Historic Westgate Towers Museum to reopen

Amazing views of the city from the top of Canterbury’s historic Westgate Towers Museum will once again be on offer when it reopens to the public for the summer on Friday 4 May. The city council has been very keen to reopen the attraction to continue the work of local businessman and entrepreneur Charles Lambie following his death in January. Discussions have taken place with the executors of his estate to allow it to happen.

The museum will be open every day between 10am and 5pm until September. Entry prices will be in line with those at the council’s other museums in the city, with children and Residents Card holders going free. Any existing tickets with a six month expiry bought under Mr Lambie’s guardianship will be honoured.

The City Gaol Café, which Mr Lambie created as part of his redevelopment of the building, is not included in the reopening. Executive member for culture, Cllr Ann Taylor, said:

“There was a collective shock in the city when the news came of Charles Lambie’s death, but we hoped it would be possible to carry on his wonderful work with the Westgate Towers Museum, because it is one of our most historic buildings. I’d like to thank the executors of Charles’ estate for their help with getting the museum open. It means our residents and visitors have another great attraction available to them again.”

A decision on what might happen in the long term will be taken in the autumn, once the council has assessed how successful the summer opening has been.

For more information on the Westgate Towers Museum and other museums in the district, go to the dedicated museums website . The council has also created a special joint ticket offering entry to the Westgate Towers Museum, Canterbury Heritage Museum and Canterbury Roman Museum for £12.

http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/main.cfm?objectid=7577

King's Hall features new live music

Herne Bay’s iconic King’s Hall will be featuring three well-known bands this summer.

Following the foyer refurbishment, The King’s Hall, paired with Herne Bay entertainment promoters Viva La Sociale, have booked quite the line up for this summer’s festivities. Featuring bands from across the nation, Herne Bay residents and visitors will be able to see some of their favourite musicians play live in their community.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary together, Irish rock group Ash have lost none of the energy that saw them debut on Top Of The Pops whilst awaiting their ‘A’ level results. On Thursday 31 May, Ash will take to the stage at The King’s Hall. This will be a performance to remember as on the following night they are supporting Coldplay at The Emirates Stadium in London.

Friday 29 June, Turin Brakes will be making their way to the stage, following the release of the album “Outbursts” and last autumn’s sell out “Optimist” LP anniversary tour. This gig promises to be full of their classics, dating back to 2001, and new releases. ” will be held prior to the band’s tour in South America.

Friday 24 August, Delays will be showcasing a back catalogue of songs, as well as new material, ensuring they’ll be bringing their signature playful energy to the stage. Taking place during the Herne Bay festival, this exclusive Friday night show, "Have Yourselves A Delays Road Trip Night".

Tickets and more information about these events are available from www.vivalasociale.co.uk

http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/main.cfm?objectid=7589

Bay's renewal plan is 'second best in Europe'

I'm intrigued by this award. I've asked the Strasbourg judges for a copy of the prize-winning bid, but they said they weren't allowed to release it. So I've asked Mr Rynne of CCC for a copy - I'll share it with you when I get it.

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Herne Bay's plans for regeneration are the second best in Europe, according to a European poll. Judges in Strasbourg voted the town's efforts into second place in the Council of Europe's Best Practice Awards for Coastal Towns. City council executive member for Herne Bay regeneration Councillor Peter Lee said:

"We've beaten off some strong opposition, both in this country and across Europe. That says a lot about the hard work and commitment shown by the council and residents to improve the town we all love. We are obviously very pleased to receive this recognition and look forward to building on all this good work in the coming years."

He made the announcement at a meeting of the full council on Thursday. The bid included the new Bay Sports Arena and extended Herons Leisure Centre, improvements to the Memorial Park, plans for a Coastal Park as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the exciting future for the town’s pier and the effectiveness of the Herne Bay Area Action Plan.

Jurors said they had been "impressed by the quality and innovative spirit of the council's Herne Bay regeneration project, as an encouraging practice for the regeneration of coastal towns."

Friends of Memorial Park, the Herne Bay in Bloom committee and Herne Bay Town Partners were cited as examples of strong community co-operation. Judges also took into account plans for a Diamond Jubilee coastal park. Top prize was won by the Ukrainian seaside resort of Yevpatoria.

This is Kent Friday, May 04, 2012

Kent beaches get seal of approval in new Good Beach Guide

 Almost 20 Kent beaches have been given the seal of approval today in The Good Beach Guide by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC). The MCS has recommended 516 out of 754 (68%) UK bathing beaches as having excellent water quality – that's 8% more than last year. 

This year, 75% of beaches in the South East have obtained the MCS recommended status for excellent water quality in the Good Beach Guide – a slight increase on the previous year. 

In Kent, the following beaches were recommend by the MSC Guide: Dymchurch, Hythe, Sandgate Beach, Dover Harbour, St Margaret`s Bay, Sandwich Bay, Ramsgate Sands, Ramsgate Western Undercliff, Stone Bay, Botany Bay, Margate - Fulsam Rock, Margate - The Bay, Westbrook Bay, St. Mildred's Bay, Westgate Bay, Minnis Bay, Herne Bay, East Tankerton Beach and Whitstable West Beach. 

MCS Coastal Pollution Officer, Rachel Wyatt, says the latest figures will be a boost to UK tourism.

"This is a milestone for coastal resorts to be proud of." 

She underlined however that the results are not a reason for complacency.

"It's really important that local authorities, water companies and environmental regulators don't become complacent and take their collective feet off the pedal of continued environmental improvements. If that happens we could see a drop in the number of beaches recommended by us in the future, which could pose a risk to the great reputation that British beaches have."

thisiskent 3rd May 2012

Death, suicide and death threats

Drugs death suspect Craig Wallis has been found dead. Mr Wallis, 37, from Herne Bay, was arrested in connection with the death of Bay man Mark Creed. Mr Creed died of a drugs overdose in a house in Claremont Street on Saturday, March 17.

After being released on bail by police, Mr Wallis checked himself into a mental health ward at Ashford's William Harvey Hospital. But the diabetic walked out without his insulin on Wednesday, April 11. His body was discovered in Sweetwillow Wood behind the hospital last Saturday morning.

Mr Wallis had been expected to face Canterbury magistrates on Friday, May 11, to answer a charge of supplying a controlled drug. Kent Police spokesman Lesley Miller said:

"Formal identification has not yet taken place but the death is not being treated as suspicious."

The body was named locally as that of Mr Wallis. Hospital spokesman Adrian Lowther said:

"We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Mr Wallis. We are undertaking a review of this case but the matter is now in the hands of the coroner and we cannot comment further at this stage."

In a further twist in the double-death inquiry, homeless man Steve Williamson, 44, claimed he had received death threats. Mr Williamson, who has been living in a shack in woods at Herne, said:

"I took one of the same pills with Mark. We were on the seafront and popped them at the same time. I nearly died and was in hospital with an overdose. When I heard Mark had died, I told police about the suspect drugs. We were given them by two men. Now I've heard I am being blamed for the deaths of both Mark and Craig. I don't know why. The word on the street is that I have seven days to leave town."

Police said they were taking the threat seriously. Mr Williams, a self-confessed former alcoholic now accompanied by his dog Jack, added:

"If you find me dead on a pavement you'll know why. But I'm not running. This is my home. I've gone clean and found God. I believe I've escaped death this many times for a purpose. Maybe God wants me to be an angel and help those like myself who have fallen through the cracks."

Friday, May 04, 2012 Herne Bay Times