Comment
The Front Page.
Something of a slight holdup here on the frontpage, but a new feature will follow along in due course. Please enjoy our chatty forum and all our other exciting features and blogs in the meantime. If you have something to add to the debates and discussions you can join up and become a member by emailing me PaulB on dover7@msn.com.
Previous Frontpage Features are in All Recent Features.
Leave your comment in box below. All Welcome.
Viewed 614393 times
3 September 2010
Previous Frontpage Features are in All Recent Features.
Leave your comment in box below. All Welcome.
Add your comment...
Howard,
all the great Politicos,be that regional or national practised one mantra "engage".When this fails to happen and they retreat into political ghettos of their own makings they become an irrelevance,and we know nature abhours a vacum.
20 May 2009 at 9:16 pm
all the great Politicos,be that regional or national practised one mantra "engage".When this fails to happen and they retreat into political ghettos of their own makings they become an irrelevance,and we know nature abhours a vacum.
20 May 2009 at 9:16 pm
some interesting posts from you j, unfortunately our towns leaders are not brilliant at communicating.
for example
most of the townspeople think that the big screen is coming out of their council tax.
another one, most people think that the council (myself included) made compulsory purchase orders.
not so, in the case of the dtiz, it is up to the developers.
20 May 2009 at 8:54 pm
for example
most of the townspeople think that the big screen is coming out of their council tax.
another one, most people think that the council (myself included) made compulsory purchase orders.
not so, in the case of the dtiz, it is up to the developers.
20 May 2009 at 8:54 pm
There lies the dichotomy !.
20 May 2009 at 8:43 pm
20 May 2009 at 8:43 pm
Very clear picture's for a moblie phone glad to see thoses guy's are around looking out for us they do a brillant job.
So quick off the mark to get such good picture's mike.
20 May 2009 at 7:00 pm
So quick off the mark to get such good picture's mike.
20 May 2009 at 7:00 pm
Make everything clear and inclusive,forget the ideas of groups of elitist locals politicians and business men pushing forward their latest "Big Idea".Have a coherent vision that carries the asperations of our whole community held with in it.Forget political jargon, be seen on the streets,not just when a mandate is needed.Ditch terminology like at" the top "that will definately alienate people as it gives the impression of a stratified system.New thinking+innovation =new perspective.
20 May 2009 at 4:32 pm
20 May 2009 at 4:32 pm
I am sure there is a great deal going on "at the top". There always is. And what little I know of P Watlins has indicated that he does have drive and ambition for Dover and his swift and honest responses have been comendable. However, we need more than hidden agendas and aspirations for Dover. We need to see some positive stuff and have evidence of movement. We don't have that - there are some things, mainly around demolition, but it's not sufficient and not good enough. we constantly hear "in time", "it's inthe pipeline". I have been in Dover for around 12 years and it hasn't developed much in that time - how much longer do we need? It is half a century since WWII - get a grip!
20 May 2009 at 7:12 am
20 May 2009 at 7:12 am
I'll just make a couple of final comments on this thread.
Paul Watkins does not have cronies and he is and has been the most dynamic Leader, the District Council has had for many, many years.
His ability to punch above our (Dover's) weight on matters of stratgeic and regional investment in Dover is down to him and the Chief Executive.
It's not easy to achieve "Growth-Point" status which allows Dover access to even more funding, which is now coming on stream.
Don't underestimate his aspirations for Dover - it is far from his fault that the regeneration hasn't yet started, that is due to land-ownership issues which are the responsibility of the Developers to resolve - and they are being chased.
I can only assume that your comments are down to lack of knowledge of what is going on at the top - and there is an awful lot.
There may be a lack of communication; I do think that perhaps the "message" should be given out more often and the reasons for these or any delays, given out on a regular basis.
What is the difference between spending an allowance over 12 months or 1, if it is such an important event for Dover ? The Chairman has decided that this is such an important event for Dover, so will be frugal with the other 11 months.
There won't be an event if all you can do is grumble on and on; this is a "good-news" story for Dover and you have torn it to shreds.
Roger
20 May 2009 at 6:32 am
Paul Watkins does not have cronies and he is and has been the most dynamic Leader, the District Council has had for many, many years.
His ability to punch above our (Dover's) weight on matters of stratgeic and regional investment in Dover is down to him and the Chief Executive.
It's not easy to achieve "Growth-Point" status which allows Dover access to even more funding, which is now coming on stream.
Don't underestimate his aspirations for Dover - it is far from his fault that the regeneration hasn't yet started, that is due to land-ownership issues which are the responsibility of the Developers to resolve - and they are being chased.
I can only assume that your comments are down to lack of knowledge of what is going on at the top - and there is an awful lot.
There may be a lack of communication; I do think that perhaps the "message" should be given out more often and the reasons for these or any delays, given out on a regular basis.
What is the difference between spending an allowance over 12 months or 1, if it is such an important event for Dover ? The Chairman has decided that this is such an important event for Dover, so will be frugal with the other 11 months.
There won't be an event if all you can do is grumble on and on; this is a "good-news" story for Dover and you have torn it to shreds.
Roger
20 May 2009 at 6:32 am
Dear Sheilla Amos,
In responce to your reply, at no time did I refer to you as an old cronie. If you had taken the time to read what I wrote you will see that I referred to "Cllr Watkins and his cronies" Incidentally I am also of the same age bracket as your self, give or take a couple of years either way,so please do not patronise me.
I have to admit to being rather confused with regards to what you say.In one sentence you refer to this "lovely old town", In another sentence you express your sorrow that the town is dying, your words not mine. I have to agree with your last sentiment. My question to you is why is it wrong for me to express an opinion which is shared with a vast majority of the towns folk who are desperate for change.You really must not take things so personally
I note you say you got off your butt and got elected to try and do something for the town,did,nt come to much did it??
19 May 2009 at 10:08 pm
In responce to your reply, at no time did I refer to you as an old cronie. If you had taken the time to read what I wrote you will see that I referred to "Cllr Watkins and his cronies" Incidentally I am also of the same age bracket as your self, give or take a couple of years either way,so please do not patronise me.
I have to admit to being rather confused with regards to what you say.In one sentence you refer to this "lovely old town", In another sentence you express your sorrow that the town is dying, your words not mine. I have to agree with your last sentiment. My question to you is why is it wrong for me to express an opinion which is shared with a vast majority of the towns folk who are desperate for change.You really must not take things so personally
I note you say you got off your butt and got elected to try and do something for the town,did,nt come to much did it??
19 May 2009 at 10:08 pm
Dear Ann of whitfield,
I am glad to take you up on a motto for Dover.
How about "Dover no future,no present, and died in the past"
19 May 2009 at 9:43 pm
I am glad to take you up on a motto for Dover.
How about "Dover no future,no present, and died in the past"
19 May 2009 at 9:43 pm
Quelle suprise...............
19 May 2009 at 8:38 pm
19 May 2009 at 8:38 pm
i was trying to work that one out too.
the town council in general has hardly covered itself in glory on this one.
the only two posts on here from independent people that were there give the impression that egos were at the fore, at the expense of the town.
19 May 2009 at 8:35 pm
the town council in general has hardly covered itself in glory on this one.
the only two posts on here from independent people that were there give the impression that egos were at the fore, at the expense of the town.
19 May 2009 at 8:35 pm
Keith, in this topic about the events of the Mayor Making, you say you have spoken to Gordon Cowan who has said he is very surprised at the comments in one of the local papers.
Which paper? I ask because since the Mayor Making last Thursday, none of our three local papers have been published. Is Gordon so upset he is beginning to imagine things?
19 May 2009 at 8:09 pm
Which paper? I ask because since the Mayor Making last Thursday, none of our three local papers have been published. Is Gordon so upset he is beginning to imagine things?
19 May 2009 at 8:09 pm
ANN
I can only agree with your comments
Could a further view be known of last years mayor selections
put forward at that time was d smallwood because s jones diidnt liked the democratic vote she stormed out of a meeting
source g cowan and other labour councillors
WOT A DIFFRENCE A YEAR MAKES !!!!
19 May 2009 at 6:48 pm
I can only agree with your comments
Could a further view be known of last years mayor selections
put forward at that time was d smallwood because s jones diidnt liked the democratic vote she stormed out of a meeting
source g cowan and other labour councillors
WOT A DIFFRENCE A YEAR MAKES !!!!
19 May 2009 at 6:48 pm
Localview thats an interesting one so thanks for that. I think many people would be cautious to be seen lording it up at such an extravagant dinner in these difficult times. Not only are we the people suffering a deep recession and feeling economic pain, but the nation is also reeling from the gravy train factor which is decimating the political system. We the public do not want to see our DDC representatives attending this event at taxpayers expense because as I understand it Bernard Butcher will have a table of 12/14 from his own budget..ie at yours and my expense. I stand to be corrected on this if its not the case.
19 May 2009 at 6:26 pm
19 May 2009 at 6:26 pm
From what I am hearing Cresting are finding it very difficult to attract companies to their corporate Bleriot Dinner. Opening it up to the public is a desperation move to increase numbers - the simple fact is they have overpriced themselves in the current climate.
19 May 2009 at 5:37 pm
19 May 2009 at 5:37 pm
The problem with Mr. Watkins and his crones is that all we get are lots of words and little action. Removing them and trying to introduce more dynamic blood into the Council is surely the answer. I am convinced that all the time we have the current Leader Dover will continue to die the death.
As for mottos D. Friell what about 'Dover, looking to the future but still living in the past.
19 May 2009 at 11:36 am
As for mottos D. Friell what about 'Dover, looking to the future but still living in the past.
19 May 2009 at 11:36 am
Dover can only move forward when commitments follow discussions.
We all know the regeneration WILL come, but for all of it to be achieved will take a long time, but in the meantime, there needs to be a commitment (I understand discussions have taken place many times over many months) for a Dover Business Support Body that will look after the Town and its business in a range of ways.
From words of support (very closely followed by actions) and advice on what is going to be done on the "ground floor" to support the businesses - NOW.
The businesses are on their own, they know they are on their own, I don't think there is another Town that has no business support body.
There's no one supporting them, advising them, helping them with business rates, bringing people to Dover, making Dover a destination for visitors/tourists, smartening up the buildings, flowers all years round, bringing new businesses here (that's why I asked about what businesses you'd like to see here).
Whether this Business Support Body is run under the auspices of the Dover Chamber of Commerce, matters not if the money is ring-fenced purely for this Dover Retail Business Support Body and not for other funding.
The Chamber have the business expertise, but don't have the money, the Town and District Councils have the money (so does the Harbour Board), but not the expertise or knowledge on what the businesses need, so marry the two and let's move forward.
Roger
19 May 2009 at 7:32 am
We all know the regeneration WILL come, but for all of it to be achieved will take a long time, but in the meantime, there needs to be a commitment (I understand discussions have taken place many times over many months) for a Dover Business Support Body that will look after the Town and its business in a range of ways.
From words of support (very closely followed by actions) and advice on what is going to be done on the "ground floor" to support the businesses - NOW.
The businesses are on their own, they know they are on their own, I don't think there is another Town that has no business support body.
There's no one supporting them, advising them, helping them with business rates, bringing people to Dover, making Dover a destination for visitors/tourists, smartening up the buildings, flowers all years round, bringing new businesses here (that's why I asked about what businesses you'd like to see here).
Whether this Business Support Body is run under the auspices of the Dover Chamber of Commerce, matters not if the money is ring-fenced purely for this Dover Retail Business Support Body and not for other funding.
The Chamber have the business expertise, but don't have the money, the Town and District Councils have the money (so does the Harbour Board), but not the expertise or knowledge on what the businesses need, so marry the two and let's move forward.
Roger
19 May 2009 at 7:32 am
Gosh, I seem to have heard that before.....and before.....and before.........and before..............."start", "work together" "hard work". Pardon my disillusion.
19 May 2009 at 7:05 am
19 May 2009 at 7:05 am
D Friell, you can address me what ever way you like, you stated this town was below your expectations, and I said it was a lovely old Town, and have lived here for seventy years +, and that is why being an old cronie as you call me, (you'll get to be one day), I decided to get off my arse, and get elected last time around to see if I could help make a difference, it breaks my heart year after year to see the town dying, Dover deserves better, and has been better, and will be again, I am not living in a daydream, and promising utopia, because I could never give it, I wish I could wave a wand and bring it back to life, but you only have those things in fairy stories, it is going to take a lot of hard work and commitment, to start and achieve whatever we can. I only hope I live long enough to see the town start to come back to life, we must all pull and work together.
19 May 2009 at 6:46 am
19 May 2009 at 6:46 am
this is addressed to Sheila Amos,
I do not know whether to address you as miss or Mrs,however on we go.
You have the gall to criticise me for my comment that I have lived here for 22 years and my opinion of the town is some what below your expectations. Well let me state that as you say you have lived hear in "this lovely old town" for 70 years it is you and people of like mind who should hang there head in shame. After 70 years one would expect in this day and age a town that had the urge to improve itself,but alas, if it is populated with people like you who seem to consider early twentieth century standards as the norm then the rest of us can only despair and accept your dismal analogy of what constitutes a "Lovely old town "" god help us.
Instead of criticising poor misguided fools like me who after all only want to see improvements why do you not turn your spleen in the direction of Cllr Watkins and hiscronies who year after year promise utopia. They sit in there ivory tower at Whitfield with there grandiose plans, but correct me if I am wrong
nothing ever happens. I do not know if Dover has a motto on its coat of arms if not may I suggest the following "Could" "Maybe" "In the future" "World class town"
18 May 2009 at 9:09 pm
I do not know whether to address you as miss or Mrs,however on we go.
You have the gall to criticise me for my comment that I have lived here for 22 years and my opinion of the town is some what below your expectations. Well let me state that as you say you have lived hear in "this lovely old town" for 70 years it is you and people of like mind who should hang there head in shame. After 70 years one would expect in this day and age a town that had the urge to improve itself,but alas, if it is populated with people like you who seem to consider early twentieth century standards as the norm then the rest of us can only despair and accept your dismal analogy of what constitutes a "Lovely old town "" god help us.
Instead of criticising poor misguided fools like me who after all only want to see improvements why do you not turn your spleen in the direction of Cllr Watkins and hiscronies who year after year promise utopia. They sit in there ivory tower at Whitfield with there grandiose plans, but correct me if I am wrong
nothing ever happens. I do not know if Dover has a motto on its coat of arms if not may I suggest the following "Could" "Maybe" "In the future" "World class town"
18 May 2009 at 9:09 pm
As I have said previously the Mayor and myself will be working hard this year for the Town and its people.
No we will not just be attending openings and inaugarations the job does involve alot more than just that, so maybe the end of our year will be the time to say whether we have done our best or not.
18 May 2009 at 7:16 pm
No we will not just be attending openings and inaugarations the job does involve alot more than just that, so maybe the end of our year will be the time to say whether we have done our best or not.
18 May 2009 at 7:16 pm
Was Cowan also surprised about the noise from the Post office Social Club? I doubt it, given how often he was asked to soundproof and how many Saturday nights were ruined for a significant number of people in the vicinity.
18 May 2009 at 6:59 pm
18 May 2009 at 6:59 pm
Paulb
just on your posting, obama was democratically elected and mrs clinton lost the vote within her party, not the same as has happened on the town council,
Knowing Sheila she will continue to work hard for the town in her own way and that is never in doubt.
Being a Dovorian for some 50 odd years I to would like to see a better Dover.
I have spoken to G Cowan who I have to saY is very surprized at the commrentsd in one of the local papers.
He did say othrer labour cllrs left before him!!, and he did return for some 25 minutes after first leaving, so is very surprized at the local media input.
There are lots of ways of benefiting the town but there will be some tensions because of the way this decision was arrived at.
I'm sure that even with all of this in lots of diffrent ways those serving cllrs will do there bit for Dover.
It will be an interesting year
18 May 2009 at 6:49 pm
just on your posting, obama was democratically elected and mrs clinton lost the vote within her party, not the same as has happened on the town council,
Knowing Sheila she will continue to work hard for the town in her own way and that is never in doubt.
Being a Dovorian for some 50 odd years I to would like to see a better Dover.
I have spoken to G Cowan who I have to saY is very surprized at the commrentsd in one of the local papers.
He did say othrer labour cllrs left before him!!, and he did return for some 25 minutes after first leaving, so is very surprized at the local media input.
There are lots of ways of benefiting the town but there will be some tensions because of the way this decision was arrived at.
I'm sure that even with all of this in lots of diffrent ways those serving cllrs will do there bit for Dover.
It will be an interesting year
18 May 2009 at 6:49 pm
I have no opinion about that, but I do question your post in which you said you would not discuss "with anyone" your reasons for believing the current mayor is not suitable. If you have doubts and they are genuine you do not have the right to withold them from the electorate.
18 May 2009 at 6:49 pm
18 May 2009 at 6:49 pm
Just because I did not see Sue suitable for Mayor, which is my perogative, does not mean that I will not work together as previously, the town comes first and foremost, D friell says she has lived in this God Awful town for 22 years, I have lived in in this lovely old Town for 70+ years and will do anything to stop it from dying, Hitler could not destroy it, and neither will I or the Town Council.
18 May 2009 at 10:49 am
18 May 2009 at 10:49 am
The political class either with a small or big P are becoming shameful and irrelevant."How many openings or inaugarations are we going to attend this year",whilst the Town shuffles ever closer to dormitary status,find your back bones or as the qoute states "The people of England will yet speak"forget the navel gazeing and ego stroking make REAL change,do not be compromised, innovate and inspire.
18 May 2009 at 10:46 am
18 May 2009 at 10:46 am
Sadly reps appear to operate in a bubble of their own making at times. It all reflects on them and their capabilities, unfortunately. Their ability to manage PR and communicate with people is a major part of their job - it is a part they too often fail.
18 May 2009 at 7:48 am
18 May 2009 at 7:48 am
Did not I warn our town Councillors that Joe public would see any sort of poor show at Mayor making would have a bad effect on how the public view them??? Yes I did, but it appears that a minority still did not heed the warning.
All the good that DTC has done over the last few years to bridge the gap between themselves and the average person on the street has now suffered a major set back, as we can see from some of the postings below.
SUCH A DREADFUL SHAME!!!!
18 May 2009 at 7:19 am
All the good that DTC has done over the last few years to bridge the gap between themselves and the average person on the street has now suffered a major set back, as we can see from some of the postings below.
SUCH A DREADFUL SHAME!!!!
18 May 2009 at 7:19 am
I do feel for the new Mayor: she has to do her job in the teeth of all this rubbish. A good grounding for politics, though...! Good Luck to her.
18 May 2009 at 6:57 am
18 May 2009 at 6:57 am
Just to go back to Keith's post for a minute...Keith its an honest and good post and tells it how people are feeling within the Labour group. However like in most leadership elections, even in the lofty case of Obama and Clinton where it was a bloody campaign, once the vote is in and the dust has settled, shouldnt all try to work together for the greater good as is standard practice even in the higher echelons.
18 May 2009 at 6:51 am
18 May 2009 at 6:51 am
Sheila - if there are reasons why someone is unsuitable to represent our town I fail to see why you "will not discuss with you or anyone else" those reasons. This is my town, you are our reps. Sadly D Friell is right: there is so much evidence of idiocy and petty squabbles impacting on reps abilities to actually doi what they are supposed to do that we can only draw the obvious conclusions.
18 May 2009 at 6:44 am
18 May 2009 at 6:44 am
Why do we have to give room to this drivel about councillors and there tantrums. Well let them get on with it, and in the mean time the rest of the people who live in Dover can be assured once again nobody on the council will be bothered for another year about the rank state of the town. I beleive the latest council literature refers to "A world class town" well having lived here for 22 years and seen no improvement what ever.Sadly I have to ask, is there nobody in this god awful town who has the guts to start kicking ass and demand what is ours by right, namely to be able to walk in a town that does not look as if it is still waiting for Adolf Hitler!!
18 May 2009 at 12:42 am
18 May 2009 at 12:42 am
Badger,
I am one of the 6 Cowan councillors as you call me, what a load fo crap, I have a mind of my own, and have my reasons for not voting for Sue, as I have said in previous postings, Sue has worked extremely hard, I will not and can't fault her on that, and good luck to her, I would not want the job if they paid £1,000000, but there are other issues, which I will not discuss with you or anyone on here as to why she does not get my support
17 May 2009 at 10:04 pm
I am one of the 6 Cowan councillors as you call me, what a load fo crap, I have a mind of my own, and have my reasons for not voting for Sue, as I have said in previous postings, Sue has worked extremely hard, I will not and can't fault her on that, and good luck to her, I would not want the job if they paid £1,000000, but there are other issues, which I will not discuss with you or anyone on here as to why she does not get my support
17 May 2009 at 10:04 pm
the best thing about the whole fiasco is that no-one will be taking the chairs this year.
our susan will be surprised that there are any left.
17 May 2009 at 9:43 pm
our susan will be surprised that there are any left.
17 May 2009 at 9:43 pm
The six of the Cowan group refusing to take the chair positions? Well, what a wonderful town we live in. I had always believed the Town Council should be working together for the good of the town. How naive of me - it's just a collection of pithy egos fighting it out in the playground.
What a pathetic situation. God help this town, there really is no hope for it.
17 May 2009 at 9:08 pm
What a pathetic situation. God help this town, there really is no hope for it.
17 May 2009 at 9:08 pm
this really is a sad situation for the town.
we have a mayor(a non political position), working knowing that there is a good chance of the knives being in the background.
no wonder that dover always seems to take one step forward, two steps back.
17 May 2009 at 8:59 pm
we have a mayor(a non political position), working knowing that there is a good chance of the knives being in the background.
no wonder that dover always seems to take one step forward, two steps back.
17 May 2009 at 8:59 pm
Was it DDC that appointed Cresting as the management company for the Bleriot celebrations?
17 May 2009 at 8:48 pm
17 May 2009 at 8:48 pm
Franz Kafka would have thought the Politicians in Dover heaven sent for his Muse.On second thoughts he would have laughed into his dark,dysfunctional Middle European beer.
17 May 2009 at 8:16 pm
17 May 2009 at 8:16 pm
I think this will be a very difficult year as Sue doesn't have the support of the Labour group who democratically put forward there nomination. So realy for the year she will be more like an indy.
I think the 6 labour cllrs can hold there heads high even though others have put the wearing of a chain before democracy.
They have to live with that.
I have a feeling it will be truamatic year, im already hearing many of the 6 labour cllrs are refusing to take any of the chairs this year
Think it will be an interesting year,
17 May 2009 at 7:51 pm
I think the 6 labour cllrs can hold there heads high even though others have put the wearing of a chain before democracy.
They have to live with that.
I have a feeling it will be truamatic year, im already hearing many of the 6 labour cllrs are refusing to take any of the chairs this year
Think it will be an interesting year,
17 May 2009 at 7:51 pm
Then your infomation about who choose the candidate to be Mayor elect is wrong Roger it is only Labour Town Cllrs
17 May 2009 at 7:27 pm
17 May 2009 at 7:27 pm