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3 September 2010
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Terry thats a good one... from cradle straight to the grave with no hospital in between. At least it cuts out the middleman!!
unfortunately
But yes its all gone quiet re the hospital. I was having a discussion with Cllr Jan Tranter the other day as to why we arent getting our hospital... her take went like this...
"We have three major hospitals in the region, in order for Dover to get a major hospital one of those three, Kent and Canterbury, QEQM Margate, William Harvey Ashford, one of those would have to either shut or give up a large section of its facilities, and thats not going to happen"
Gordon Cowan, Labour leader, is now saying much the same in the statement above.
Which I guess sums it up. We're not going to get a major hospital are we? I for one was ready to grab the community hospital in central Dover with both hands, but as with ASDA, it was argued over and we ended up without anyything. Now in a bizarre way Buckland will stay open. Our previous MP Gwyn Prosser, fought before we had this new option, to try and keep Buckland open all through the years, but without success in the end. Now we have one of life's ironies...its now open by default...and nobody really wants it anymore.
31 July 2010 at 9:15 am
unfortunately
But yes its all gone quiet re the hospital. I was having a discussion with Cllr Jan Tranter the other day as to why we arent getting our hospital... her take went like this...
"We have three major hospitals in the region, in order for Dover to get a major hospital one of those three, Kent and Canterbury, QEQM Margate, William Harvey Ashford, one of those would have to either shut or give up a large section of its facilities, and thats not going to happen"
Gordon Cowan, Labour leader, is now saying much the same in the statement above.
Which I guess sums it up. We're not going to get a major hospital are we? I for one was ready to grab the community hospital in central Dover with both hands, but as with ASDA, it was argued over and we ended up without anyything. Now in a bizarre way Buckland will stay open. Our previous MP Gwyn Prosser, fought before we had this new option, to try and keep Buckland open all through the years, but without success in the end. Now we have one of life's ironies...its now open by default...and nobody really wants it anymore.
31 July 2010 at 9:15 am
Sorry to say but this about the Hospital is now all cut and dry it is staying where it is . I am a member of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust,s and we have our Annual Public Meeting on the 28September please come to it and put over your views it is at 18800hrs at the Kent County Cricket Club at Canterbury ,there will be a chance to view a variety of Trust exhibitions with refreshment and you can talk to the Directorates on Key initiatives.
But the Hospital will stay where it is ,I with others have been saying that it should have beds and a full A@E 24/7 please come and have your say it just might help.
31 July 2010 at 8:50 am
But the Hospital will stay where it is ,I with others have been saying that it should have beds and a full A@E 24/7 please come and have your say it just might help.
31 July 2010 at 8:50 am
Sorry Paul, I posted a nice comment on Pandora`s comment last night just before Howard, regarding a new entry into the stalls today, but it seems to have disappeared. Nothing important, but I`m certain it went on there. I have to say though, I could be mistaken. I know you certainly wouldn`t have removed it, so my apologies if I was a bit hasty in the deletion bit.
31 July 2010 at 7:48 am
31 July 2010 at 7:48 am
Re the Great Hospital Saga, there was a letter in the Times the other day that is applicable to Dover. It was a road safety slogan from New Zealand. Altered slightly it could read:-
"Dover - Nice cemetery - No hospital"
31 July 2010 at 7:38 am
"Dover - Nice cemetery - No hospital"
31 July 2010 at 7:38 am
Explain Colin...?
31 July 2010 at 7:27 am
31 July 2010 at 7:27 am
Looks like my message has been deleted.
31 July 2010 at 7:24 am
31 July 2010 at 7:24 am
Pandora
Please do give us an insight into what David Foley is going to do to transform the Town and support the businesses.
They sacked the only person the Town businesses had any respect for and who had the passion to work seven days a week; they have reduced the Dover Business Support Manager's role to one of part-time.
Why should a business pay the full rate of membership, for part time support and actually, not even get that ?
The only business that I have heard he has visited, has consistently told him she will NOT join up.
We heard the Chamber of Commerce President talk on what he was going to do for Dover and the businesses, on November 24th. That turned out to be nonsense - the only polite word I can think of.
A change at the top and sincere people installed, who who really care about Dover and local businesses, is the only way forward, the only way that DDCC can make any progress in at least regaining respect and confidence, both of which are so necessary for them to turn the corner.
Roger
31 July 2010 at 6:42 am
Please do give us an insight into what David Foley is going to do to transform the Town and support the businesses.
They sacked the only person the Town businesses had any respect for and who had the passion to work seven days a week; they have reduced the Dover Business Support Manager's role to one of part-time.
Why should a business pay the full rate of membership, for part time support and actually, not even get that ?
The only business that I have heard he has visited, has consistently told him she will NOT join up.
We heard the Chamber of Commerce President talk on what he was going to do for Dover and the businesses, on November 24th. That turned out to be nonsense - the only polite word I can think of.
A change at the top and sincere people installed, who who really care about Dover and local businesses, is the only way forward, the only way that DDCC can make any progress in at least regaining respect and confidence, both of which are so necessary for them to turn the corner.
Roger
31 July 2010 at 6:42 am
hi Howard.....nice to hear from you too...do, please come see what its all about!
30 July 2010 at 10:09 pm
30 July 2010 at 10:09 pm
good to hear from you pandora, hope the watch drops are selling well.
one day i will come across and ask what a watch drop actually is.
30 July 2010 at 9:56 pm
one day i will come across and ask what a watch drop actually is.
30 July 2010 at 9:56 pm
starting a new 'entry'...looking forward to tomorrows Dover market...(as a trader)having attended the quarterly Dover Town Mayors's Town Centres Business Forum.. on Thursday..and having met David Foley and Barry Williams from the D.C.C am feeling alot more confident and supported in our quest to make Dover a better place..hope others feel the same.?!
30 July 2010 at 9:20 pm
30 July 2010 at 9:20 pm
Yes PW beat me to it with a similar reply there Reg, but I would guess as PW said, evolution means that you have a natural wastage with regard to job loss. You dont have to suddenly sack vast numbers of the workforce, with the usual severance pay as required by law, its both expensive and brutal. So...possibly a problem best left to evolution!??
Hi Puzzled as far as I know Snoops is still owned by Wetherspoons although yes one member did say DDC now hold the reins. If anyone knows the definitive answer to this one let us know.
30 July 2010 at 5:02 pm
Hi Puzzled as far as I know Snoops is still owned by Wetherspoons although yes one member did say DDC now hold the reins. If anyone knows the definitive answer to this one let us know.
30 July 2010 at 5:02 pm
Why evolution ? Can you imagine the disaster if you sack 2/3 of the council employees in East Kent one day and expect them to function just as well (and cheaper) the next day ?
30 July 2010 at 4:32 pm
30 July 2010 at 4:32 pm
Evolution? Sequel.
Letter to Dover Mercury.
Dear Editor,
Your article last week``Pay freeze planned as budget cuts loom``and the DDC leader Paul Watkins statement``You can envisage that Councils could merge by evolution and natural conclusion``
I agree-----------Why wait for evolution?
Pauls other statement``The sooner we start the less painful it is going to be``Once again I agree---------So?
30 July 2010 at 3:25 pm
Letter to Dover Mercury.
Dear Editor,
Your article last week``Pay freeze planned as budget cuts loom``and the DDC leader Paul Watkins statement``You can envisage that Councils could merge by evolution and natural conclusion``
I agree-----------Why wait for evolution?
Pauls other statement``The sooner we start the less painful it is going to be``Once again I agree---------So?
30 July 2010 at 3:25 pm
In the Theatre thread in the members forum, it is said that Snoops is now owened by DDC. Is that information correct? I did notice the new metal sheets which have been put up to stop people breaking in. If it has been bought by DDC why did they do it? I did not think that the building was included in the original DTIZ plans.
30 July 2010 at 1:48 pm
30 July 2010 at 1:48 pm
Just spotted in the Dover Mercury that this is indeed the last visit from The Disney Magic. I knew it was close to the end but now confirmed as the last one by Mercury.
30 July 2010 at 11:19 am
30 July 2010 at 11:19 am
Such a stunning ship.
30 July 2010 at 9:53 am
30 July 2010 at 9:53 am
that is a beautiful ship, must pop down today to see it before it departs.
30 July 2010 at 9:45 am
30 July 2010 at 9:45 am
Paulb
The 'GOOD BIT'S' as you put it.
Local authorities all compete to get chief executives (taking this one post, don't forget theres many others top earners)
and deal with OUR money as though it's monopoly money.
To my way of thinking (and i have no grudge against any individual employee even those getting wages far to high)
Paying someone over £120,000 I would expect some major results, looking around Dover and three councils, need to review
2 chief executives on over £120,000 and all the other high salaries
at the top tier, time to look at ways of reducing councils, one should go.
As i say unitary is over 10 years away, and still not convinced it will happen, or decisions will be local
30 July 2010 at 7:54 am
The 'GOOD BIT'S' as you put it.
Local authorities all compete to get chief executives (taking this one post, don't forget theres many others top earners)
and deal with OUR money as though it's monopoly money.
To my way of thinking (and i have no grudge against any individual employee even those getting wages far to high)
Paying someone over £120,000 I would expect some major results, looking around Dover and three councils, need to review
2 chief executives on over £120,000 and all the other high salaries
at the top tier, time to look at ways of reducing councils, one should go.
As i say unitary is over 10 years away, and still not convinced it will happen, or decisions will be local
30 July 2010 at 7:54 am
While its true that some high flyers may be getting paid too much, this condensing of the services really basically just means ordinary people are losing their jobs. Up to 30% of the staff at Dover District Council are facing the exit door.
Im also not sure I believe in this mad political urge to save money at every turn, we have been sold a bit of a pup here. All we get is less of everything. Less people looking after the system locally, less people of quality in useful jobs, loss of services... frontline and otherwise. Where's the good bit here...??
30 July 2010 at 7:17 am
Im also not sure I believe in this mad political urge to save money at every turn, we have been sold a bit of a pup here. All we get is less of everything. Less people looking after the system locally, less people of quality in useful jobs, loss of services... frontline and otherwise. Where's the good bit here...??
30 July 2010 at 7:17 am
you may be right about people looking after themselves keith, the only way is for central government to create unitary authorities.
that would be against the localism agenda though.
29 July 2010 at 3:00 pm
that would be against the localism agenda though.
29 July 2010 at 3:00 pm
UNITARY OR NOT?????????????????????????
We differ on this but you have to admire REG to continue his battle for sa unitary authority.
To look a little deeper into his comments;
KCC Chief executive likely to be earning over £150,000
DDCChief executive likely to be earning over £120,000
DTC Clerk likely to be earning over £40,000
thats just the top officers,
below that you have directors on up to £100,000 then 2 or 3
tiers ogf officers eaning close to that figure.
Imagine, as Reg say the total cost of these 3 councils total
staffing costs, just in the top tiers!!!!
Although Reg is correct the costs would make a big saving, but sounds like it's over 10 years before any govt will touch the issue again.
My only concern is in South wales where I watched a district council get eaten up by a unitary council and liocal voices lost, these questions remain unanswered.
Sure they can be overcome.
Don't forget also last time unitaries were discussed in Kent/Dover
the political parties/non politicals persons all fought there own corners, so it didn't happen.
over to you Reg,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
29 July 2010 at 1:52 pm
We differ on this but you have to admire REG to continue his battle for sa unitary authority.
To look a little deeper into his comments;
KCC Chief executive likely to be earning over £150,000
DDCChief executive likely to be earning over £120,000
DTC Clerk likely to be earning over £40,000
thats just the top officers,
below that you have directors on up to £100,000 then 2 or 3
tiers ogf officers eaning close to that figure.
Imagine, as Reg say the total cost of these 3 councils total
staffing costs, just in the top tiers!!!!
Although Reg is correct the costs would make a big saving, but sounds like it's over 10 years before any govt will touch the issue again.
My only concern is in South wales where I watched a district council get eaten up by a unitary council and liocal voices lost, these questions remain unanswered.
Sure they can be overcome.
Don't forget also last time unitaries were discussed in Kent/Dover
the political parties/non politicals persons all fought there own corners, so it didn't happen.
over to you Reg,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
29 July 2010 at 1:52 pm
Thanks Paul i am getting a real Whizz on this now !!! watch out haha
29 July 2010 at 9:37 am
29 July 2010 at 9:37 am
Interesting one there Reg....we may get a response from the man himself although it might be too hot a potato!?
But back to the cars for a moment....
Crikey Ken, didnt realise the Bugatti above was worth soooo much. I was standing in the shadow of greatness and didnt realise it. Thanks for that info, also thanks re the little red car, hadnt heard of a Lea-Francis before, New one on me. Well done. Will change the copy above before it goes into the archives.
DavidH..'twould be good if something could be organised.... your right worshipfullness self...thought I'd grovel a bit there with the worshipful stuff. But really it could be a legacy for you to leave behind. Just think...The David Hannent motor rally! I know you are an enthusiast and thats great. As is Ken there...and thousands would turn up.
Sabine yes a lot of cars pass through on the way to Le Mans. I got some pictures of them recently myself...would indeed be a good time for a seafront rally. Many stay at the seafront hotels anyway.
Many thanks for all the further comments.
29 July 2010 at 9:20 am
But back to the cars for a moment....
Crikey Ken, didnt realise the Bugatti above was worth soooo much. I was standing in the shadow of greatness and didnt realise it. Thanks for that info, also thanks re the little red car, hadnt heard of a Lea-Francis before, New one on me. Well done. Will change the copy above before it goes into the archives.
DavidH..'twould be good if something could be organised.... your right worshipfullness self...thought I'd grovel a bit there with the worshipful stuff. But really it could be a legacy for you to leave behind. Just think...The David Hannent motor rally! I know you are an enthusiast and thats great. As is Ken there...and thousands would turn up.
Sabine yes a lot of cars pass through on the way to Le Mans. I got some pictures of them recently myself...would indeed be a good time for a seafront rally. Many stay at the seafront hotels anyway.
Many thanks for all the further comments.
29 July 2010 at 9:20 am
Evolution ?
DDC Leader Paul Watkins states.``You can envisage that Councils could merge by evolution and natural conclusion``
Why wait for evolution??
The Coalition Government say the BBC executive are to big,earn to much and their pensions are excessive.We say the DDC executive are to big,earn to much and their pensions are excessive.The Coalition Government mean to sort out the BBC!!! Who will sort out the DDC and the other three District Councils executive of East Kent??
We need the majority of the staff of these Councils but not the four sets of their executives costs!!!
Do we need four sets of executives for East Kent??
29 July 2010 at 9:03 am
DDC Leader Paul Watkins states.``You can envisage that Councils could merge by evolution and natural conclusion``
Why wait for evolution??
The Coalition Government say the BBC executive are to big,earn to much and their pensions are excessive.We say the DDC executive are to big,earn to much and their pensions are excessive.The Coalition Government mean to sort out the BBC!!! Who will sort out the DDC and the other three District Councils executive of East Kent??
We need the majority of the staff of these Councils but not the four sets of their executives costs!!!
Do we need four sets of executives for East Kent??
29 July 2010 at 9:03 am
Thank you for all that Paul
Yes I do have in mind a dover event or two in 2012 and have spoken to RR who are for it in principal. I am also a member if the Jaguar club and will be talking to them . What it does need is an organisation here to take it on board and Tourism in Dover is undergoing a "structural change"
I am a great enthusiast so wont let it slip if I can but have rather a lot on at the moment and support is needed.
29 July 2010 at 8:08 am
Yes I do have in mind a dover event or two in 2012 and have spoken to RR who are for it in principal. I am also a member if the Jaguar club and will be talking to them . What it does need is an organisation here to take it on board and Tourism in Dover is undergoing a "structural change"
I am a great enthusiast so wont let it slip if I can but have rather a lot on at the moment and support is needed.
29 July 2010 at 8:08 am
Re: The security around the Bugatti Royale
Five of the Six Bugatti Royales (Type 41) were on display in the open in the rain at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2007 without any ropes or barriers. It was suggested at the time that the five cars were worth a total of around $60,000,000 ! (Sixty million dollars)
29 July 2010 at 7:55 am
Five of the Six Bugatti Royales (Type 41) were on display in the open in the rain at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2007 without any ropes or barriers. It was suggested at the time that the five cars were worth a total of around $60,000,000 ! (Sixty million dollars)
29 July 2010 at 7:55 am
The red car white the white bonnet is a Lea-Francis, a sporting car of the pre war years. Many are still used in historic racing events.
29 July 2010 at 6:05 am
29 July 2010 at 6:05 am
Great cars and great photos Paul - good job you didn't leave your camera behind.
Perhaps the Town and District Councils could get together to create a couple of classic car events each year; everyone loves them and they do bring in the crowds.
Thanks again Paul for sharing them with us - greate indulgence.
Roger
29 July 2010 at 5:57 am
Perhaps the Town and District Councils could get together to create a couple of classic car events each year; everyone loves them and they do bring in the crowds.
Thanks again Paul for sharing them with us - greate indulgence.
Roger
29 July 2010 at 5:57 am
Many lovely old classic cars pass through Dover each June on the way to Le Mans. May be, a Classic Car Dover Show could be organised to coincide with this special event. I love classic cars and Dover is perfect for it.
28 July 2010 at 11:19 pm
28 July 2010 at 11:19 pm
I`ll never tire of viewing classic cars, and I`m still hoping for another event similar to that fantastic Rolls Royce weekend we had recently on our sea front. The classic car in that last picture of your`s Paul certainly compliment`s those building`s in the background.
28 July 2010 at 7:51 pm
28 July 2010 at 7:51 pm
Love the picture of the Delahaye PaulB, the only time I got to clap my eyes on this beautiful classic car was in Le Touquet a while back. The wonderful lines of cars from an age gone by is a wonder to behold, Great Photos.
28 July 2010 at 6:30 pm
28 July 2010 at 6:30 pm
Sigh…..all those beautiful cars. Great photos.
28 July 2010 at 6:22 pm
28 July 2010 at 6:22 pm
As the great display of pictures above show no matter where you are Dover seafront or Deauville, these old classic cars always attract attention.
It was a treat to see them arrrive and park in front of such a magnificent hotel.
28 July 2010 at 4:58 pm
It was a treat to see them arrrive and park in front of such a magnificent hotel.
28 July 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thanks for the comments on the cars guys, these classics are always popular...heavens they even inspired Tracey to log in for the first time. Well done Tracey, youre very welcome. Glad you managed it.
Yes the philosophy or strategy is fairly simple...get the cars to turn up and so will the crowds. Takes a bit of organising initially with the motoring clubs but once this is in place it could run and run. Not too expensive either. I think our Deputy Mayor Mr Hannent hinted previously that something like this could be possible. An event to get the tourists turning up rather than passing by would be a winner for the town.
28 July 2010 at 4:53 pm
Yes the philosophy or strategy is fairly simple...get the cars to turn up and so will the crowds. Takes a bit of organising initially with the motoring clubs but once this is in place it could run and run. Not too expensive either. I think our Deputy Mayor Mr Hannent hinted previously that something like this could be possible. An event to get the tourists turning up rather than passing by would be a winner for the town.
28 July 2010 at 4:53 pm
The Bucket and Spade in Ramsgate is always a good one, so why not Dover ?
28 July 2010 at 4:24 pm
28 July 2010 at 4:24 pm
the town looks stunning with the flowers and the buildings.
a great backdrop for the stunning cars.
28 July 2010 at 2:29 pm
a great backdrop for the stunning cars.
28 July 2010 at 2:29 pm
Keith, may-be a free ride too, I sometimes think! A fine collection! Lovely looking cars.
28 July 2010 at 2:12 pm
28 July 2010 at 2:12 pm
I think we should have as many events as we can going on in Dover.
28 July 2010 at 1:33 pm
28 July 2010 at 1:33 pm
Great photos PaulB, many thanks for sharing them with us. Annual motor event in Dover? Agreed, the town should do it.
28 July 2010 at 10:11 am
28 July 2010 at 10:11 am
paulb
i know
28 July 2010 at 10:10 am
i know
28 July 2010 at 10:10 am