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Thought we should give this picture a short run in its larger format, it has been shown in the past day or so in the Members Club in its smaller format. We have oft times in the past been accused of showing the worst of Dover, with our disgruntled dilapidation features, but not this time, this time we have gone for the full chocolate box effect to show Pencester Gardens at its best, complete with added Heron. Pity that we dont have a chocolate manfuacturer here in Dover as this lid picture would fulfill all the wrapping obligations! Taken by yours truly a few days ago on a humble little Hewlett Packard. Yes definitely chocolate box effect with this one.
But just imagine for a moment what an exciting range a chocolate manufacturer could produce here in Dover..well there's the White Cliffs Crispy Crunch, or the Dover Castle Delight, or the Nubile chewy Nougat, when one thinks of all those summer beach bathing beauties...well the list is endless..can anyone think of any more? Ive dried up for the moment, I think it was the thought of the chewy beach bathing beauties that did it.
But speaking of all things chocolatey... How about this for an idea from...
SEAFRANCE
Easter indulgence in Bruges, Europe’s capital of chocolate.
SeaFrance crossings from £25 each way for a car and up to five passengers.
The Easter holidays are now just a few weeks away and where better to enjoy the festive celebrations than in Bruges, the Belgian city of chocolate? Every year the city comes alive with dazzling displays of Easter goodies across its 47 chocolate shops, and with SeaFrance crossings available from just £25 each way for a car and five passengers, there has never been a better time for a short break, or even a day trip, across the Channel.
Medieval Bruges, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, is a picture perfect setting for a unique city break and just an hour and a half from Calais. With an array of master chocolatiers in residence across the city, including Dominique Persoone who owns The Chocolate Line, one of only three chocolate shops in the Michelin guide, as well as a dedicated chocolate museum and a fine reputation for luxury and indulgence; a weekend in Bruges is a feast for those looking to enjoy the finer things in life during the Easter break.
Recently added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Bruges is renowned for its love of the good life and this is mirrored in its chic hotels. Stay at the beautiful, four-star Hotel Heritage (www.hotel-heritage.com) in the heart of the medieval city from just £76pp based on two sharing a double room this April. Just 50 metres from the bustling market square, the hotel provides the ideal location for an indulgent gastronomic break this Easter holidays.
SeaFrance operates up to 15 daily return car ferry crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Online fares for a car and up to five passengers start from just £25 each way for any duration and from £19 return for a day trip. To book call 0871 22 22 500.
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REMEMBER YOU CAN SEE ALL PREVIOUS FRONTPAGE FEATURES
IN "ALL RECENT FEATURES" see menu on left.
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Thought we should give this picture a short run in its larger format, it has been shown in the past day or so in the Members Club in its smaller format. We have oft times in the past been accused of showing the worst of Dover, with our disgruntled dilapidation features, but not this time, this time we have gone for the full chocolate box effect to show Pencester Gardens at its best, complete with added Heron. Pity that we dont have a chocolate manfuacturer here in Dover as this lid picture would fulfill all the wrapping obligations! Taken by yours truly a few days ago on a humble little Hewlett Packard. Yes definitely chocolate box effect with this one.
But just imagine for a moment what an exciting range a chocolate manufacturer could produce here in Dover..well there's the White Cliffs Crispy Crunch, or the Dover Castle Delight, or the Nubile chewy Nougat, when one thinks of all those summer beach bathing beauties...well the list is endless..can anyone think of any more? Ive dried up for the moment, I think it was the thought of the chewy beach bathing beauties that did it.
But speaking of all things chocolatey... How about this for an idea from...
SEAFRANCE
Easter indulgence in Bruges, Europe’s capital of chocolate.
SeaFrance crossings from £25 each way for a car and up to five passengers.
Medieval Bruges, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, is a picture perfect setting for a unique city break and just an hour and a half from Calais. With an array of master chocolatiers in residence across the city, including Dominique Persoone who owns The Chocolate Line, one of only three chocolate shops in the Michelin guide, as well as a dedicated chocolate museum and a fine reputation for luxury and indulgence; a weekend in Bruges is a feast for those looking to enjoy the finer things in life during the Easter break.
Recently added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Bruges is renowned for its love of the good life and this is mirrored in its chic hotels. Stay at the beautiful, four-star Hotel Heritage (www.hotel-heritage.com) in the heart of the medieval city from just £76pp based on two sharing a double room this April. Just 50 metres from the bustling market square, the hotel provides the ideal location for an indulgent gastronomic break this Easter holidays.
SeaFrance operates up to 15 daily return car ferry crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Online fares for a car and up to five passengers start from just £25 each way for any duration and from £19 return for a day trip. To book call 0871 22 22 500.
** **
REMEMBER YOU CAN SEE ALL PREVIOUS FRONTPAGE FEATURES
IN "ALL RECENT FEATURES" 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.
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i appreciate that roger, but the releases from andy steele are more propaganda than news.
i realise that is his job and most local authorities are guilty of the same thing, but dressing something up as an improvement when it is not means that the press will just bin it.
i remember the one about the alarm system in sheltered housing being an "improvement".
the users disagree vehemently.
the truth is that central government cuts have meant that local authorities have had to pool resources in order to keep a service going.
if a press release said as such then people would be more inclined to take notice.
10 March 2010 at 9:57 pm
i realise that is his job and most local authorities are guilty of the same thing, but dressing something up as an improvement when it is not means that the press will just bin it.
i remember the one about the alarm system in sheltered housing being an "improvement".
the users disagree vehemently.
the truth is that central government cuts have meant that local authorities have had to pool resources in order to keep a service going.
if a press release said as such then people would be more inclined to take notice.
10 March 2010 at 9:57 pm
DDC issue Press releases all the time Howard, but the Press don't always run with them - sometimes they do and of course it is the papers' decision to publish or not.
The picture PaulB is wonderful, I can't recall seeing such a lovely image of central Dover as this and it does look better, larger.
Roger
10 March 2010 at 6:42 pm
The picture PaulB is wonderful, I can't recall seeing such a lovely image of central Dover as this and it does look better, larger.
Roger
10 March 2010 at 6:42 pm
paul
looking at that press release, it is worded very carefully.
numbers are given when it suits and percentages on other items.
the high rate of investigating abandoned cars?
what was the rate of doing something about it?
i remember the high rate of dealing with reported anti social behaviour, mainly due to the phone not being answered.
10 March 2010 at 6:12 pm
looking at that press release, it is worded very carefully.
numbers are given when it suits and percentages on other items.
the high rate of investigating abandoned cars?
what was the rate of doing something about it?
i remember the high rate of dealing with reported anti social behaviour, mainly due to the phone not being answered.
10 March 2010 at 6:12 pm
ROGER
I don't think if you spoke with the staff they would share your comments on Mr Watkins.
10 March 2010 at 5:49 pm
I don't think if you spoke with the staff they would share your comments on Mr Watkins.
10 March 2010 at 5:49 pm
the picture at the top there would be a nice front for a dover tourist brochure.
paul(scotchie)
communicaton need not be expensive, regular press releases to local press and on line forums would reach a great swathe of the ppulation.
they only do this now when they are giving out good news.
we are all adult enough to accept the truth about necessary service cuts.
10 March 2010 at 5:02 pm
paul(scotchie)
communicaton need not be expensive, regular press releases to local press and on line forums would reach a great swathe of the ppulation.
they only do this now when they are giving out good news.
we are all adult enough to accept the truth about necessary service cuts.
10 March 2010 at 5:02 pm
I too am amazed at the small cut that the DDC gets out of the general breakdown of each bill paid...just £158.oo out of a total bill of £1458.oo for each bill paid. No wonder KCC have such deep pockets and deep reserves. Its a very large county after all.
Anyway, here is the latest released information from DDC.....so maybe they do do a lot for the money...??
DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL – WORKING FOR YOU
Dover District Council continues to improve customer services and support for our communities, with a number of positive results highlighted in the latest performance figures for this year.
Figures from the first three quarters of the year include news that satisfaction of community partners and stakeholders in DDC support is at 100%. Results also show that 100% of calls regarding strays and dog fouling were investigated within 3 working days, and 99% of calls (day service) on noise were responded to within 5 working days.
The statistics also show that successful work on e-communication is helping us to help the environment, with an increase of almost 20% in people getting recycling email alerts, and an increase of almost 35% in those registered with DDC’s Sign Me Up campaign, (where households sign up for emails instead of letters wherever possible).
Results show customer satisfaction rating with DDC customer services is at 93%, the number of long-term private sector vacant dwellings returned to occupation/demolished as a direct result of action by the authority is up on 08/09, and levels of recycling are up, with levels of participation in recycling schemes up from 56% in 08/09 to over 70%.
Almost 98% of new reports of abandoned vehicles were investigated within 24 hours, and levels of unacceptable graffiti and fly-posting at pre-selected areas were at 0%. We continue to support communities, with 315 enquiries for additional benefits claimed by residents aged 60 and over, and the value of these benefits set at more than £425,000.
Cllr Ian Ward, DDC Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources and Performance, said: “There are a number of excellent results here. We are a low taxing authority, and these are difficult financial times, but we continue to work for our communities and to deliver a wide range of excellent customer services, and this is great news for the district.”
10 March 2010 at 4:20 pm
Anyway, here is the latest released information from DDC.....so maybe they do do a lot for the money...??
DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL – WORKING FOR YOU
Dover District Council continues to improve customer services and support for our communities, with a number of positive results highlighted in the latest performance figures for this year.
Figures from the first three quarters of the year include news that satisfaction of community partners and stakeholders in DDC support is at 100%. Results also show that 100% of calls regarding strays and dog fouling were investigated within 3 working days, and 99% of calls (day service) on noise were responded to within 5 working days.
The statistics also show that successful work on e-communication is helping us to help the environment, with an increase of almost 20% in people getting recycling email alerts, and an increase of almost 35% in those registered with DDC’s Sign Me Up campaign, (where households sign up for emails instead of letters wherever possible).
Results show customer satisfaction rating with DDC customer services is at 93%, the number of long-term private sector vacant dwellings returned to occupation/demolished as a direct result of action by the authority is up on 08/09, and levels of recycling are up, with levels of participation in recycling schemes up from 56% in 08/09 to over 70%.
Almost 98% of new reports of abandoned vehicles were investigated within 24 hours, and levels of unacceptable graffiti and fly-posting at pre-selected areas were at 0%. We continue to support communities, with 315 enquiries for additional benefits claimed by residents aged 60 and over, and the value of these benefits set at more than £425,000.
Cllr Ian Ward, DDC Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources and Performance, said: “There are a number of excellent results here. We are a low taxing authority, and these are difficult financial times, but we continue to work for our communities and to deliver a wide range of excellent customer services, and this is great news for the district.”
10 March 2010 at 4:20 pm
Communications is a difficult one, it costs a councils a lot of money on newsletters, leaflets, website, the Gateway, statutory advertising... then people knock the cost of them doing it !
10 March 2010 at 10:01 am
10 March 2010 at 10:01 am
Yes it would Howard.
If Council tax increase was say 5%, we would be able to provide more services, spend more money locally on a range of things, including ASB, Tourism, the "street-scene" etc. etc.
Because the above are not statutory responsibilities, DDC don't have to provide them and because they are being starved of money by the Government (all Local Authorities are), non-statutory activities are being/have been, cut back, or no longer exist.
Tourism (to me one of the most important aspects concerning Dover's well-being) had its own department a few years ago, then DDC became a "facilitator" to save money - because it wasn't a statutory responsibility and now it is being devolved to the Town Council.
I admit I don't fully understand the intracacies of LA finances and not many people do, but if we/they don't have to do it, they won't.
There is less staff at Whitfield, so the DDC workforce is much leaner, they work harder and produce a very good level of service.
Dover District Council is being led very astutely by Paul Watkins, even some Labour Councillors admit that - they may not like him, but many respect him for the strategic way he is moving Dover forward.
The thing that I feel they fall down badly on, is communication - to the general public.
Roger
10 March 2010 at 7:29 am
If Council tax increase was say 5%, we would be able to provide more services, spend more money locally on a range of things, including ASB, Tourism, the "street-scene" etc. etc.
Because the above are not statutory responsibilities, DDC don't have to provide them and because they are being starved of money by the Government (all Local Authorities are), non-statutory activities are being/have been, cut back, or no longer exist.
Tourism (to me one of the most important aspects concerning Dover's well-being) had its own department a few years ago, then DDC became a "facilitator" to save money - because it wasn't a statutory responsibility and now it is being devolved to the Town Council.
I admit I don't fully understand the intracacies of LA finances and not many people do, but if we/they don't have to do it, they won't.
There is less staff at Whitfield, so the DDC workforce is much leaner, they work harder and produce a very good level of service.
Dover District Council is being led very astutely by Paul Watkins, even some Labour Councillors admit that - they may not like him, but many respect him for the strategic way he is moving Dover forward.
The thing that I feel they fall down badly on, is communication - to the general public.
Roger
10 March 2010 at 7:29 am
Howard
You are right. The amount DDC get (approx 10%) is the same as the Police. Yet what do the police give us... in Dover very little.
Re the 2.5%. Although small to many pensioners who have had little or no increase it is too high.
Re East Kent Council... This will come whatever party wins election as public sevice staff costs must be cut..The highest growth in job terms in the last 10 years has been within the public sector where there has been an attitude of increase jobs and give higher pay.
10 March 2010 at 7:26 am
You are right. The amount DDC get (approx 10%) is the same as the Police. Yet what do the police give us... in Dover very little.
Re the 2.5%. Although small to many pensioners who have had little or no increase it is too high.
Re East Kent Council... This will come whatever party wins election as public sevice staff costs must be cut..The highest growth in job terms in the last 10 years has been within the public sector where there has been an attitude of increase jobs and give higher pay.
10 March 2010 at 7:26 am
would it really make much of a difference to services though roger?
the proportion of the bill that goes to DDC is very low.
an unrelated point, the amount that the police get is only a bit less than the council get.
the council provides refuse collection, street lighting, the museum, some bus shelters, runs a planning department,car parks,traffic wardens, parks and gardens and various other services, how does this compare with the service the police provide?
9 March 2010 at 7:19 pm
the proportion of the bill that goes to DDC is very low.
an unrelated point, the amount that the police get is only a bit less than the council get.
the council provides refuse collection, street lighting, the museum, some bus shelters, runs a planning department,car parks,traffic wardens, parks and gardens and various other services, how does this compare with the service the police provide?
9 March 2010 at 7:19 pm
I didn't think the council rise was high at 2.5%.
I would rather see more services provided through higher council tax, but that will never happen; being low rated, also means low services.
Roger
9 March 2010 at 6:41 pm
I would rather see more services provided through higher council tax, but that will never happen; being low rated, also means low services.
Roger
9 March 2010 at 6:41 pm
Following on from the post from Reg below..let us just redo the Press Release on Council Tax increases just released. It was shown in the Members Club Forum this morning but will now repeat here. If anyone has a comment then please let us know.
**DDC PRESS RELEASE as follows......
Dover District Council has confirmed Council Tax for the district at its meeting on 3 March. The average total bill for a Band D property in the district is going up by 2.34%.
The average total bill for a Band D property in Dover District for 10/11 will be £1,458.93, an increase of £33.40.
The total bill includes the element of Council Tax for Kent County Council (£1,047.78), Dover District Council (£158.94), Kent Police Authority (£138.68), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (£67.95), and an average for Town and Parish Councils of £45.58.
The element of Council Tax for DDC is increasing by 2.5%, a rise of £3.87 per year, or 7 pence per week, for Band D properties.
9 March 2010 at 1:13 pm
**DDC PRESS RELEASE as follows......
Dover District Council has confirmed Council Tax for the district at its meeting on 3 March. The average total bill for a Band D property in the district is going up by 2.34%.
The average total bill for a Band D property in Dover District for 10/11 will be £1,458.93, an increase of £33.40.
The total bill includes the element of Council Tax for Kent County Council (£1,047.78), Dover District Council (£158.94), Kent Police Authority (£138.68), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (£67.95), and an average for Town and Parish Councils of £45.58.
The element of Council Tax for DDC is increasing by 2.5%, a rise of £3.87 per year, or 7 pence per week, for Band D properties.
9 March 2010 at 1:13 pm
interesting thought reg, who would have political control?
i suppose that there would just be one election covering all of east kent?
it does seem to be coming in by stealth, most members of the public are unaware of the merging of services that are already taking place.
9 March 2010 at 12:26 pm
i suppose that there would just be one election covering all of east kent?
it does seem to be coming in by stealth, most members of the public are unaware of the merging of services that are already taking place.
9 March 2010 at 12:26 pm
Latest:Council Tax Bills.
Our council tax bills are unnecessarily high and above inflation level because we have Four councils in East KENT doing the same as each other.By merging all services under one council the economies of scale would reduce our bills(by millions)Unfortunately for the Councils,many officers and councillors it would be like Turkeys voting for Christmas and the Political Partys not sure who would be in power.In the meantime Joe Public suffers and picks up the bill.Its quite simple to correct!
9 March 2010 at 11:52 am
Our council tax bills are unnecessarily high and above inflation level because we have Four councils in East KENT doing the same as each other.By merging all services under one council the economies of scale would reduce our bills(by millions)Unfortunately for the Councils,many officers and councillors it would be like Turkeys voting for Christmas and the Political Partys not sure who would be in power.In the meantime Joe Public suffers and picks up the bill.Its quite simple to correct!
9 March 2010 at 11:52 am
did read it roger, also on your what's on page.
not a real ale fan myself, i thought we had a few on here though.
guzzler springs to mind.
9 March 2010 at 10:33 am
not a real ale fan myself, i thought we had a few on here though.
guzzler springs to mind.
9 March 2010 at 10:33 am
I understand Nigel was at the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club's Beer Festival. It was on Friday afternoon/evening and all day Saturday and the beer that was left, was sold at £2.00 a pint on Sunday.
I did send an email round about it - does no one read my emails any more ?
Roger
9 March 2010 at 7:19 am
I did send an email round about it - does no one read my emails any more ?
Roger
9 March 2010 at 7:19 am
Enjoy your pint in there Hugh..good to see that the news about the re-emergence of the White Horse is spreading far and wide.
Alec noooo there was no sign of Nigel. He wasnt lurking in a back room or anything. In fact one or two people spoke his name in hushed reverence....him being such a devotee of the humble pint...and were surprised at his non appearance. Once upon a time he was a regular propper-upper of the bar in there, but on the big night didnt show up.
9 March 2010 at 7:05 am
Alec noooo there was no sign of Nigel. He wasnt lurking in a back room or anything. In fact one or two people spoke his name in hushed reverence....him being such a devotee of the humble pint...and were surprised at his non appearance. Once upon a time he was a regular propper-upper of the bar in there, but on the big night didnt show up.
9 March 2010 at 7:05 am
We are looking forward to a pint in the White Horse, tomorrow, on one of our regular trips to wonderful Dover.
9 March 2010 at 12:23 am
9 March 2010 at 12:23 am
Nice to see the White Horse opened up again. It was my last port of call after a night on the town when I lived in Victoria Park in the 70's. Good to see Mrs. Bailey is still about, she was the landlady when I used it helped by her husband and son Nick.
Nigel was conspicuous by his absence unless he was lurking in one of the adjacent rooms. He almost lived in there in those days.
8 March 2010 at 11:54 pm
Nigel was conspicuous by his absence unless he was lurking in one of the adjacent rooms. He almost lived in there in those days.
8 March 2010 at 11:54 pm
A really enjoyable night, good to meet so many friends and forumites and quaff a pint or two. Great to see a really nice pub come back to life, I wish Mandy and Jeanette well for the future.
8 March 2010 at 10:11 am
8 March 2010 at 10:11 am
I echo all said here about The White Horse reopening launch night and what a great night it was too. Good luck to Mandy and Jeanette for its continuing success. Pleased to see you all liked the photos, even after copious amounts of the lovely Gallo wine but finely balanced by the scrumptious nibbles kindly laid on by our lovely hosts I managed to focus, well just about!
8 March 2010 at 9:39 am
8 March 2010 at 9:39 am
Jenn please read my post on that in the members club thank you.Also you or your family can email me about it
7 March 2010 at 7:25 pm
7 March 2010 at 7:25 pm
Was good to join everyone at the reopening of the White Horse, as you can see quite a gathering.
So here's wishing them every success and as always some good pictures showing the event.
7 March 2010 at 7:23 pm
So here's wishing them every success and as always some good pictures showing the event.
7 March 2010 at 7:23 pm
i regret having to miss the opening, looks like a great time was has by all, great pics from colette.
roger
most pub customers nowadays arrive fairly close to 9 pm.
it will take time to build up a customer base, word of mouth is the best thing, also there are many people who look in at the pictures here.
7 March 2010 at 7:01 pm
roger
most pub customers nowadays arrive fairly close to 9 pm.
it will take time to build up a customer base, word of mouth is the best thing, also there are many people who look in at the pictures here.
7 March 2010 at 7:01 pm
Sorry Roger
I always expect you to turn out on parade.You lead by example.All Jeanette needs to do is put the pub on web cam and I'll be able to raise my glass and see you all.Cheers
7 March 2010 at 6:55 pm
I always expect you to turn out on parade.You lead by example.All Jeanette needs to do is put the pub on web cam and I'll be able to raise my glass and see you all.Cheers
7 March 2010 at 6:55 pm
Ohh and before I forget.. a note on Whitfield Development...
Dad popped into the exhibit and found out.. ohh yes.. nothing as normal.. and he wont mind me telling you his comment..
He paid a premium to live close to the countryside.. is he going to get any compensation for it all being taken away?!!
Dont think he was impressed at all, and said as normal it didnt feel like a consultation, felt like a decision already made and being forced.
7 March 2010 at 6:54 pm
Dad popped into the exhibit and found out.. ohh yes.. nothing as normal.. and he wont mind me telling you his comment..
He paid a premium to live close to the countryside.. is he going to get any compensation for it all being taken away?!!
Dont think he was impressed at all, and said as normal it didnt feel like a consultation, felt like a decision already made and being forced.
7 March 2010 at 6:54 pm
Aww gutted I couldnt be there, but I think Scotchie and Jeffers and I shall be having a reunion in the White Horse especially as I shall now be working in the District...
Looks like it was an awesome evening!
7 March 2010 at 6:49 pm
Looks like it was an awesome evening!
7 March 2010 at 6:49 pm
One District Councillor was there to support it Marek - I did my best.
Saturday we went past it at about 19.40 and there was just one guy at the bar, so it needs support every evening, not just launch night.
Roger
7 March 2010 at 6:44 pm
Saturday we went past it at about 19.40 and there was just one guy at the bar, so it needs support every evening, not just launch night.
Roger
7 March 2010 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for the photos Colette and PaulB for the write up of the White Horse reopening night.It looks like a good time was had by all.Sorry I missed it.Dover has some smashing committed folk who try and turn out to support these local events and do's. It's just a pity the councillors couldn't be bothered to show their faces and lend support. A boozer reopening is a very rare event these days and should be fully supported.So good luck everyone at the White Horse.Maybe next year a float in the local carnival?
7 March 2010 at 6:34 pm
7 March 2010 at 6:34 pm
Great photos, Colette! (Even the ones of me aren't too dreadful!) A great night, and a huge thankyou to Mandy and Jeanette for the hospitality.
The hangover must have been a deep one, Paul - the caption for Maggie SK and Tom Mitchell should have read "The pic on the right shows the gorgeously grizzly Guzzler sharing an amusing moment with Tom Mitchell"...........!
Only joking, Maggie! (Runs and hides..........)
7 March 2010 at 5:31 pm
The hangover must have been a deep one, Paul - the caption for Maggie SK and Tom Mitchell should have read "The pic on the right shows the gorgeously grizzly Guzzler sharing an amusing moment with Tom Mitchell"...........!
Only joking, Maggie! (Runs and hides..........)
7 March 2010 at 5:31 pm
"At the moment the youth are leaving Dover in droves to go to bowling alleys in other towns"
I don't think so Keith. Some go bowling, but I'd put money it is a fairly similar number to those that go to the swimming pool or mill about town as they do in any town centre. Yes young people need things to do, but I'm always amazed that these activities are always so obviously what are prescribed by what the adults think they should do.
I took my children to Margate bowling 3 weeks ago. Was it full of groups of young people, no it was prodominantly families that could drive to Ashford or Margate. Bowling is costly and kids actually get bored of it relatively quickly. In my experience you can make a teenager play one game, at a push two, but then after that enthusiasm for this simplistic game starts to disappear.
Multiplex cinemas are also what people think 'the youth' want. Have you been recently? It's a family treat, not the affordable experience like that of the Saturday morning pictures enjoyed by the 'BBC is the only TV channel' generation making these decisions about what young people like doing.
Ask a child what they would like in Dover and they would probably say 'a decent cinema' or 'bowling alley', get them to fill out a questionaire on whether there is 'anything to do' and you would get the same level of dissatisfaction as children from town that does have a bowling alley. When will people realise that the problem that faces young people in towns is that of ownership, not imagination. Kids climbing trees in the countryside and this is seen as parochial adventure. Watch what happens when the same is done in Pencester.
Use the DTIZ development to make the town work spacially, reroute traffic, connect the town to the seafront, provide the capcity for the town to change indefinitely. Why we have been presented so far with projects that could have been easily concieved by teenagers is beyond me.
7 March 2010 at 4:51 pm
I don't think so Keith. Some go bowling, but I'd put money it is a fairly similar number to those that go to the swimming pool or mill about town as they do in any town centre. Yes young people need things to do, but I'm always amazed that these activities are always so obviously what are prescribed by what the adults think they should do.
I took my children to Margate bowling 3 weeks ago. Was it full of groups of young people, no it was prodominantly families that could drive to Ashford or Margate. Bowling is costly and kids actually get bored of it relatively quickly. In my experience you can make a teenager play one game, at a push two, but then after that enthusiasm for this simplistic game starts to disappear.
Multiplex cinemas are also what people think 'the youth' want. Have you been recently? It's a family treat, not the affordable experience like that of the Saturday morning pictures enjoyed by the 'BBC is the only TV channel' generation making these decisions about what young people like doing.
Ask a child what they would like in Dover and they would probably say 'a decent cinema' or 'bowling alley', get them to fill out a questionaire on whether there is 'anything to do' and you would get the same level of dissatisfaction as children from town that does have a bowling alley. When will people realise that the problem that faces young people in towns is that of ownership, not imagination. Kids climbing trees in the countryside and this is seen as parochial adventure. Watch what happens when the same is done in Pencester.
Use the DTIZ development to make the town work spacially, reroute traffic, connect the town to the seafront, provide the capcity for the town to change indefinitely. Why we have been presented so far with projects that could have been easily concieved by teenagers is beyond me.
7 March 2010 at 4:51 pm
Wasn't there talk of a bowling alley going In the area mentioned?
Keith makes a valid point, can it not be re visted?
7 March 2010 at 1:26 pm
Keith makes a valid point, can it not be re visted?
7 March 2010 at 1:26 pm
Really enjoyed our evening at the White Horse, and seeing everyone to catch up again - a super end after a VERY busy day with the Dover War Memorial Project. Best of luck to the White Horse! It's not the first time we've been in this lovely pub, and it most certainly won't be the last!
7 March 2010 at 11:31 am
7 March 2010 at 11:31 am
Yes your dead right there Roger. Very good meeting..Backing Kent Business was very interesting and the feature is now in All Recent Features.
And now for the White Horse. Rock On...
7 March 2010 at 7:29 am
And now for the White Horse. Rock On...
7 March 2010 at 7:29 am
Good to see the White Horse open again and full up - good photos Colette.
Good Luck with it Mandie and Jeanette - did someone say they are going to offer food ?
Roger
7 March 2010 at 7:28 am
Good Luck with it Mandie and Jeanette - did someone say they are going to offer food ?
Roger
7 March 2010 at 7:28 am
Sounds like a very interesting and useful meeting; there couldn't be a better reason for getting together than to talk-up businesses and how they can move forward.
Sorry I wasn't there.
Roger
6 March 2010 at 12:21 am
Sorry I wasn't there.
Roger
6 March 2010 at 12:21 am
An extremely good networking evening meeting up with some familar faces and also some new ones, was interesting to be in Thanet College which has seen some famous faces pass through its doors.
Was good meeting up with Amanda Cottrell who take's her roll as head of Visit Kent very seriously.
Also meeting up with the new Bishop of Dover whom we hope we will see more of in Dover.
And yes also managed long chat with Mayor of Sandwich on the toliet issue
5 March 2010 at 5:47 pm
Was good meeting up with Amanda Cottrell who take's her roll as head of Visit Kent very seriously.
Also meeting up with the new Bishop of Dover whom we hope we will see more of in Dover.
And yes also managed long chat with Mayor of Sandwich on the toliet issue
5 March 2010 at 5:47 pm
Don't have aproblem with bowling alleys, ice rinks, multiplex cinemas. Problem is they don't want to put their capital to locate in town centres. They will come if someone provides the buildings, car parking spaces,etc. Has been tested. They can operate and leave if it doesn't pay at someone elses expense.When people tell you that these operators will come to Dover, they are correct. They don't tell the rest of the conditions which presents a rather different story.Good business if you can get it. Love to have some.Watty
5 March 2010 at 5:40 pm
5 March 2010 at 5:40 pm
Theres nowt political to be gained now, and I don't care who would take credit for getting a bowling alley.
At the moment the youth are leaving Dover in droves to go to bowling alleys in other towns
Maybe those in positions of power could look again?
5 March 2010 at 4:44 pm
At the moment the youth are leaving Dover in droves to go to bowling alleys in other towns
Maybe those in positions of power could look again?
5 March 2010 at 4:44 pm
excellent post keith welcome back.
one point i would take issue with you is over the bowling alley.
i have never heard the slightest whisper of any company being interested in opening such a facility here.
maybe roger(business support) or paul the fuhrer(ddc) may know something to the contrary.
i doubt it though.
if i am wrong i will be delighted.
5 March 2010 at 4:03 pm
one point i would take issue with you is over the bowling alley.
i have never heard the slightest whisper of any company being interested in opening such a facility here.
maybe roger(business support) or paul the fuhrer(ddc) may know something to the contrary.
i doubt it though.
if i am wrong i will be delighted.
5 March 2010 at 4:03 pm