Oh dear. He just doesn't get it, does he?

• Step 1 - put your fingers in your ears, to block out the voice of reason.
• Step 2 - shut your eyes tightly, to avoid seeing the evidence.
• Step 3 - close your mind to the facts.
• Step 4 - keep shouting "The Westgate trial is a success", in the hope you'll be believed.​
• Congratulations - you're councillor material.
  

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Canterbury's Westgate Towers traffic ban 'should continue'

A scheme to ban traffic passing through Canterbury's Westgate Towers should be kept in place while evaluations are carried out, the city's council says.

Peter Vickery-Jones, responsible for transport on Canterbury City Council, said traffic pollution had been reduced during the year-long trial.

The ban on vehicles passing under the gateway came into effect in March 2012. About 4,000 people signed a petition calling for the scheme to be scrapped. Opponents said the changes to traffic flows caused congestion and were a danger to pedestrians.

Mr Vickery-Jones said:

"We have displaced traffic, there's no question of that. We have reduced the amount of traffic in the St Dunstan's area by 15%. That's had the effect of reducing the air quality management systems in St Peter's Place, Pound Lane, North Lane and Lower St Dunstan's [Street] to an acceptable level."

He said the scheme had evened out pollution levels across the city.

"For us to revisit the pollution back on those people who live in those areas would be a bad mistake until we've had an opportunity to look at the figures."

In a statement, Kent County Council said:

"Finding a solution to Canterbury's traffic problems is a significant challenge. The Westgate Towers scheme will be removed at the end of the trial period next month, and there will then be a thorough review."

BBC 25th Feb 2013

A bug inside the hive mind

At last, a peek behind the closed doors (and minds) at Military Road. Here's a neat little video explaining how the decisions about Kingsmead playing fields were made.

For all I know, this could be a transcript from a bugging device - it all seems very plausible and "in character".

Uploaded by canterbury openspace on 2013-02-24.

Nice BIRG

BIRG is a new, free, networking and sales support group for all independent retailers, restaurateurs and associated trades in Herne Bay.

Their first meeting will be on 12th March at 5.45pm at the excellent Berry's Eatery, opposite the Pier.

For more details, contact Nigel ​on 01227 364659 or nigel@thebay.org.uk

Gilbey crushes colleague, damages democracy

Be pure. Be vigilant. Behave.

This is shocking, whichever way you look at it. Cllr Gilbey fires one of his own, supposedly for speaking out of turn (see news item below).

As Cllr Hirst points out, he is a councillor for both Canterbury City and Kent County, and he decides which hat to wear on the basis of whether the issue is a District level or County level matter. Highways is a County matter, and KCC have set their face against the Westgate trial, so Hirst voted accordingly.

There is also the small point, often overlooked by the current administration at Canterbury, that the overwhelming majority of residents (i.e. voters) are against the trial for the simple reason that it's been a cock-up from the very beginning. Just as many predicted.

​So, Hirst votes in line with his (split) duty, in line with public sentiment, but against Gilbey's will. And gets fired.

This is in stark contrast to the very recent treatment of Cllr Neil Baker, who, in an act of breath-takingly reckless stupidity, drunkenly drove his car half way up a tree. He has been briefly suspended from the Executive (pay cut), will probably return to it in May, and in the meantime put onto another high profile committee. Gilbey showed his customary political sure-footedness by appointing Baker to the Joint Transport Board, which covers highways, road traffic and public transport.

What could possibly explain the very different treatment meted out to the two conservative councillors by their leader? Here's a suggestion...​ after Baker's arrest, Gilbey said:

“Neil has shown great support and done so much so it would be a shame to jump in too quickly and make a rash decision. Neil is someone I regard as a very valuable member of our group. We will do what is necessary, but it will be compassionate and take into account what Neil wants.”​

​Clearly, Baker is one of the favoured and trusted inner circle - "one of us" as they used to say in the Thatcher years.

​On the other hand, Hirst has apparently made it known (unwisely, in my opinion) that he intended to stand against Gilbey in the CCC conservative's leadership election in early May this year. Of course, he can only stand for leadership of the party if he's a member of it, and Gilbey has just stripped him of his membership by removing the whip.

Ahhh... maybe that's it. Maybe not.​

Take your pick. Hirst was fired for correctly observing the distinction between his two councillor roles, and coincidentally reflecting the public's wishes. Or he was fired to take him out of the leadership race.

Is it democracy? No, it's just the way the Canterbury City Council Conservatives do things.​ And it stinks.

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Conservative ousted after Westgate Towers row

Infighting at Canterbury city council over the divisive Westgate Towers traffic trial has led to one Conservative being ousted from the Tory group.

Cllr David Hirst, who has also been a Kent county councillor for the past 12 years, has been stripped of his whip by city council leader John Gilbey and left as an independent member for Canterbury.

The squabble between them came to a head when Cllr Hirst supported Kent County Council (KCC) in scrapping the ban on cars through the Westgate Towers. Cllr Hirst was told via email on February 13 of the decision to remove him from the local party. In a statement, Cllr Hirst said:

"I will continue to be a Conservative and during this period continue to support and act as a Conservative within the council. I was elected as a Conservative. I will remain a full member of Kent County Council Conservative group and continue to work normally. Being a member of both councils, my obligation on each issue is clearly defined by, in whom the power is vested. At Canterbury City Council the leader has withdrawn the whip – the reason given being that I have clearly supported Kent County Council policies on some relevant issues."

Transport bosses at county hall announced last month that when the one-year-trial ends in March, the road system will revert to the original and traffic will once again pass through the historic gateway to the city.

The scheme has been almost universally derided as causing delays and increasing car fumes. The KCC decision sparked outrage among the city council, which had fought to keep the trial. Cllr Gilbey’s fury was compounded by the fact some of his own councillors had voted against the scheme. Cllr Hirst said:

"The decision to stop the trial was made by the leader of Kent County Council. Highways is a KCC responsibility. As a back bench member I felt that this was correct for Canterbury residents, traders and importantly professional offices. I supported the trial in the first instance but became alarmed by many facets of it in operation and support Mr Carter’s decision to revert to the original layout."

Cllr Hirst is also hinting that he may make his own leadership challenge in the future, adding:

"Some time ago I indicated to members of the Canterbury City Conservative group and the Conservative Association that I would stand, in the May elections of a City Council leader, as a candidate."

The Greenhill and Eddington ward member will also be a Conservative candidate in the next Kent County Council elections.

kentonline 18th Feb 2013

It's not your imagination - trains to London really are slow

Tim Waltham, moving as fast as some trains!​

A frustrated commuter from Herne Bay has called on Southeastern to put its foot down on journeys to London.

Tim Waltham, of Conyngham Road, Beltinge, has recorded the time it takes to travel to various cities from London – and was stunned when comparing it to travel times from Herne Bay to the capital.

The 68-mile journey takes an hour and 34 minutes but some commutes of nearly twice that distance get to the capital faster. Mr Waltham turned on the GPS on his phone and worked out the average speed from Herne Bay to London was just 45mph.

It comes in a week when a survey for Which? put Southeastern among the four least popular train operators in the country. Mr Waltham said:

“When you start comparing different places and how long it takes, it shows you how slow the line from Herne Bay is. It takes the same time to get to the other side of the country as from Herne Bay to London. Since we have had the high-speed line, the ordinary train stops at more of the little stations on the way to London – all the tiny stations which no one gets on at. That’s my perception.

We have got a high-speed train, but we should get them on the Trade Descriptions Act because it is not high speed where we are. You have to get on at Faversham and it only becomes high speed once it gets to Ebbsfleet. They are talking about putting a high-speed train from London to Birmingham but it is already quicker to get from London to Birmingham than from London to Herne Bay.”

A frustrated commuter from Herne Bay has called on Southeastern to put its foot down on journeys to London. , of Conyngham Road, Beltinge, has recorded the time it takes to travel to various cities from London – and was stunned when comparing it to travel times from Herne Bay to the capital.

A journey from Derby to London, nearly twice the distance of Herne Bay at 128 miles, comes in three minutes faster at one hour 31 minutes. Peterborough, which is 84 miles away, takes just 45 minutes, while Bath Spa, 114 miles away, takes just one hour and 24 minutes.

Part of the reason trains are slower in Kent is that the North Kent mainline is only dual tracked. That means operator Southeastern cannot run parallel fast and stopping services – unlike all other train operating companies serving London.

Proposals to reduce journey times by removing stops at Longfield and Meopham were overwhelmingly rejected with more than 600 objections from passengers. Southeastern spokesman Alison Nolan said:

“A semi-fast train from London to Birmingham will call at just three stations. However a train from Victoria to Herne Bay will call at between 10 and 15 stations. The stopping pattern is stipulated by the Department for Transport – not Southeastern.”

kentonline 21st Feb 2013

Inspirational Herne Bay

Marcel Duchamp having a bit of a think

How Herne Bay reinvigorated a famous French artist

When influential French artist Marcel Duchamp arrived in Herne Bay, he was considering giving up art, but after four weeks in the town he returned to Europe full of new ideas.

His time in Herne Bay will be celebrated with a three-week festival starting at the end of July, featuring exhibitions, talks, and a schools programme in which Bay youngsters produce their own works of art to display. Organiser Sue Austen said:

"Marcel Duchamp has been voted the most influential artist of the 21st century but when he arrived in Herne Bay at the beginning of August 1913 he was just 26 and deeply depressed by the reception his last major painting, Nude Descending a Staircase, had received at the Armory Show in New York.

He was here to chaperone his sister Yvonne who was studying English at Lynton College. He contemplated giving up art forever, but after four short weeks Duchamp returned to Europe, refreshed and intellectually invigorated. Later that year he produced the first kinetic sculpture, Bicycle Wheel, published his ideas on objets trouvés and created the totally unique Three Standard Stoppages.

The art world reeled from his new ideas – our town often has this effect on people."

Sue, who together with Jason Hollingsworth make up the BayGuide team behind the festival, said the aim was to show that Herne Bay was still a special place.

An exhibition of work by invited local artists will be curated by David Cross and staged at Beach House, the Bay Art Gallery and the King's Hall, along with outdoor exhibitions and pop-up galleries.

There will also be a talk by Mike Bundock of Herne Bay Historical Records Society on what the town was like at the time, a sculpture trail curated by Karen Simpson and a symposium at the King's Hall curated by Duchamp expert Francis M Naumann.

For more information visit iamnotdead.co.uk or their Facebook site. The team will also tweet from @Duchamp_HB

Mammoth find in little Herne Bay

A pair of woolly mammoth tusks have been discovered off the shores of Herne Bay. Lobster fisherman Barry Mount was trawling the coast last Thursday when he found the prehistoric fossils.

He said he spotted the rare artefacts after "a negative tidal surge" exposed a lesser-seen part of the beach. Mr Mount said:

"In my lifetime, the tide has only gone out that far about three times. It exposed grounds that hadn’t been exposed for a few years, which is when I saw the tusks."

The fossils, which were passed to Canterbury City Council, are currently being kept in tanks of water to prevent them from drying out. Council spokesman Rob Davies said:

"Two tusks were found offshore in Herne Bay last Thursday on an exceptionally low tide. Formal identification of them has yet to take place and no decision has been taken yet about what happens next.

One option could be to display them at Herne Bay Museum, but we need to establish how we would do that and the costs involved of conservation. It has not been long since their discovery and we will be in a position to provide more information in the weeks to come."

thisiskent 20th Feb 201

Beltinge Ladies Choir

I love the way clubs, groups and societies seem to spring up in Herne Bay, and I’m delighted to be able to tell the world about them. If you want the billion or so internet users around the globe to know about your group, just let me know, and I’ll spread the word!

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The Beltinge Ladies Choir

We sing a variety of songs ranging from modern musical pieces to spirituals, Gaelic lullabies and many seasonal selections.

If you are interested in joining us we are always looking for new members - no auditions and reading music not necessary. Just come along for an enjoyable, relaxing musical afternoon.

We meet on Thursday afternoons, 2pm-4pm at the United Reform Hall, High Street, Herne Bay - next to the Fire Station.

For more information contact Margaret Burns on 01227 369 365, or by email at beltingeladies@gmail.com or you can visit their website for lots more information.

Half-term FUN for FREE!

FREE Half–Term Craft Workshop for families on Thursday 21st February 2-3.30pm at:
Beach House, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT
www.beachcreativecic.co.uk

Come and create a Collage to go on display at Beach Creative and help make items for an Art Installation at the CO-OP High Street Herne Bay as part of FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT.

For more details visit Karen's website: www.shoreisaloadofrubbish.com

To book a place please contact
Karen Simpson
07525 832 875
karentribe@hotmail.com

Rotary's "Glorious June" Charity Golf Day

The Rotary Club of Herne Bay supports and champions local events and activities to help raise funds for local charitable and worthwhile causes. 

For 2013, our objective is to be able to continue to support local charities, clubs and organizations and as such we will be holding our ninth “Glorious June” Charity Golf Day on 7th June 2013 at the prestigious Belmont Golf Club, Faversham (unfortunately there is no Herne Bay Golf Club). 

If you, or someone you know, would like to join us for a game of golf, on an excellent course, and to enjoy the companionship of like-minded persons we would be pleased to welcome you either as a single person (when we would build a team around you) or as a team of four.

Entry for a team of 4 persons is £50 per person.  This provides you with coffee / tea & a bacon roll to start, 1 x free entry to the putting competition, followed by 18 holes of parkland golf rounded off with a buffet meal.  Prizes will be awarded for the best Team and best Individual score, best Putting Team, Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin - Second shot.

Alternatively, perhaps you can help us by sponsoring a prize or the event itself. Sponsor opportunities are available from £25.  All sponsors are identified on all programme materials and advertising.

Interested?  If so, or you would like further details, please contact me on the following e-mail address Allan-Winkworth@Live.co.uk

Allan Winkworth

Herne Bay Rotary Club & Organizer “Glorious June Charity Golf Day 2013”

Morrisons pulls the plug

Supermarket chain Morrisons has withdrawn plans for a store in Herne Bay town centre. The supermarket's move from its current Beach Street site to the town had been seen as key to Canterbury City Council plans for redevelopment.

Denne Construction was confirmed as developer for the £35 million scheme, including the new supermarket in 2009. But Morrisons has been unable to commit the cash for the new town centre building and will now stay at its current site.

The city council and development partners Coplan Estates and Denne Construction are looking at alternative proposals. CCC executive member for Herne Bay Regeneration, Cllr Peter Lee, said:

"Naturally, we regret that Morrisons has decided not to invest in a new building, but we remain very confident in the future of Herne Bay. Coplan Estates and Denne Construction share our passion for realising the town's potential, and we will all continue to work together closely.

We are continuing to deliver regeneration and we are working with local businesses and community groups to ensure the continued economic and social regeneration of Herne Bay."

Herne Bay Projects and Business Showcase

Yes, folks, it's party time again. This annual beano at the King's Hall is to all intents and purposes the Herne Bay town show. If you haven't been before, do give it a try - 6th March 2pm-7pm.

Local businesses tout their wares and some even give away little freebies. Local community groups strut their stuff and woo new members. Hundreds of people turn up to have a nose around, and wave at their friends and enemies. It's a hoot.

MOD Shoeburyness Activity Alert: 15-21 February 2013

Dear Resident,

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Detailed below is advance notification of activities which may be noticed in your neighbourhood. All of the limitations and stipulations outlined below apply. **

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Date

Reason for Notification

15 & 19 February 2013**

Explosions may be noticed.**

18, 20, 21 February 2013**

Gunfire and Explosions may be noticed.**

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Note:

Local Gunfire = Gunfire that is likely to be noticed only by communities close to MOD Shoeburyness.**

Gunfire = Gunfire that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary.**

Explosions = Explosions that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary. **

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MOD SHOEBURYNESS WEBSITE

This information was correct at the time of publishing. The most accurate and up to date information can be found on the MOD Shoeburyness website at www.shoeburyness.qinetiq.com, why not visit and save it to your favourites for quick access.**

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I hope that you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass it on to your neighbours. **

---

Yours faithfully, Nicki**

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Limitations and Stipulations

QinetiQ operates to a strictly controlled and contracted noise limit of a maximum of 125 decibels (dB) at off-site monitors. If it is considered that an activity or activities are likely to create a negative impact on our neighbours QinetiQ will, prior to that activity taking place, carry out acoustic modelling, which gives an indication of the expected dB level that the activity will generate at various locations around the Thames Estuary. This process is repeated during the course of the day if necessary.**

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Although QinetiQ will endeavour to notify you when such activities are scheduled, please note that they are subject to not only the daily acoustic forecast, but also to tide times, weather conditions and operational requirements. Any one, or a combination of these factors may mean that the activity has to be cancelled and rescheduled at short notice and it may not be possible to provide you with an updated schedule of work. **

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Please be aware that QinetiQ carries out work at MOD Shoeburyness on behalf of the MOD, under contract with the Secretary of State for Defence. Because of the nature of the work, QinetiQ is limited as to the level and detail of information it can provide in these communications. **

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Shoeburyness Careline 0800 0560108 – this remains the official route for registering concerns about site activity. **

*Nicki Uden **Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE email: *nuden@QinetiQ.com www.shoeburyness.QinetiQ.com QinetiQ - Delivering customer-focused solutions

Local artists support Fairtrade fortnight

Those smashing people at Beach Creative are running an exhibition to support the excellent Fairtrade initiative.

If you're an artist (even if only in secret!) you need to hand in your work on 23rd February, between 10am and 4pm.

The exhibition itself will run from 27th February until 16th March.

WEA Poetry Course

Day school: Hughes and Heaney - A Poetic relationship

A Dayschool suitable for all those interested in poetry and its appreciation. We shall explore some poetic connections between the works of Hughes and Heaney, the friendship, influences and differences between the two poets.

Venue: St Andrew's Church Hall, Hampton Pier Avenue, Herne Bay CT6 8DY

Tutor: Jane Ireson

Time: Saturday 23rd March 2013, 10.30am to 3.30pm

Fee: £20.00 (Cost includes morning coffee, light lunch and afternoon tea. Please book in advance.)

This course is currently enrolling. For further information, or to book your place, please contact:

Phil Rose, WEA Branch Secretary

• 56 Beacon Hill CT6 6JN
• 01227 365942
• HerneBayWEA@gmail.com

MOD Shoeburyness Activity Alert: 6-13 February 2013

Dear Resident,

---

Detailed below is advance notification of activities which may be noticed in your neighbourhood. All of the limitations and stipulations outlined below apply. **

---

Date

Reason for Notification

6 February 2013**

Gunfire & Explosions may be noticed.**

7 February 2013**

Explosions may be noticed. **

12 & 13 February 2013**

Explosions may be noticed earlier than usual, 08:00**

---

Note:

Local Gunfire = Gunfire that is likely to be noticed only by communities close to MOD Shoeburyness.**

Gunfire = Gunfire that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary.**

Explosions = Explosions that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary. **

---

MOD SHOEBURYNESS WEBSITE

This information was correct at the time of publishing. The most accurate and up to date information can be found on the MOD Shoeburyness website at www.shoeburyness.qinetiq.com, why not visit and save it to your favourites for quick access.**

---

I hope that you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass it on to your neighbours. **

---

Yours faithfully, Nicki**

---

Limitations and Stipulations

QinetiQ operates to a strictly controlled and contracted noise limit of a maximum of 125 decibels (dB) at off-site monitors. If it is considered that an activity or activities are likely to create a negative impact on our neighbours QinetiQ will, prior to that activity taking place, carry out acoustic modelling, which gives an indication of the expected dB level that the activity will generate at various locations around the Thames Estuary. This process is repeated during the course of the day if necessary.**

---

Although QinetiQ will endeavour to notify you when such activities are scheduled, please note that they are subject to not only the daily acoustic forecast, but also to tide times, weather conditions and operational requirements. Any one, or a combination of these factors may mean that the activity has to be cancelled and rescheduled at short notice and it may not be possible to provide you with an updated schedule of work. **

---

Please be aware that QinetiQ carries out work at MOD Shoeburyness on behalf of the MOD, under contract with the Secretary of State for Defence. Because of the nature of the work, QinetiQ is limited as to the level and detail of information it can provide in these communications. **

---

Shoeburyness Careline 0800 0560108 – this remains the official route for registering concerns about site activity. **

*Nicki Uden **Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE email: *nuden@QinetiQ.com www.shoeburyness.QinetiQ.com QinetiQ - Delivering customer-focused solutions