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3 September 2010
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Unite union interesting thought, interesting if so where they expect funding to come from?
Bob I dont think he is really bothered who takes it over. french or whomever.
If charlie boy can make the port a purely LOCAL run concern I will applaud him, but I suspect it's not realy how he see's it
wont be local as you or I would see it, but be business people that also may have no interest in Dover.
Much more details required
29 August 2010 at 5:47 pm
Bob I dont think he is really bothered who takes it over. french or whomever.
If charlie boy can make the port a purely LOCAL run concern I will applaud him, but I suspect it's not realy how he see's it
wont be local as you or I would see it, but be business people that also may have no interest in Dover.
Much more details required
29 August 2010 at 5:47 pm
interesting statement from the harbour board, i still find all this confusing.
the only difference i can see in the plans put forward by charlie and bob is that if charlie gets his way it will be owned by the people of dover in the main. bob makes no mention of who he would want to buy it.
sadly i have not spoken to anyone that thinks there is the spare money locally to purchase it.
unite seem to want things to stay as they are but the harbour board say that no investment could be made while it is still a trust port.
29 August 2010 at 5:27 pm
the only difference i can see in the plans put forward by charlie and bob is that if charlie gets his way it will be owned by the people of dover in the main. bob makes no mention of who he would want to buy it.
sadly i have not spoken to anyone that thinks there is the spare money locally to purchase it.
unite seem to want things to stay as they are but the harbour board say that no investment could be made while it is still a trust port.
29 August 2010 at 5:27 pm
good that volunterers gt involved
this particular lady is(was) well known in Dover circles
Since moved to Folkstone
29 August 2010 at 9:47 am
this particular lady is(was) well known in Dover circles
Since moved to Folkstone
29 August 2010 at 9:47 am
Nigel and DDC are aware of the problem - a leak, but so far they don't know where the leak is.
Keith, you are right, volunteers are often the butt-end of other people's verbal abuse - no idea why though.
We have a couple of ideas about where to do our first clean-up; Sheila has asked about the top end of Glen Grove, so I'll take a look when I can.
Roger
29 August 2010 at 6:27 am
Keith, you are right, volunteers are often the butt-end of other people's verbal abuse - no idea why though.
We have a couple of ideas about where to do our first clean-up; Sheila has asked about the top end of Glen Grove, so I'll take a look when I can.
Roger
29 August 2010 at 6:27 am
i remember that day well keith, lindsay our top cop and peter west and missus from the sally army were there.
being a discreet type i would never mention mary as being the one who stirred things up.
28 August 2010 at 9:17 pm
being a discreet type i would never mention mary as being the one who stirred things up.
28 August 2010 at 9:17 pm
LIKEWISE howard YOU will recall our tidying up of the top of the Folkestone Road.
council were never going to do it, so us volunteers got on and cleared the brambles so push bikes could get through.
And then that stupid woman coming out complaining cos were doing it.
a nutter if ever i saw one
lol
28 August 2010 at 7:40 pm
council were never going to do it, so us volunteers got on and cleared the brambles so push bikes could get through.
And then that stupid woman coming out complaining cos were doing it.
a nutter if ever i saw one
lol
28 August 2010 at 7:40 pm
Hi Jan, good to see you still keep an eye on the Forum. Your comment reminded me of an event many, many years ago at BHD. Before the extention to orthopaedic was built the area had a nice pond and gardens. The League of Friends had an idea to brighten up the area and bought large number of bulbs and plants. They also had some members who were willing to plant them and maintain the garden.
HOWEVER, The "maintenance staff" got wind of it and threatend to strike if someone else tried to take over their jobs. The fact that they were neither able nor willing to do it themselves was neither here nor there! The bulbs rotted.
28 August 2010 at 3:20 pm
HOWEVER, The "maintenance staff" got wind of it and threatend to strike if someone else tried to take over their jobs. The fact that they were neither able nor willing to do it themselves was neither here nor there! The bulbs rotted.
28 August 2010 at 3:20 pm
all sensible suggestions here, could end up costing only a few thousand with the aid of volunteers and the payback scheme.
28 August 2010 at 10:44 am
28 August 2010 at 10:44 am
A sad sight indeed. My local council (Hackney) learned it's park care lessons the hard way too when local householders came out with buckets to rescue the fish the council had failed to factor-in to their pond draining plans, some years ago. The park outside my window is now enjoying much needed, Lottery funded, refurbishment after years of neglect.
Perhaps, given that funding is a long term aim, a band of volunteers could help out with these problems in the short term. The coming Olympics are driving much of our progress here and as they say that there should be national benefits too some cash should be found, but this is bound to take a show of people-power to get things done. Good luck.
28 August 2010 at 10:39 am
Perhaps, given that funding is a long term aim, a band of volunteers could help out with these problems in the short term. The coming Olympics are driving much of our progress here and as they say that there should be national benefits too some cash should be found, but this is bound to take a show of people-power to get things done. Good luck.
28 August 2010 at 10:39 am
What has happen to all the big fish that was in there to.?
28 August 2010 at 9:14 am
28 August 2010 at 9:14 am
good stuff, looking forward to seeing connaught park back to its original glory
28 August 2010 at 8:11 am
28 August 2010 at 8:11 am
Sorry, I forgot to mention in the previous post, that I had copied the photos and postings and sent them (via email) to Nigel Collor, the Portfolio Holder for Property and Access at DDC.
I'll let you know what he says.
Roger
28 August 2010 at 6:15 am
I'll let you know what he says.
Roger
28 August 2010 at 6:15 am
Janet Pott - what an excellant idea, now that is thinking out of the box and good thinking too.
There is also the Community Pay-Back team who could do all the labour - under supervision, if required.
Peter Hart - good idea too, again, the Community Pay-Back team could do the labour work under guidance.
A resolution was made recently by DDC to use the Pay-Back teams more than they are currently doing, so this could be a good start.
Someone needs to take the initiative.
I'll write to the Head of Property services offering your suggestions
Roger
28 August 2010 at 6:12 am
There is also the Community Pay-Back team who could do all the labour - under supervision, if required.
Peter Hart - good idea too, again, the Community Pay-Back team could do the labour work under guidance.
A resolution was made recently by DDC to use the Pay-Back teams more than they are currently doing, so this could be a good start.
Someone needs to take the initiative.
I'll write to the Head of Property services offering your suggestions
Roger
28 August 2010 at 6:12 am
It's a sad state of affairs to see Connaught Park in this condition especially after all the investment, it needs to be rectified now. This is a beautiful asset for the Dover community and could be irretrievably lost for ever if left for much longer. Come on DDC something MUST be done NOW.
27 August 2010 at 11:32 pm
27 August 2010 at 11:32 pm
Connaught park such a lovely area.
so much could b done
27 August 2010 at 9:08 pm
so much could b done
27 August 2010 at 9:08 pm
Perhaps it is time to ask the local gardening clubs to take over some of the flower beds,displays in local areas if DDC cannot afford to maintain them.
A challenge cup could be presented for the best displays.
I am sure that Whitfield ,River and Temple Ewell must have a number of people who would enjoy the challenge and the chance for their area to be proclaimed winner.
Who knows, maybe some younger people would also like to get involved.
I wonder how many remember the Teddy Bears Picnic display at Connaught Park. (Late 50s early 60s)
27 August 2010 at 8:29 pm
A challenge cup could be presented for the best displays.
I am sure that Whitfield ,River and Temple Ewell must have a number of people who would enjoy the challenge and the chance for their area to be proclaimed winner.
Who knows, maybe some younger people would also like to get involved.
I wonder how many remember the Teddy Bears Picnic display at Connaught Park. (Late 50s early 60s)
27 August 2010 at 8:29 pm
Hi Everyone,
The Council really did tell me the cost of repairing the pond in Connaught Park would be £100,000. The info came from their horticultural department. I wonder if they would let me get a few quotes for them. Big society and all that.
Peter Hart
27 August 2010 at 5:09 pm
The Council really did tell me the cost of repairing the pond in Connaught Park would be £100,000. The info came from their horticultural department. I wonder if they would let me get a few quotes for them. Big society and all that.
Peter Hart
27 August 2010 at 5:09 pm
It doesn't seem long ago that the 125th. anniversary of the opening of Connaught Park was celebrated.
I would have thought that £100,000 is a bit steep, I'm sure there are people/companies that would/could do the repairs etc. cheaper.
It's an important asset that should N0T be allowed to deteriorate further.
Roger
27 August 2010 at 4:40 pm
I would have thought that £100,000 is a bit steep, I'm sure there are people/companies that would/could do the repairs etc. cheaper.
It's an important asset that should N0T be allowed to deteriorate further.
Roger
27 August 2010 at 4:40 pm
One hundred grand????
It's hardly a giant fountain the likes seen outside some Las Vegas casino is it? More like a few hundred quid to clear the clogged pipes and tea and biscuits for the volunteers to clean the pond.
27 August 2010 at 12:23 pm
It's hardly a giant fountain the likes seen outside some Las Vegas casino is it? More like a few hundred quid to clear the clogged pipes and tea and biscuits for the volunteers to clean the pond.
27 August 2010 at 12:23 pm
i don't understand why they are not open during the six weeks holiday, they are certainly needed during this busy time.
27 August 2010 at 11:52 am
27 August 2010 at 11:52 am
A sad sight indeed. Only a couple of years ago the water feature area was renovated and looked wonderful.
We take our grandchildren to the park on a regular basis the last being on Tuesday to use the play facilities which are excellent.
So nice to see a large number of mums with their children enjoying the play facilities and having picnics..as the park was intended.
The grass on the "flat areas" is well kept together with some attractive flower beds on the first level.
On the slopes the grass has been cut as paths leaving the remainder of the grass to "go wild", not adverse to this as will encourage wildlife.
The downside is that the toilets were closed, several of the mums complained that why not at least open them for the duration of the summer holidays. Also again the problem of dog fouling which no one seems to attempt to control.
27 August 2010 at 11:49 am
We take our grandchildren to the park on a regular basis the last being on Tuesday to use the play facilities which are excellent.
So nice to see a large number of mums with their children enjoying the play facilities and having picnics..as the park was intended.
The grass on the "flat areas" is well kept together with some attractive flower beds on the first level.
On the slopes the grass has been cut as paths leaving the remainder of the grass to "go wild", not adverse to this as will encourage wildlife.
The downside is that the toilets were closed, several of the mums complained that why not at least open them for the duration of the summer holidays. Also again the problem of dog fouling which no one seems to attempt to control.
27 August 2010 at 11:49 am
Blog post on the council catering story can be found here: rhysdgriffiths . wordpress . com
27 August 2010 at 11:41 am
27 August 2010 at 11:41 am
it is a sad state of affairs for Connought Park, i remember as a child going tadpoling with my father - fond memory's. Such a shame now. Dover as a whole needs something done before its to late.
Come on people in power its time you stepped up!!!
27 August 2010 at 11:23 am
Come on people in power its time you stepped up!!!
27 August 2010 at 11:23 am
Yes it is sad,I remember pushing the Council with others to mark the anniversary of the park a couple of years ago,it is not just the pond the whole area is awful,and could do with a spot of TLC.
27 August 2010 at 9:19 am
27 August 2010 at 9:19 am
some rather sad pictures from peter there, i seem to remember the town council putting money into the renovation of the pond and fountain about 6 or 7 years ago.
27 August 2010 at 9:11 am
27 August 2010 at 9:11 am
I think it's fair to say all our schools perform well Sue. Results are relative.
It's wonderful to see so many young people achieving such great grades. Well done to them all.
26 August 2010 at 1:02 pm
It's wonderful to see so many young people achieving such great grades. Well done to them all.
26 August 2010 at 1:02 pm
As far as i'm aware she did a grand job at Boys and Girls Grammar.
25 August 2010 at 9:04 am
25 August 2010 at 9:04 am
not sure how i missed that paul, sounds like she has been head hunted, nor surprising really.
the results from the school have been consistently high.
25 August 2010 at 8:05 am
the results from the school have been consistently high.
25 August 2010 at 8:05 am
Howard yes just a couple of posts below ColetteB refers to it. She..Judith Carlisle, is leaving at the end of the year to take up a top post at an Independent School in Oxford..after clearly having an excellent tenure here in Dover. Good luck to her.
25 August 2010 at 7:43 am
25 August 2010 at 7:43 am
correct me if i am wrong but i seem to remember reading that ms carlisle was chucking it in sometime soon.
24 August 2010 at 11:00 pm
24 August 2010 at 11:00 pm
All my off springs have had to leave Dover for work .Its a fact of life .The two boys travel to Dartford each day when they are not out of the country as they currently are .This time its America.Daughter has a new job which may mean she can move back to East Kent and travel up to London .
Some of our schools produce good results .I will not stray into the politics of it all .
24 August 2010 at 8:55 am
Some of our schools produce good results .I will not stray into the politics of it all .
24 August 2010 at 8:55 am
Yes its a very real problem in Dover, there are no opportunities for young bright kids as Pat and Roger mention there. As my own little star was growing up here, just a few years ago when she was about 14 or 15, it suddenly occurred to me that she would leave the town. I didnt know why it had never occurred to me before but it gave me such a depressing shock..the sudden realisation that she would leave.
I remember bringing it to the attention of Paul Watkins at the time and he was very sympathetic, but the sad fact is that nothing can be done. I asked Charlie recently if there were any plans to bring jobs but alas it is beyond even the might of an MP.
Everyone hopes for economic recovery and that some of the economic recovery will rub off on Dover. But there were good years previously but it didnt rub off.
So if you have a child that is an achiever academically you must abandon all hope that she/he will stay.
24 August 2010 at 8:48 am
I remember bringing it to the attention of Paul Watkins at the time and he was very sympathetic, but the sad fact is that nothing can be done. I asked Charlie recently if there were any plans to bring jobs but alas it is beyond even the might of an MP.
Everyone hopes for economic recovery and that some of the economic recovery will rub off on Dover. But there were good years previously but it didnt rub off.
So if you have a child that is an achiever academically you must abandon all hope that she/he will stay.
24 August 2010 at 8:48 am
Congratulations to Saskia and all the young people who have done so well, just shows we do have a good share of intelligent young people, not all wanting a wasted life of babies and benefits.
We need to boost up the skilled employment vacancies as someone else mentioned, so that these talented/gifted/intelligent young people can come back from Uni and work locally.
Well done.
Roger
24 August 2010 at 7:24 am
We need to boost up the skilled employment vacancies as someone else mentioned, so that these talented/gifted/intelligent young people can come back from Uni and work locally.
Well done.
Roger
24 August 2010 at 7:24 am
Well done to Saskia and all the others a huge relief that its all over, good luck to them all in what ever they are chooseing to do.
23 August 2010 at 6:05 pm
23 August 2010 at 6:05 pm
Thats great about your grandaughter Janet, you must be very proud of her. The other girls in the photo that are not mentioned elsewhere are as follows: back row, Sophie Leaver, Ali Johncock, Saskia and Frances of course, front row middle, Camilla Harvey and Bridie Ann Carr.
What a beautiful baby Orla is and her Mum Briony is a fantastic Drama teacher. Sadly Judith Carlisle leaves DGGS at the end of this year for pastures new. She starts the New Year in Oxford at an independent school, she will be missed but we wish her all the best.
23 August 2010 at 5:37 pm
What a beautiful baby Orla is and her Mum Briony is a fantastic Drama teacher. Sadly Judith Carlisle leaves DGGS at the end of this year for pastures new. She starts the New Year in Oxford at an independent school, she will be missed but we wish her all the best.
23 August 2010 at 5:37 pm
That is my grandaughter Frances Wood, at the back of the group picture above next to the girl in blue. She has got her place at uni where she will study to become a teacher. Some of you might also know her from Deal Gym club.
23 August 2010 at 3:57 pm
23 August 2010 at 3:57 pm
Well done to the girls. Also all the other boys and girls in Dover who work hard for their results.
It is a great pitty that most of the qualified young talent in Dover then are required to move away for a job.
Would be nice to see some quality/high tech business in the White Cliffs Business Park thus keeping some of our developed talent here in Dover
23 August 2010 at 12:58 pm
It is a great pitty that most of the qualified young talent in Dover then are required to move away for a job.
Would be nice to see some quality/high tech business in the White Cliffs Business Park thus keeping some of our developed talent here in Dover
23 August 2010 at 12:58 pm
Yes Howard, Saskia is interested in joining the police force, she'll be studying the Criminal Justice System, Terrorism, Homicidal Crime, Youth Crime etc.
Hopefully she'll make us feel safer in our beds in the future lol!
23 August 2010 at 11:49 am
Hopefully she'll make us feel safer in our beds in the future lol!
23 August 2010 at 11:49 am
Well done girls, you should be so proud of yourselves. Good luck in your future careers and I feel sure you'll both do well whatever you do xx
23 August 2010 at 11:24 am
23 August 2010 at 11:24 am
thanks for info rhys.
23 August 2010 at 10:59 am
23 August 2010 at 10:59 am