Our Council must support the Pier Trust

An open letter to CCC from the Pier Trust's ex-Treasurer Jason Hollingsworth and ex-Chairman Graham Cooper:

In light of all the recent Council criticism of the Pier Trust in the press, as past Trustees we feel compelled to respond and set the record straight.

Firstly and perhaps rather tellingly, our first observation is astonishment that CCC should level any criticism at the Trust at all, after all the Pier Trust is a community organisation and if the council considers there are deficiencies why has CCC not done the right thing and wholeheartedly got behind the Trust and to support it and help to rectify those supposed failings.

After all, CCC does have two council appointed Trustees on the board! Perhaps this would have been a more constructive approach and a far better one, than simply to sitting back and sniping. Indeed, looking back to the last Pier Trust Annual General Meeting, as we recall, one of the councillor Trustees presented the assembled members with all the plans he envisaged for use of the pier in 2012. What has happened to them? Perhaps that is where any criticism should be directed.

Since its inception, the Trust has continued to attract very committed, high calibre individuals to help and advise it. Many of the Trustees regularly put in hundreds of hours per year unpaid to work solely for a better future for Herne Bay and should be lauded for doing so.

The Trust has produced several sound ideas and organised numerous successful events, Party on the Pier – a huge all day event that offered free roller skating and entertainment for the whole of Herne Bay, the Christmas Grotto, events at the Herne Bay Festival and the Herne Bay schools arts project to name but a few, all of which happened with little or no assistance from CCC.

Throughout 2011 the Trust participated in a joint working group with CCC and from our experience the key difficulty was getting clear and consistent answers from the council as to their plans, ideas and funding. If any criticism is to be levelled at the Trust, it can surely only be lack of resource. The problem has never been lack of experience or commitment.

In our view, the Trust has never been effectively or adequately supported by the Council. Indeed that is at the core of why so many Trustees have stood down in the past few years. This is in stark contract to Hastings, where with the full support and help of the local council, the Trust has been able to obtain considerable funding to produce its long term business plan.

To truly deliver on the expectations of the Trust’s members and the Town as a whole, full and effective support from the Council is essential. We know that the Trust has done all it can to move things forward in a constructive and professional manner.

Perhaps the Council now needs to do its part by addressing the confused relationship between the Trust and the Council and replacing it with an open, honest and effective partnership agreement with clear responsibilities and objectives for all concerned. We truly hope that this will be forthcoming as without it the Pier Trust’s objectives both short and long term will be completely unachievable.

Jason Hollingsworth

Graham Cooper

Music, Art & Poetry in Herne Bay

The Herne Bay branch of the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) is starting a new season of courses.

There will be a seven week course starting 17th April - one two-hour session a week - looking at poets and poetry between the two world wars.

Tutor Ron Dodge introduces the course:

Do you like poetry? Yes? No? Think again... Hitler and German rearmament. The Spanish Civil War. Grinding poverty. Ominous noises off. Was it likely that anything poetic could come from this 'low dishonest decade'? Yet poetry is always being written however turbulent the times.

In the 1930s a new breed of politically aware poets came of age, writing about the Spanish Civil War, about the increasingly urban sprawl, about the need to take sides, sensing the havoc of the coming conflict. People like WH Auden and Louis MacNeice were inspired to some of their finest poetry in this decade.

But as well as the so-called 'pylon poets' there were some notable others. The precocious Dylan Thomas was starting to make his mark. The mature poet TS Eliot wrote some of his finest work. Yet others, seemingly disengaged from the turmoil such as AE Housman and WB Yeats at the end of their creative lives made notable contributions.

Ron Dodge will look at the background of this uneasy peace between two wars to explore how the awareness of a world falling apart led some poets of the decade to come to terms with an unpoetic age, and how others seemingly did not.

Meanwhile, Caroline Finucane will take another group through seven sessions, starting on 19th April, on British Modern Art. She has already run a one day class, on Saturday 28th January, on The Origins of Modern Art.

On the subject of poetry again, the 17th March will see a one day course, led by Jane Ireson, which will be devoted to poems on the theme of Remembering. And another day course on Egyptology will take place in May - date to be decided.

And music? Well, the music course has already started, but there will be others, so keep an eye open.

If you are interested and would like to find out more, have a look at the WEA website for dates, times, venues and fees of courses in Herne Bay, or phone 01227 372281.

Herne Bay's Pier Trust gets new entertainment boss

Bay music man David Shepherd has been put in charge of entertainment at the town's Pier Trust following criticisms from the city council. At the last executive meeting, officers accused the trust of being inexperienced. So councillors voted officers an extra £6,000 to boost their events team to help organise some events for the summer.

David Shepherd

But the Pier Trust has hit back by taking on musician Mr Shepherd, who runs public address company Tasty Sound. Mr Shepherd said:

"I have been a trustee on the Herne Bay Pier Trust since September and was put forward for my expertise in event management. The trust is taking huge steps in drafting in experts from various industries to fulfil the demands of a fully rounded plan. While I appreciate the council's concerns, I can assure the people of Herne Bay that we are a much more dynamic and focused group than when many of the concerns were first raised."

Mr Shepherd has been working with the city council's events team for the past six years, helping to organise the eight-day 40-band Herne Bay Rocks talent show spread over eight venues during the Herne Bay Festival. He has also managed the main stage and compered shows. He said:

"My previous background was in the music industry, where I toured as a sound technician for pop and rock artists. I have managed and co-ordinated events in entertainment and corporate circles, supplying equipment for Princess Anne and American President Barack Obama. Let us not forget the Pier Trust's Christmas market and grotto, which had more than 3,500 visitors, with 650 children visiting Santa and more than 750 schoolchildren singing."

"We have a limited time to organise events but that is nothing new. Schedules are often tight. But I have enormous faith in the council's events team who have always been hugely co-operative. I am absolutely confident we will be running some amazing events on the pier this year. I would also love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved as we are always open to new ideas."

Call Mr Shepherd on 07740 163795 or e-mail tastysound@aol.co.uk

thisiskent

Multiply and subtract: more beach huts

So the Herne Bay beach hut consultation was "long" and "public" and "very comprehensive". I wonder whether the report of that consultation is also "long" and "public" and "very comprehensive"... if anyone knows where this report is, do let me know, and I'll pop it on this website for all to see.

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Extra beach huts look set to become a reality after council bosses voted to allow another 32 to be built. Members of Canterbury City Council's ruling executive committee voted to allow planning applications to begin, after a long public consultation on where to put them.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's executive in the Canterbury Guildhall, Tankerton councillor Neil Baker said:

"We're now down to 32 sites after a very comprehensive consultation. They are all genuine infill sites."

The new huts would be built by council contractors and the land would remain in council ownership. They sites earmarked include 15 in Herne Bay, 12 on Spa Esplanade West and three on Spa Esplanade East – and 17 in Whitstable. The decision now goes to the planning stage.

thisiskent 12th Feb 2012

Garage fire in Charles Street

Clouds of smoke drifted across Herne Bay, and at first it wasn't entirely clear where the smoke was coming from. After criss-crossing town, I found the Fire Brigade doing their good stuff at one of the garages backing on to Charles Street.

A car was destroyed when a blaze ripped through a Herne Bay garage. Two fire crews rushed to the workshop, near Rodney’s Sports Bar, at 3.30pm 2nd Feb. An overturned electrical heater appears to have started the blaze, which quickly spread to the eaves and roof. A Mini car was destroyed.

Crew manager Paul Austin explained the fire had already taken hold by the time they arrived. He said:

“We had to make a forced entry to both the front and the back of the garage as smoke was already blowing out into the street making visibility quite difficult. We also punctured a hole in the roof to increase the ventilation. That also gave us a chance to fight the flames from above as well as below.

The freezing temperatures meant we also called out the highways officers to grit the road as the water we’d used was turning to ice almost immediately.”

Crews had the fire under control by 4.30pm.

kentonline 3rd Feb 2012

The "never apologise, never explain" approach to democracy

Here's a councillor who thinks he was elected to speak his mind. What do you think - did you vote for representation, or a brain dump?

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Battling Bay councillor Peter Vickery-Jones and campaigner Phil Rose have clashed over a campaign to get the Downs registered as a village green. At a recent council meeting, Mr Vickery-Jones blasted Mr Rose as "pious and lamentable".

The 51-year-old has hit back in an official complaint describing the councillor's comments as "slanderous and abusive". A copy, which was leaked to the Times, lays bare the bad feeling. Mr Rose said:

"Cllr Vickery-Jones has made a series of inaccurate and abusive statements about me and my work to protect the Downs. These culminated in his most recent allegations at Herne Bay Area Member Panel. He repeatedly claims I deliberately misinform the public. Cllr Vickery-Jones' behaviour is slanderous, abusive and disrespectful."

He demanded written evidence from Cllr Vickery-Jones, or a full apology and a promise to never repeat the allegations. But the councillor said:

"I was elected to speak my mind and that's what I do. I have no intention of apologising for doing so."

HB Times 2nd Feb 2012

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"I was elected to speak my mind"? No, councillor - you were elected to represent the interests of your constituency.

Being elected doesn't give you the right to speak as you please, it gives you the duty to speak on behalf of others.

Minnis Day Center - KCC are the only ones who want it to close

KCC are riding roughshod over the needs and wishes of the very people they are suppose to serve. Having apparently discouraged referrals to the Minnis Day Centre, they then cite falling attendance as a reason for closure. They arrive at the community meeting to discuss the Centre's future with their minds made up. This is all very disappointing and, of course, not entirely surprising.

The good news is that all is not lost - this is far from being a done deal.

A campaign to save the Centre has been started by local residents, and users from across the Centre's catchment area, and people who just hate seeing the vulnerable and needy getting stitched up.

More details will be appearing on this site soon. If you want to be involved, or you just want to find out more, contact Barry Hardy: hardy.barry@yahoo.com or 01843 845022

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Fears that review may close lifeline service

Users of Birchington's day care centre fear a county council review of services could see their "lifeline" shut. Kent County Council has written to carers and clients of the Minnis Day Centre inviting views on "future provision".

Chris & Sue GodbySue and Chris Godby have been regulars at the centre since Mr Godby suffered a stroke in 2010. Mrs Godby said:

"We are extremely concerned about the reduction or removal of the excellent services provided at the Minnis Day Centre. Many people who use the centre are vulnerable and would find it difficult to make their voices heard and should not be denied access."

During her husband's recovery, Mrs Godby was unable to find him a full-time carer. The day centre allows her to continue teaching and remain financially independent. She said:

"Day centres at Victoria Villas and Bradstowe Court in Broadstairs are already close to capacity and concerns have been raised over whether Minnis Day Centre clients would find another day centre locally. There are no alternative facilities in Thanet that cater for Chris's needs. The closest location is Faversham, which is impractical. The Minnis Day Centre provides a vital lifeline for Chris and myself."

Kent County Council say that the Minnis Day Centre is part of an overall review of Older People's Services. A KCC spokesman said:

"The number of clients that use the Minnis centre has dropped from 91 in 2010 to 79 in 2011."

IoT Gazette 27th Jan 2012

Pier Trust reveals extension plans

Campaigners have unveiled plans to extend the pier and build a new pavilion. Members of Herne Bay Pier Trust revealed details of the scheme – the brainchild of graphic designer Dave Parish – ahead of a crucial council meeting to debate the pier's future after council officers claimed the lack of a clear plan for the site meant that "difficult decisions" would have to be made.

In a six-page report due to be discussed by the council's ruling executive on 2nd Feb, council officer Dawn Hudd raised a number of issues. She said:

"Communications with the trust have been contradictory and we are now at a point where difficult decisions need to be made about any programme of activity this year. A clear understanding needs to be obtained of any planning limitations for the site. Given the Pier Trust's lack of experience and its own admission about its capacity… significant input from council officers will be required."

But pier bosses hit back, and said they were reviewing several options, including a row of beach hut-type stalls, a cafe, a local-information stall and an area for angling. They hope to attract private funding for their plans. Spokeswoman Doreen Stone said:

"We have been working hard for the future of the pier through our two appointed councillor trustees, Andrew Cook and Joe Howes. The trust sent its business plan to the council before Christmas. We have agreed to present a final business plan in mid February. On the main platform, we have suggested a multi-purpose floor, which could be used for skating, musical events, comedy, dancing and live performances. A local designer has presented rough drafts of two domes to cover the activity areas and the trust is currently planning several events this summer."

Council officials have warned any events need to be planned urgently, as most will need a premises licence, which takes 56 days. Health and safety issues, planning limitations and how to get power and water to the pier platform also need to be considered.

Councillors will be told tonight that they have four options, including leaving the site empty and closed off once the pavilion is demolished in about six weeks' time, keeping full control of the pier and putting activities in place, or keeping control of the pier platform but helping the Pier Trust and other organisations to organise events.

They were expected to choose the last option, and request an additional £40,600 from Canterbury City Council on top of their current budget for the pier of £75,000. The increased budget will include £18,000 for insurance, £10,000 for gates, £5,000 for a tide gauge and £10,300 for navigation lights, as well as £20,000 contingency money.

Heron councillor Andrew Cook told the Times:

"The council and the Pier Trust are working very closely to ensure activities are put in place. We will be presenting those at the King's Hall business and community exhibition on March 21. Local designer David Parish has presented us with a exciting model of a Victorian building with modern elements as a possible cover for the pier platform, which is quite exposed.

We are looking at the feasibility and finances of putting something like this in place; if not this summer, then during phase two, possibly over a platform doubled in length. Realistically, the pier platform is likely to open for its first event to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee."

HB Times 3rd Feb 2012

HB Farmers' Market shaping up well

Stall holders lining up for market plan

Plans for a farmers' market in the Bay are gaining pace, with organiser Vanessa Hill already lining up stall holders.

She received a flurry of calls after being featured in last week's Times and plans to hold the first of the fortnightly markets on Saturday March 3 in the Methodist church hall in the High Street.

The Bay mum, who works as a cook, said:

"I've already had some very promising calls from people. There are people who are looking to sell homemade chutneys, cakes, all sorts of local produce. I'm really keen to hear from people who could do locally produced fruit and veg, as well as butchers.

But we're open to having a few craft stalls as well. So jewellery makers or anybody with a particular talent they'd like to share are welcome to get in touch."

Got an idea for a stall? Call Vanessa Hill on 07740 586 010.

HB Times 3rd Feb 2012

Bandstand - rumours and speculation

Just weeks away from a deal

The café bar at the Bandstand is about to change hands, with a mystery punter just weeks away from taking over the whole seafront building, sources claim. Owners the Thorley family have told the Times they are close to a deal that would see their lease handed over to another business.

They refused to name the interested party, citing commercial sensitivity, but spokesman Phil Thorley said:

"We're in the middle of negotiations. That's all I can tell you. But we expect a deal very soon, hopefully within two weeks."

Speculation about the future of the Victorian seafront building has mounted since pub boss Frank Thorley told the Times he was looking to get out of the building – and blamed the council for the excessive rent it was charging.

Council sources told the Times at the time that the Café Bar owners had threatened the council with legal action after a row over the council's 20-year rent package for neighbouring Makcaris, which included a three-year rent-free period. After a secret meeting councillors agreed to a rent-reduction for the café bar as well.

The seafront site has been looked at by a number of Bay businessmen, including the boss of the Ship and Plough pubs, Tony Farrow, as well as Vivid nightclub owner Karl Ahmad. Makcari's bosses the Hassan family denied they were the bidders, after speculation mounted that the coffee parlour owners would be taking over. Makcari's boss Hassan Hassan said:

"It's categorically not us. I've given up trying to keep track of who is meant to be taking it over. Most sensible people have looked at the site and concluded it's just too expensive."

HB Times 3rd Feb 2012

Tesco at Herne: villagers fight, councillor gives in

The Herne villagers fighting Tesco are being stitched up by Cllr Vickery-Jones. The villagers and the parish council are refusing Tesco's "cash contributions", but the councillor is happy to take the money on behalf of CCC, contrary to the wishes of his constituents.

The Council is perfectly well able to make life difficult for people using the planning process, but Cllr Vickery-Jones seems very willing to throw up his hands in surrender when it comes to Tesco. It wouldn't be the "cash contributions", would it?

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Tesco opponents vow to keep up their fight

Herne villagers have vowed to continue fighting plans for a supermarket after bosses said public opinion was no barrier. Campaigners are battling supermarket giant Tesco, which wants to open an Express store on the site of the former Upper Red Lion pub.

The Herne Against Tesco committee vowed it would make a difference after retail bosses said the opposition was no obstacle to their plans. Committee spokeswoman Tina Rackham said:

"There is vehement and reasoned opposition to Tesco's proposal throughout the majority of the village. Communication, and indeed consultation, is a two-way exchange of views and information, not the presentation of a fait accompli, compounded by an apparent total disregard and inaccurate recollection of points discussed with third parties. It is our 'Express' wish that Tesco recognises the unsuitability of the site and moves on. We can and will make a difference."

The statement came as Herne and Broomfield city councillor Peter Vickery-Jones told the Times that, despite the parish council voting to reject any cash contributions from the supermarket as part of its planning application, the city council would be keen to use the money for a training and education project in Herne. He said:

"Councillor Jean Law has helped to set up some very successful training classes for people not in education, employment or training around the town that teach people how to make job applications. I know it won't make me very popular with the parish council but I want it in Herne and Broomfield as I think it would be very helpful. Short of civil disobedience, there's nothing we can do about Tesco coming."

HB Times 3rd Feb 2012