 9:26 am
Did ypou see the revised plans .It would have looked like a shed .The orignal was not that impressive
.
Maybe Jimmy is unable to attend meetings Marek but there are plenty of posters on here who can attend .
No I dont mind the snipes and Im not going to hang up my hat A little credit goes along way .I try to keep you informed and Roger does the same .
14 March 2010 at 9:26 am
Sue,I will reword that by saying "My team will be in the queue,because I might not be there after May 2010
14 March 2010 at 9:24 am
14 March 2010 at 9:24 am
Sue . Next time there will be a queue,and I will be in it with others to.
14 March 2010 at 9:17 am
14 March 2010 at 9:17 am
I should have added...less abled bodied and therefore unable to attend any cabinet meetings.My apologies.
14 March 2010 at 9:12 am
14 March 2010 at 9:12 am
Sue
Perhaps you could explain what your comment "....people like you..."means. For all you know Jimmy could be an ex-veteran who is less abled bodied. One should not generalise.
Also if you are becoming infuriated as you indicate in your posting when you say " I get a little tired of the snipes..." then perhaps it's time to hang up your hat and relax.
Jimmy is,like anyone else on this forum,entitled to his/her opinion.That's democracy and free speech in action.
14 March 2010 at 9:09 am
Perhaps you could explain what your comment "....people like you..."means. For all you know Jimmy could be an ex-veteran who is less abled bodied. One should not generalise.
Also if you are becoming infuriated as you indicate in your posting when you say " I get a little tired of the snipes..." then perhaps it's time to hang up your hat and relax.
Jimmy is,like anyone else on this forum,entitled to his/her opinion.That's democracy and free speech in action.
14 March 2010 at 9:09 am
Sorry I blame them95%, anything is better than nothing,and I have said this before that building would not have looked like a big tin shed, I have over the years helped build them and when they are complete and painted they look OK.What the DDC have done now means we all have to look at that mess again for the next ten years or more,unless we get the rid of the Dover Planners up at the D,D,C,.
14 March 2010 at 9:03 am
14 March 2010 at 9:03 am
A very good response there Roger .Yes it was greed that meant ASDA pulled out .Greedy landowners and ASDA wanted the high profit .The Car Park issuie is a red herring .Over in Tenderten the car park behind Waitrose is run by the council therefore you can visit the town and other places of interest.If there had be no control of the car park on DTIZ many people would have just parked there whilst going to work .
Jimmy you are not aware of the full facts and I think your shouting at the Leader did your posting no credit .People like you never go to a cabinet meeting or any other meeting of the council .The only ones people are interested in is planning ,
The report in the local paper was completely biased and I think DDC should have responded .
Of course all councillors are dissappointed .You try reading all the agendas , attending presentations and countless meetings .
Do you think its a case of a meeting in the pub a swift half and a hand shake to cemment a deal .Everything has to be accounted for .The legal process is a nightmare .
If you dont like the repesentation at Whitfield you can always stand at the next election in May,
There is hardly a queue of people waiting .In fact quite the opposite .People like Roger and I get a little tired of the snipes
I dont suppose the shareholders of ASDA wanted to back a loser with all the other competition . .
14 March 2010 at 8:51 am
Jimmy you are not aware of the full facts and I think your shouting at the Leader did your posting no credit .People like you never go to a cabinet meeting or any other meeting of the council .The only ones people are interested in is planning ,
The report in the local paper was completely biased and I think DDC should have responded .
Of course all councillors are dissappointed .You try reading all the agendas , attending presentations and countless meetings .
Do you think its a case of a meeting in the pub a swift half and a hand shake to cemment a deal .Everything has to be accounted for .The legal process is a nightmare .
If you dont like the repesentation at Whitfield you can always stand at the next election in May,
There is hardly a queue of people waiting .In fact quite the opposite .People like Roger and I get a little tired of the snipes
I dont suppose the shareholders of ASDA wanted to back a loser with all the other competition . .
14 March 2010 at 8:51 am
Jimmy
I think that your comments are borne out of ignorance of the facts and the easiest of scapegoats is the Council - like we all like to blame the Government, in many cases.
I know in the local paper it ASDA were blaming DDC, you wouldn't expect otherwise would you ?
One of ASDA's demands, was full control over the car-park, and only for their own customers; this can only happen if it's an out of Town site.
The other main reason put forward was their building; their own design was put forward and planning permission passed on it; to come along later and downgrade it to a big shed in the middle of Town would have meant that we would have lost one big ugly building on its end, to an ugly one on its side.
The real reason was more likely competition and land-ownership issues: competition from Morrisons (we already have Aldi, Somerfield, M & S, Nettos) and with their Folkestone Store not doing very well, they had become reluctant to spend so much with a (perceived) less rosy future.
Landownership issues - blame those who refused to sell, those who were hanging on for a higher price, when they knew when they bought their property that this development was coming along, but would not acknowledge that later and so hung on for higher price; they are the ones who have cost us this, because if they had not been so greedy, the development would have been built by now.
Blame them, blame ASDA, but don't blame DDC - not this time.
Roger
14 March 2010 at 7:20 am
I think that your comments are borne out of ignorance of the facts and the easiest of scapegoats is the Council - like we all like to blame the Government, in many cases.
I know in the local paper it ASDA were blaming DDC, you wouldn't expect otherwise would you ?
One of ASDA's demands, was full control over the car-park, and only for their own customers; this can only happen if it's an out of Town site.
The other main reason put forward was their building; their own design was put forward and planning permission passed on it; to come along later and downgrade it to a big shed in the middle of Town would have meant that we would have lost one big ugly building on its end, to an ugly one on its side.
The real reason was more likely competition and land-ownership issues: competition from Morrisons (we already have Aldi, Somerfield, M & S, Nettos) and with their Folkestone Store not doing very well, they had become reluctant to spend so much with a (perceived) less rosy future.
Landownership issues - blame those who refused to sell, those who were hanging on for a higher price, when they knew when they bought their property that this development was coming along, but would not acknowledge that later and so hung on for higher price; they are the ones who have cost us this, because if they had not been so greedy, the development would have been built by now.
Blame them, blame ASDA, but don't blame DDC - not this time.
Roger
14 March 2010 at 7:20 am
I must say I am rather taken with the idea of moving the Ivory Tower down to St James...............along with the paid reps who work for us.
14 March 2010 at 12:11 am
14 March 2010 at 12:11 am
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your E Mail and kind comment. Yes I do have some comments to make. There has been so much Madi ((ex army types will know what I mean) flying around the corridors of power in Dover
this last week, it fair makes ones head spin. What with the ferry companies and Dover harbour board fighting like rats in a sack, one can only hazard a guess where it will all end?? One thing I am certain of it will definately not be the courts. If that happens then we the poor "Stuffed" public may just get a glimpse of how things are really run in the port, and the only way we are going to find that out is if the port is privatised and consequently the books are open to public scrutiny,so roll on privatisaion.
My other comment for this week is a rather touching "thank you" to our "DEAR LEADER" and his excellant team of wreckers.
I am of course referring to the Asda debaucle.
I must admit perhaps I have under estimated the abilities of our "DEAR LEADER" and his team. I do not know of another council who profess that they are so keen to attract investment to the town, but some how manage to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.
How is it possible that the council could, after all these years of false hopes finally put the wind up a firm of Asda's size and power
to finally make them fling in the towel.??
The next question to be put to the people of Dover is what firm in there right mind is going to invest in Dover??I do not think I am being over pessimistic when I say none,on the other hand I would love to be proved wrong, but I feel pretty confident that it aint gonna happen for a long long time.
I suppose it is a bit unfair of me to continually carp on about the St James area without coming up with a few suggestions. Trouble is the more I try and come up with a solution the more my head begins to ache.
How about moving the council offices from Whitfield to the St James area?? and perhaps our "DEAR LEADER" will start to appreciate just what sort of environment it is down there. How about a land fill sight ?? the council could bury all there inane plans and even get Kent county council to landscape it, that would save some money right?? And finally when it is landscaped we could have a dog racing track,because lets face it there would be less rubbish coming out of dogs than there is coming out of our council
13 March 2010 at 9:36 pm
Thank you for your E Mail and kind comment. Yes I do have some comments to make. There has been so much Madi ((ex army types will know what I mean) flying around the corridors of power in Dover
this last week, it fair makes ones head spin. What with the ferry companies and Dover harbour board fighting like rats in a sack, one can only hazard a guess where it will all end?? One thing I am certain of it will definately not be the courts. If that happens then we the poor "Stuffed" public may just get a glimpse of how things are really run in the port, and the only way we are going to find that out is if the port is privatised and consequently the books are open to public scrutiny,so roll on privatisaion.
My other comment for this week is a rather touching "thank you" to our "DEAR LEADER" and his excellant team of wreckers.
I am of course referring to the Asda debaucle.
I must admit perhaps I have under estimated the abilities of our "DEAR LEADER" and his team. I do not know of another council who profess that they are so keen to attract investment to the town, but some how manage to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.
How is it possible that the council could, after all these years of false hopes finally put the wind up a firm of Asda's size and power
to finally make them fling in the towel.??
The next question to be put to the people of Dover is what firm in there right mind is going to invest in Dover??I do not think I am being over pessimistic when I say none,on the other hand I would love to be proved wrong, but I feel pretty confident that it aint gonna happen for a long long time.
I suppose it is a bit unfair of me to continually carp on about the St James area without coming up with a few suggestions. Trouble is the more I try and come up with a solution the more my head begins to ache.
How about moving the council offices from Whitfield to the St James area?? and perhaps our "DEAR LEADER" will start to appreciate just what sort of environment it is down there. How about a land fill sight ?? the council could bury all there inane plans and even get Kent county council to landscape it, that would save some money right?? And finally when it is landscaped we could have a dog racing track,because lets face it there would be less rubbish coming out of dogs than there is coming out of our council
13 March 2010 at 9:36 pm
Yes, Christine was very charming and spent a lot of time talking to us all and stopping for photos. (In fact the whole of the One Show crew were very friendly.) Even in the morning on the way down the beach to her skis Christine didn't mind being stopped for personal photos when you would have thought her mind was on the task she was about to undertake!
13 March 2010 at 7:06 pm
13 March 2010 at 7:06 pm
My daughter and her friends went along to the evening and were full of how charming Christine was. Well done her!
13 March 2010 at 4:08 pm
13 March 2010 at 4:08 pm
Yes well done to christine and such a lovely lady as well was such a pleasure to meet her and the money raised by it will go to such good causes i'm sure.
They said on the show on friday that she was the first woman to cross the channel on skis at this time of the year.
13 March 2010 at 12:25 pm
They said on the show on friday that she was the first woman to cross the channel on skis at this time of the year.
13 March 2010 at 12:25 pm
Congratulations indeed - a far from easy task.
100 minutes, fell 8 times and the longest stay upright was 15 minutes, so a girl with a lot of pluck, courage and strength - mind and body.
Well done.
13 March 2010 at 7:52 am
100 minutes, fell 8 times and the longest stay upright was 15 minutes, so a girl with a lot of pluck, courage and strength - mind and body.
Well done.
13 March 2010 at 7:52 am
Well done Christine. You must feel so pleased to have got across the channel, especially after the delays during the week. I hope you have warmed up from the very cold sea! Lots of money raised for Sport Relief.
12 March 2010 at 4:48 pm
12 March 2010 at 4:48 pm
Congratulations Christine! It must have been difficult especially getting back up on to your ski after falling into the cold sea! Well Done in raising such a large amount of monies for such a good cause.
12 March 2010 at 2:03 pm
12 March 2010 at 2:03 pm
Well done, few believed that it could be done !!
12 March 2010 at 12:25 pm
12 March 2010 at 12:25 pm
lol! Howard..ah yes all for the cause, certainly up early and propped up by double consumption of caffeine. We actually have more pictures but I figured the ones above cover it in simple vein. Really like the top shot from Colette..a bit of a cracker..ermm Im talking about the photograph!..although...
But seriously though a very well done to Christine Bleakley.
12 March 2010 at 12:18 pm
But seriously though a very well done to Christine Bleakley.
12 March 2010 at 12:18 pm
Well done Christine,saw Adrian Childs go through the station last night,wish he sort that beard out.
12 March 2010 at 11:52 am
12 March 2010 at 11:52 am
By Jove, she's done it! and what a gal she is too. So approachable, extremely pleasant and down to earth, a joy to meet.
Her sister Nicola, also a lovely girl with the same super accent as Christine was there to support her big sister. She told me that Mam & Dad were waiting anxiously at home in Belfast, Mam was particularly worried that Christine might meet a tanker on her way, so I bet she is one very relieved not to mention a very proud Mam this morning.
Well Done Christine on raising so much money for Sport Relief, a great achievement!
12 March 2010 at 11:07 am
Her sister Nicola, also a lovely girl with the same super accent as Christine was there to support her big sister. She told me that Mam & Dad were waiting anxiously at home in Belfast, Mam was particularly worried that Christine might meet a tanker on her way, so I bet she is one very relieved not to mention a very proud Mam this morning.
Well Done Christine on raising so much money for Sport Relief, a great achievement!
12 March 2010 at 11:07 am
blimey paul, that photo arrived a bit sharpish.!!
did you stay up all night?
12 March 2010 at 10:23 am
did you stay up all night?
12 March 2010 at 10:23 am
It seems you can ride rough shod over the departed staff, the current staff and the people of Dover, when it is finance involved it is a different ball game and Bob and his cronies have been rumbled at last. Keep up the pressure Gwynn.
12 March 2010 at 8:16 am
12 March 2010 at 8:16 am
Caught the news and Prosser put good number of questions on Dover Harbour Board.
12 March 2010 at 7:15 am
12 March 2010 at 7:15 am