---

Great Mongeham drop in

this morning i went to the drop in to chat to residents

while there a resident reported to me about attempted break ins and other suspicious activity in the village. I managed to contact our PCSO and let the resident talk directly to him. I feel that we have been able to build a good working partnership with him as he covers sevral of the parishes in the Eastry ward.

I hope this information proves useful in tackling this type of summer crime.

It also serves as a warning to residents about the opportunities that may arise for criminals and the need for vigilance.

Current mood: Sad


Dover North neighborhood forum post meeting meeting

this morning i went to a wash up meeting following the last neighbourhood forum  meetting. We want to constantly improve both the turnout and the outputs from these meetings.

Current mood: Cool


summer storm

last night we had a typical summer storm with a short burst of heavy rain. This morning as I looked out on the road I could see that there had been some minor flooding due to drains being blocked. One wonders  about climate change and how these storms may become more frequent and what effect this may have on the landscape as i am all to aware of the erosive forces of these summer storms.

Current mood: thoughtful


Deal Carnival

With the summer sunshine, I joined the crowds on Deal beach and pier to enjoy the spectacle of the raft race. I hope people were wearing sun cream.

The cowds seemed to be making the most of the summer weather and I met a number of residents there.

In addition to the raft race there was a fishing competition on the pier and i notice a number of catches.

Current mood: Happy


Timanstone Village Fete

This afternoon I went to the Tilmanstone Vilage Fete. The Sunny weather brought out the crowds and it was a pleasure to meet many residents there. Today marks the last village fete at this venue and it is a tribute to the owners for a that they have given the use of the property for so many years.

Current mood: Happy


Eastry Coffee break

This morning I eventually made it to Eastry to the coffee break. While there I was able to update residents about the neighbourhood forum last night.

One aspect of the forums I would like to improve is the attendance of residents at these forums.

 

Current mood: Cool


Sandwich Neighbourhood Forum

This evening i went to Ash to be part of the sandwhich Neighbourhood Forum. The topic tonight was adult services as in the words of one attendee, adults matter as much as children.

The over 65 age group is according to some analysts projected to be 50% of the population by 2020 and the needs of this sector of the community needs to be carefully considered.

There was much spirited discussion and it is hoped that service provision can be improved for this vital section of our community. It was stressed that this section of the community provides the bulk of our volunteering workforce.

Current mood: Thoughtful

Great Mongeham Drop In

This morning i went to the drop in.

One topic that was mentioned was to do with the road improvements made in the centre of Deal around Park Street.

Some residents are concerned that the new road layout is proving to be confusing to some road users.

I have passed on their comments to Kent Highways

Current mood: Cool

a little taste of australian summer

Last night in honour of the warmer weather I chose to wear a Christmas themed tie to the council meeting. 

This afternoon I was surprised to come out of the council offices at whitfield and could immediately smell and see smoke in the air. It reminded me of australian summers during the bushfire season. Not far away i could see plumes of smoke coming from a grassfire beside the A2.

I understand that this fre caused traffic chaos in the area.

I hope the fire authority contained the fire quickly.

Current mood: Surprised


extraordinary full council meeting

This evening I attended an additional meeting of the council.

The agenda is available on the council's website.

The determination of the wind farm application has been one of the most controversial applications in the district and the council has decised to support the decisions of the planning committee.

The motion on backyard development is also not as simple as  first thought as it has many implications for planning policy and needs more investigation.

Current mood: Cool


Dover Town corporate plan

Today I came across the Dover Town corporate plan on their website

It is interesting to read how they propose to work in with the district council's initiatives.

I would urge residenst throughout the district to read and respond to this plan. 

Current mood: Hopeful


Growth for Dover

One of the concens that some have voiced over the future for the disrict has been how was the council going to address the need for infrastructure in the locality. This issue has been somewhat issued by a recent announcment which has been reported in the local press

This is a positive step forward for the district and is a good reward for the had work put in by the district council and its partners to improve the facilities available for residents.

Current mood: Happy


Eastry Flower Festival

This afternoon I visited the Eastry Flower Festival in St Mary's Church Eastry. The flower displays were spectacular.

I was quite impressed with the Curch too. I noticed a number of other residents also enjoying the show. After the inspecting the displays we went to the village hall for a cream tea. I enjoy supporting village fund raising events like this.

 

 

Current mood: Happy


extra council meeting

This week we have an extraordinary meeting fo the council. This has a twofold purpose of dealing with business from the last meeting on the 9th July as well as considering a new item.

There was much interest last week at the neighbourhood forum of the item on backyard development and the item on the Langdon Wind farm is also very important to many of our residents.

the agenda is available on the council's website

Current mood: Cool


complaints

Now I know that as members we are less than perfect so to help members of the public understand the discplinary process the district council has just revised the complaints procedure. The advice is listed on the council's website.

I hope that residents and other stakeholders feel that members serve them appropriately ut if not then this mehanism will help redress any grievances.

 

Current mood: humble

Alliance national meeting

This morning I was in Donaster for a meeting Of the Alliance. The meeting was discussing a number of issues of importance for Britain's traditional areas. I met fellow blogger Mick Grant.

Yesterday's lobbying event in Westminster was disussed as were education and health issues as well as Lottery funding, unadopted roads, the national conference and English Partnerships' work in regeneration.

Current mood: Hopeful


westminster lobbying

This morning I have been to a lobbying event at Westminster. The issue was the sub national review. This concerns the way the regional development agencies are to control much of the regional agenda including regeneration. There was much spirited discussion but it appears that central government is less than receptive to these arguments .

Our MP Gwyn Prosser also attended. It is good to see Our MP attending these events supporting the work of the Alliance

Current mood: Sceptical


Dover North Neighbourhood forum

This evening i went to a meeting of the Dover North Neighbourhood Forum. The topic for tonight was youth issues. We had presentations from officers from Kent County Council and Dove District council to illustrate the work they are doing and how parish councils can get involved. There is sometime frustration about how to do more and that bureaucracy can block efforts to do more.

Networking opportunities allow us to share what works as well as to raise issues to the district and county council cabinets

Current mood: Hopeful

Joint Council Meeting

This afternoon I went to the Joint council meeting. This is a partnership between Deal Town Council, Great Mongeham Parish Council and Walmer Parish Council.

The agenda looked at a number of issues including a joint diary website for activities in the three council areas, Youth activities and special projects.

There are lot of things happening such as proposed markets and fairs. I will detail these later.

I find it useful to look at what our neighbouring councils are doing.

Current mood: Cool


Tuesday Musings

Today at church I met one of my colleagues fom the Town council. When I say colleage I need to explain that she is from the opposite side of the political spectrum but we still have much to chat about. Today we were discussing issues in the local Deal comunity including the Deal Festival, Anti social behaviour and traffic issues in Deal.

 

We both agreed that the town is seeing something of a mini boom at the moment and it is hoped that this will continue despite the worrying global economic trends.

Current mood: Happy


Tilmanstone Parish Council

This evening i went over to Tilmanstone to attend the Parish Council. This has been such a busy month that i have onle been able to make it to Tilmanstone as i was busy for the other parishes. I feel it is important to try to attend these meetings to keep in contact with the paishes as well as to brief them on latest at the district council. I contacted my my colleage Nick Kenton so that i could present  a joint message.

Latest news i was discussing was the progress towards the introduction of plastics and cardboard to the kerbside collection for recycling in the district. This is an important issue in the district and we need to ensure that this commitment is upheld.

While at the meeting residents also asked me about recent planning issues so i realed my understanding of these issues

Current mood: Happy


Sea Sunday

Today in church we celebrated Sea Sunday. This is commemorate the work of the seafarers and the work of the Mission to Seafarers throughout the world.

As an island nation we depend on their work and in the Dover District we have a special relationship with seafarers.

The council recognises this relationship through the Merchant Navy Day celebration usually held in September each Year.

Current mood: Big-Smiley


SEAS open studios

one event which is taking place over the next couple of weekends is the SEAS open studios.

SEAS is the South East ArtistS 

Local artists are exhibiting their work. This is timed to coincide with the Deal Festival which is also taking place.

I hope the turnout this year is again positive as i know that local artists  even had visitors having read about the event on this Blog!

Current mood: Cool


a busy morning

This morning i went to the Eastry Coffee break for refreshment and a chat. While there I talked with residents about the role of parish councils, policing and the state of our roads.

After that i went over to Deal to do some shopping and I saw a lady who  aid she had a fall in Deal High Street around some potholes in the road.

 

 

 

 

Current mood: Angry


Great Mongeham Village Design Group AGM

This evening i went to the AGM of the village design group. The process iof developing a village deign statement is nearing its final stages but still a few challenges lie ahead. I am keen to support this group as it is seeking to involve the community in influencing planning decisions in the village.

One of the biggest hurdles seems to be to get the local planning authority to take this document seriously

Current mood: Cool

Great Mongeham drop in

This morning i went down to the village hall for my regular Thursday chat and coffee. Topics discussed today were car maintenance, rainfall over the last week and the village fun day. As usual the genders were segregated on the the tables - always more ladies than men turn up so we are in no doubt who lives longer in the village.

Next week I will have to miss this event as i will be at a Westminster lobbying event with the Alliance.

Current mood: Happy


full council meeting

this evening i assisted the chaiman in the running of the full council meeting. There was an extensive agenda covering a range of topics including health issues, youth strategy, The housing revenue account, the constitution as well as a number of questions fom the public and members as well as a number of motions from members.

 

Current mood: drained

East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

This morning i went over to Folkestone to the first meeting of the East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee. This is a new partnership between the four east kent councils, Canterbury City, Dover District, Shepway District and Thanet District councils and Kent County Council. The first enquiry is looking at the new arrangements for waste collection and recycling as the authorities move towards a harmonised approach which will allow cost savings for all the member authorities.

Current mood: Cool


even during my professional life I am on duty to residents

Today i had to attend a meeting for my professional society - the instititute of Operations Management which merged last year with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Uk. While there I was amazed to find a resident at the same meeting. It was a pity we could not share transport for the trip.

I hope he too found it useful and that he now finds it easier to contact his ward member about any concerns he has with the council. I am quite happy to discuss council matters with residents wherever I find them. 

Current mood: Cool


another pressure on council tax

tonight I am up in the east midlands and I was interested in a story on the local bbc about the problems associated with the rise in fuel prices on local authority's budgets. I will follow this issue closely

Current mood: Sceptical


global presence

one of the benefits of the internet is that redaers from around the globe are able to contact us and help with their own private enquiries. Recently I have been helping from Australia to follow up on their family history searches. Having been in a similar position I can understand their desire to know more about their ancestors.

Current mood: Cool


Great Mongeham Fun Day II

Well the sun came out and the crowds descended on the Fun day.

I was in charge of the "throttle a councillor" stall were the contest was to throw hoops over  containers with parish councillors names. This is often a popular contest with the added thrill of sometimes  seeing the container knocked over!

The contest was vigorously fought but the eventual winner from the village displayed a remakable amount of skill and set a new record for this event.

 

Current mood: Happy

Great Mongeham Village Fun Day

If you are looking for something to do this afternoon, why not come along to the Geat Mongeham Village Fun Day. It starts about 2pm on the green next to the village hall.

There will be a variety of activities put on by villagers to help raise funds fo community organizations.

I am just hoping the weather impoves by then. 

Current mood: Big-Smiley


Eastry Coffee Break

This morning i went with my wife to the Eastry coffee break. While thee we spoke to a number ofr esidents about a number of topics including local health provision, the upcoming Flower Festival for the church and traffic issues in the parish.

There were many residents there as the good weather seems to bring out more people.

Current mood: Happy


Great Mongeham Drop In

This morning i went to the drop in with my wife.

Many residents came along for a chat.

Some of the issues which people were interested in include the fuel thefts in the neighbourhood, the cost of using private vehicles, the progress of Andy Murray at Wimbledon and gardening issues. I dont't have a green thumb so cannot help much on lthe last issue. 

Current mood: Cool


Review of Health Provision in the Dover District

Today I received the scrutiny report on health provision in the district. The report is available on the council's website.

Health issues are a constantly very high on people's agenda and I hope this report is a way forward for the council to engage with service providers in trying to raise the health of people in the district.

My work with the Alliance often shows the link between deprivation and poor health and I believe that we need to be more active in our joint working with the health authorities.

 

Current mood: Hopeful


Disclosure of Interests

With the rise of social networking sites on the internet such as Facebook and Myspace, I raised the issue on whether these need to be included in our register of interests

This is part of the reply i received.

"have looked at the groups and I have to say that some of them appear to be rather more than social networking sites.  Were they only social networking sites I would say that you would not have to register.   The relevant part of the Code is paragraph 8(1)(a)(ii)(cc).  The issue is whether any of these groups are a "body - one of whose principal purposes includes the influence of public opinion or policy (including any political party or trade union)".  It doesn't seem to me to matter whether or not these groups actually meet up or whether they are 'virtual'.  The issue is whether they are recognisable as a body of people having common aims which include those mentioned in paragraph 8(1)(a)(ii)(cc).  

If we take Ban Plastic Bags in Britain for instance, it seems to me quite clear from the information provided about the group and from the entries that the group is directed towards influencing the use of carrier bags in the U.K. I feel that you will need to register membership of this group.  Likewise, the Charlie Elphicke in Dover and Deal Group is clearly political.  

 You will need to decide in each case what the aims of the group are and then, make a decision in respect of each individually

Current mood: Cool