yourcanterbury KK O S E E yourcanterbury.co.uk R F w e e k midw s p a p er n e Issue No 120 Available from Wednesday, THE NEWSPAPER FOR CANTERBURY, WHITSTABLE, HERNE BAY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES January 13, 2010 CAMPAIGN WINS BATTLE TO STOP MUSLIM MARCH (cid:2)BY NICK AMES symbolise Muslims killed in and are not the work of any Iraq and Afghanistan. ethnic or religious group. But on Monday Mr Mrs Cleary,43,said:“The A MOTHER-of-four whose Choudary called off his march was always just a march saying his group had publicity stunt and really campaign to stop a march by “successfully highlighted won the lottery when it Muslim hard liners through the plight of Muslims”. came to getting media Home secretary Alan attention.But the numbers Wootton Bassett is claiming Johnson yesterday banned of people who opposed it victory after the protest was the group under the showed the strength of feel- abandoned and the group, Terrorism Act 2000. ing which exists in the UK. Islam4UK,banned. The order will come into DEATH THREATS: Jo Cleary “The vile threats I received FEELS LIKE HOME effect on Thursday and will not put me off.” Jo Cleary, from Broomfield, Herne make it a criminal offence to be a Mrs Cleary set up her group after a Bay,set up a Facebook site calling for member,punishable by up to 10 years former soldier told her of the plans for hate preacher Anjem Choudary and in prison. an Islam4UK march through the FOR ARCTIC FOXES his followers to be barred from carry- More than 700,000 people signed up Wiltshire town which has come to ing coffins through the town where to Mrs Cleary’s campaign – but she symbolise Britain’s respect for war locals line the streets to mourn as the found herself on the end of abuse and dead as it honours the memory of bodies of slain service personnel threats to her life over the internet. those whose bodies arrive back in the arrive back in the UK. It is believed the messages have country via nearby RAF Lyneham. Islam4UK said its march would been sent by self-styled anti-fascists CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Snow has made Wildwood’s pair of arctic foxes feel right at home. Foxes Alan and Fleck, have been enjoying the snowy conditions as WHAT’S ON & WATCH ALSO INSIDE snow has blanketed their enclosure. During the summer months Britain is a bit warm for Alan and his daughter, but keepers say they really perk up in the winter. yourkenttv.co.uk LEISURE . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 18-27 The animals are natives of the cold arctic regions of northern Europe PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 29-38 and can live in temperatures as low as -50°C. ALLYOURLOCALSTORIES: Watch videos MOTORING . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 39-41 thTe hlaes fto ixcees awgeer aes o tnhceey awlseor ea kBirllietids hb ys pheucmieasn bsu fto br etchaemir em eexatti nacntd a ffuter.r of all the major news stories in your area JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 42-44 Alan and Fleck, and the Wildwood Trust, is between Herne Bay and Canterbury on the A291, and visitors are welcome. Upload your favourite clip SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 46-47 SALE NOW ON THROUGHOUT THE STORE Rival crock pot Usual price £39.99 Nasons Department Store SALE PRICE £24.99 47 High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2SB 01227 456755 www.nasons.co.uk yourcanterbury.co.uk 2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] ‘Even Muslims sent WHAT’S ON & WATCH messages of support’ yourkenttv.co.uk CONTINUED FROM FRONT With family connections to the Army she has long campaigned for support for troops and welfare for veterans. “When I heard about this hugely TOP TV CLIPS insensitive proposal I was incensed,” she said.“I considered it sacrilege. “The people of Wootton Bassett have taken the military to their hearts and they should be applauded for doing so. “It is not a matter of politics – it is a MINING HEYDAY: Hersden is the site of Chislet Colliery (pictured in 1930) which closed in 1969 matter of grief.I have never been to the town when it is grieving and I have no intention of doing so.It is a Lib Dems propose private matter. “When I set up the site I thought there would be a few people who signed up and we could all have a bit of a rant.I never thought it would spi- eco-homes on site ral in the way that it has. Grieving “But it just shows the strength of feeling against this proposed march. “In my work in supporting the fam- of former colliery ilies of the bereaved I deal on a day- to-day basis with grieving and even people who are suicidal. 1 Solicitor Donna Payne is campaigning against domestic “They have taken strength from the abuse in Deal. Search ‘abuse’ support shown by the people of one small town.That is what needs to be (cid:2)BY JENNY ARMSTRONG community which is already jam- respected – not used for some cheap political stunt. packed with cars,to build thousands “I do not have any issue with Islam. AN ECO-VILLAGE in more houses in the south of the city on In fact I have received messages of a green-field site which will cause Hersden is the answer to more congestion? support from some Muslim groups and I would like to express how grate- the district’s housing prob- “I am totally opposed to wholesale ful I am for that.” lems according to opposi- development on green-field arable A spokesman for Islam4Uk told land in south Canterbury and I will tion councillors. commit not to build on it.We simply do Yourcanterbury: “We have decided after consultation with others that no Instead of a possible plan to build not need to do this.” more could be achieved even if a pro- thousands of new homes on farmland “We have already got a huge brown- cession were to take place.” to the south of Canterbury, Liberal field site that has a rail link,is on the Democrats say between 800 and 1,500 A28 and has a school which needs Woman lucky to be houses could be built on brown-field more kids and a huge industrial estate land near the village. with jobs. The new idea has been put forward “We think we could put in there a alive after grill blaze as an alternative to the possibility sustainable community of 800 to 1,000 of about 3,000 houses being built in houses which then wouldn’t have to go AN UNATTENDED electric grill the area of Cockering Farm and on the south of Canterbury.” could have cost a woman her life after Thanington near Canterbury. And the plan also involves building it set fire to her kitchen in Canterbury. National policy dictates that 10,000 a youth club and shops in the commu- Three fire crews went to the house in new homes have to be built in the dis- nity to ensure it is sustainable. Dryden Close just after 6pm on Friday, Some beautiful snowy scenes taken across Folkestone 2 trict by 2026,but 6,000 of these have Council leader John Gilbey said:“We January 8,after the grill was acciden- and Hythe. Search ‘snow’ already been built or have planning are taking some very difficult deci- tally knocked and a plastic container permission. sions because of something that has fell onto it. Opposition councillors have said the been imposed on us. Smoke started pouring out of the existing Spires Academy,the nearby “We are trying to do is live with a kitchen in after the cooker had been industrial park and the train line to government decision and ameliorate it left alone. Canterbury which runs past the vil- with what we have to do.We have Firefighters say the 64-year-old lage would help ensure a Hersden set- spent an awful lot of time on this,we woman who lived in the house tlement would be sustainable. really have.We are listening and we breathed in a lot of smoke while trying And the land was formerly used by will continue to listen. to find the cause of the blaze.She had Chislet colliery, so they say it is “My own opinion is that the to be given oxygen and was urged to go preferable to overdeveloping south Hersden idea is a red herring.That to hospital. Canterbury and building on a green- was not my opinion when I went into The woman had several smoke field site. this,but it is after 18 months of meet- detectors in her house but none had Liberal Democrat leader, Alex ings.It doesn’t solve the question of batteries,so firemen fitted three new Perkins,said:“Do we really want,in a south Canterbury.” working devices in the house. A at Old New More than 100 swimmers go for a Boxing Day dip in 3 Dover harbour. Search ‘Boxing’ Prices You SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT NEWS EDITOR:Gareth Arnold 01303 817184 GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032 WEBSITE: www.yourcanterbury.co.uk TELEPHONE ADVERTISING: 01303 817110 The King’s School FAX: (Advertising) 01303 817002 Recreation Centre EMAIL:Editorial:[email protected]. Sales:[email protected] 1, St Stephens Road Canterbury Up to 50% off membership prices throughout January & February 2010 HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR Tel: 01K2e2n7t 5 9C5T620 72H/5U95618 (Conditions may apply) Printed by Newsfax Email: [email protected] © 2007 KOS Media. yourcanterbury by KOSMedia award-winning publications www.kingsrecreation.co.uk Only atThe King’s School Recreation Centre Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourcanterbury.co.uk 3 Council moves to allay Big freeze takes toll on business BAD weather has meant slim pickings library delay concerns for some businesses in the area,while others remain unaffected. Frank,a shop in Whitstable which sells artwork and handmade products,did not weather the storm well this week. A spokesman said: “This week busi- ness has been almost nonexistent really. We have opened but a lot of businesses in Harbour Street have not.There has (cid:2)BY JENNY ARMSTRONG been very little passing trade.This time last year we had a fairly busy week.” Sam Deeson, owner of English food THE £12.5 million Beaney redevel- restaurant Deeson’s in Canterbury, found the weather was of less conse- opment project is six months quence than bad forecasts. behind schedule, according to the He said:“On Saturday the forecasting council. was absolutely horrific and in Canterbury itself the weather was pret- The Beaney project will also experience a ty good, but there were a massive “slippage”of £3.5 million,although those work- amount of cancellations. ing on the project are keen to point out that this “Luckily we also have people who are does not mean more money has been spent. stuck in Canterbury who walk in.” Senior project manager Kate Greenaway OCG Maintenance, which operates said:“The reference in the minutes to a slip- from the Hersden industrial estate,were page does not indicate an overspend. busy because of the weather. “It simply means that capital funds that the A spokesman said:“We kept our work- council estimated spending on the project in men local.We are a responsive mainte- this financial year will now roll over to the next nance company so we have had to go to financial year. places with no electricity,no heating and “The project is currently on budget,as report- burst pipes. ed to council in November 2009.” “We have been very cautious and our workmen have been able to get out.” Legal matters DELAYS: The council says legal matters and land ownership issues have affected the progress of the Beaney project The main contractor was agreed by the coun- Club fight arrest cil during the end of last year,but the library, construction projects. Other contributing fac- by the senior project manager that the project museum and gallery space in the Beaney build- tors included a delay to the production of final will only take two weeks longer to complete A MAN has been arrested after a fight in ing has been shut since February 28. design information,which affected the issue of than planned. Studio 41 nightclub which led to another Ms Greenaway said:“The delay to the start of tender documents,and problems in setting up a She told them at a Canterbury Area Member man being taken to hospital. building works has been caused by a number of safe area for the archaeological dig. Panel meeting on Monday night that works A 19-year-old from Herne Bay was contributing factors relating to start-up and “The current delay is regrettable but it is could be carried out concurrently rather than arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, enabling works,including some legal matters included in our current ‘on budget’ project plan, consecutively to minimise the delay. January 12 after a 21-year-old,also from over land ownership that had to be resolved. so is not a significant hindrance. And I am But not everyone is convinced. The Tudor Herne Bay,was punched in the face. “There have been delays in the disconnection pleased to say that the contractors are looking House Guest House on nearby Best Lane has After being treated by paramedics of utilities such as gas and electricity on-site at ways of reducing the build programme as been adversely affected by the demolition work for an injured lip he was taken to Kent electricity and so on that had to be resolved much as possible.” according to a spokesperson. and Canterbury Hospital. His alleged before demolition work could begin. Councillors for the Westgate ward,which con- She said that the longer the project goes on for, attacker was released on bail until “This is a common problem on large-scale tains the library building,have been reassured the more trade the business would lose. January 26. Police plea to PCSO helps bad boy help find girl become model pupil from Vietnam FISHING and good Samaritans have A MISSING Vietnamese girl could helped a boy who was in trouble with be in Kent according to police who the police turn his life around. are trying to trace her. Connor Jones,an 11-year-old from Hiem Thi Phan, also known as Canterbury, had been getting police Hiem Thi Pham,went missing in attention last year for smashing win- June from Beacon Hill in Herne dows and swearing at people. Bay where she was living. He had got so out of hand he had to The 16 year old was later found in be put on an Acceptable Behaviour Cherrywood, Newcastle, and Agreement by the police. arrangements were made for her to But since then he has been working return to Kent,but she went miss- hard to get into the force’s good books, ing again on November 25. and has now received a certificate of merit from Kent Police for his maturi- Returned ty,enthusiasm and commitment to a Police believe the teenager could new fishing club. have returned to the south and His new life started when PCSO have asked the public to help Brenda Keeble,who works with fami- MERIT: Connor Jones with PCSO Brenda locate her. lies all over Canterbury,Whitstable DC Gary Robertshaw,Newcastle and Herne Bay came to visit. Keeble and former Lord Mayor Pat Tood Area Command, said: “We’ve got PCSO Keeble said:“Connor didn’t many lines of enquiry which we are want to speak to me and held a Her idea was to give a group of following up but it is likely she is cushion over his face when I first vis- young people the chance to enjoy now elsewhere in the country. ited his home. their hobby and learn other skills like “Although we have been working “I began to gain his trust and we teamwork, maths, looking after the with other forces,it is possible the started to talk about things he liked countryside and respecting others. public might be able to help trace doing. Fishing was one of them Connor was one of the first mem- her whereabouts.We need to know but he told me he had nowhere to go bers of the new fishing club over the that she is safe and well.” and fish. summer, and he has been a model Anyone who knows where The police officer spoke her friend citizen since then. Hiem might be is asked to call Pat Todd, a former policeman and PCSO Keeble said: “Connor has police on 03456 043 043, or Lord Mayor, about the idea of been fantastic and never missed a Crimestoppers anonymously on running a club over the summer session,and has not been any problem 0800 555 111. holidays. to us since.” yourcanterbury.co.uk 4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] Exhibition chance Coastal towns’ independent for young artists YOUNG artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional traders beating recession gallery in Whitstable. The Horsebridge centre is inviting artists between the ages of 11 and 16 to submit their work,which must be of A2 size – 42cm by 59cm. Entry is £8 per artwork,and no person may submit more than two pictures. Proceeds of sales go to the artist. The exhibition will run from Friday, QUALITY businesses are the secret (cid:2)BY JENNY ARMSTRONG difficult to find tenants. Canterbury’s centre February 5 to Sunday, February 14. to the recession-beating coastal certainly is doing better than many comparable There will also be an invitation-only centres.The problem with Canterbury,like all opening night for artists,who can bring town centres, according to Herne cers,fishmongers and many other traditional the big centres in the UK,is that we depend a guest.For an application pack email Bay and Whitstable’s town manag- businesses in both towns,which will not fea- very much on large,corporate companies,who [email protected], call 01227 281 174 or go to the gallery. er Chris West. ture in today’s modern shopping centres.” possibly have suffered more than small,local And both towns are still attracting new busi- independents. The latest figures show that Herne Bay cur- nesses.In the past eight weeks a fireplace shop “At the moment local independent traders are Chance to dive in rently has three per cent of retail premises and a cleaning specialist have opened on Herne quite steady.There aren’t many empty premis- lying empty,while Whitstable has four per cent Bay High Street, and three businesses are es formerly occupied by small independents.I of shops empty. to something new expected to come into the town soon. think the major problem is with large compa- This equates to nine empty shops in Herne Bay and 12 in Whitstable,and is well below the Whitstable is doing similarly well,with a new nies,and this is probably why Canterbury is a national average of 14 per cent.The towns are Iceland in the High Street and a dental surgery little bit more affected than the coastal towns. DANCE classes,a DJ workshop,sports faring very well compared to Margate,which on Oxford Street. “I am very much in favour of local trade. and games consoles are on offer at a has an empty shop rate of 44 per cent. Canterbury is doing less well,with an eight Small traders are bringing a special quality to youth night at Kingsmead leisure centre. Chris West,the coastal towns manager,said: per cent vacancy rate,but this still compares a city like Canterbury. Having said that, we The ‘Dive’ nights for those aged 12-17 “Our success in both towns is down to the favourably with the national average. also need some international brand names, and will run from 6-9pm on the third unique selection of independent businesses, Philippe Esclasse, Canterbury’s city centre because that is what the market requires. Saturday of every month, starting on which offer original quality merchandise and manager, said: “With the exception of the “I would like in the next few years to move Saturday.Youngsters can use the centre first-class customer service. Woolworths store, most empty premises are forwards into a more individual, more local for £3 if they book,or £4 on the door,and “You can still find bakers,butchers,greengro- fairly small scale,which may mean it is more form of retail in Canterbury.” can try as many activities as they like. The event has been organised by Pictures: JENNY ARMSTRONG Canterbury council, Kent County Council and Active Canterbury to give SNOW FUN youngsters something different to do at the weekends Some of the activities need to be booked by going to the leisure centre in FOR SOME Canterbury or calling 01227 769 818. Dog control plans SNOW has been causing a winter of discontent affecting schools, businesses and transport. DOG walkers may have to place dogs on leads when told or face fines. Buses and trains have been running reduced The General Purposes Committee has services, and 20 schools have had to close. been asked to change a number of dog Roads were badly affected, and rubbish collec- control orders,by which councils decide tion was suspended. where a dog must be kept on a lead. But unexpectedly free schoolchildren and But an idea has been proposed where- snowed-in parents have been taking the oppor- by council officers can tell people whose dogs are causing a nuisance in public tunity to enjoy the cold snap, building snowmen areas to put their pets on a lead.The fine in the city and sledging in the countryside. for contravening a control order is £100. Jazz from the past VINTAGE jazz will be coming to Whitstable with a performance by the Blue Rhythm Kings. The group promises an evening of classy, traditional 1920s jazz in the Horsebridge centre at 8pm on Friday. They will be joined by West End singer Joanna Bright.Tickets are £8, conces- sions are £6. yourcanterbury.co.uk Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 5 10:10 campaign New vice-chancellor of university is announced yourcanterbury NEWS IN BRIEF THE next vice-chancellor of Christ Church University has been named as Dr Robin to cut emissions Baker, currently vice-chancellor of Chichester University. Gritting service restricted Dr Baker has a career spanning academia, cultural diplomacy and promoting UK educa- tion.He is an authority on eastern European CANTERBURY council has had to prioritise history,ethnic minorities and languages,and its grit distribution as predictions of low tem- has spent 21 years in the British Council ‘just a gimmick’ peratures and ice continue. serving in London, South Africa, Hungary, Since December 16,the council has spread Greece and Russia. 80 tonnes of rock salt on paths,car parks and He was pro-vice-chancellor at the the areas around council buildings. University of Kent between 2005 and 2007, A further 28 tonnes has been on order since and will join Christ Church on September 1, before Christmas,but priority has been given when Professor Michael Wright retires. to the county council so they can keep major Dr Baker said:“I feel very honoured to be roads open. appointed the next vice-chancellor of Another 40 tonnes of grit was collected on Canterbury Christ Church University. (cid:2)BY JENNY ARMSTRONG Thursday,and all council car parks are still “It is a highly successful and exciting insti- being treated. tution,deeply committed to the transforming A council spokesman said:“We have tried power of education. AN opposition attempt make the to ensure all areas of the district are receiv- “I look forward to building on the extraordi- council sign up to a national envi- ing adequate distribution of salt and grit,but nary achievement of Michael Wright and to ronmental campaign is likely to advice everyone is to exercise extreme cau- establishing my close connections with the tion when out and about.” city of Canterbury and the county of Kent.” fail after being labelled a “gim- Rubbish collections have been postponed The university’s governing body,chaired by mick”. because of the icy roads,although there will pro-chancellor Peter Hermitage, approved Liberal Democrat councillors Nick Eden- the institution’s annual 8,009 tonnes of CO2 be a very limited service in the city centre. the appointment on Thursday,January 7. Green and Paula Vickers put forward a production. motion proposing that Canterbury council But Councillor Perkins said that noting sign up to the 10:10 agreement,whereby it past successes was “self-congratulatory”. would commit to reducing carbon emissions Conservative councillor Rosemary Doyle by 10 per cent in 2010. said:“I don’t see any point in hiding our light But the council’s Conservative executive under a bush.We have already done a lot to voted against the motion at a meeting on cut our emissions in Canterbury.” January 7.This means the motion is likely to The report also set out eight initiatives fail when it goes to full council,which has a already in the council’s environmental policy Conservative majority. which would help cut CO2 emissions,includ- During a spat with opposition councillor ing energy efficiency measures and installing Alex Perkins over the plan,Councillor John a wood-chip boiler in council offices. Gilbey said signing up to the campaign was There was also a note that closing the a “gimmick”. Westgate Hall would save 91 tonnes of CO2 The council leader said:“We believe we are annually. reducing our carbon footprint in the most Councillor Nick Eden-Green said: “The rapid way possible.We don’t want to be tied issue of climate change and indeed the future to specific targets. welfare of the planet,and of our children and “Whether or not we wish to sign up to of our children’s children,is in our hands. 10:10,we will continue to work very hard to “I am extremely saddened that the execu- cut our emissions.” tive has seen fit not to endorse what is actu- Councillor Gilbey also pointed out that ally a very modest attempt to redress the Canterbury council was the first council in problems that we face. Kent to have an environmental strategy. “In joining a national movement,to which During a heated discussion,Conservative over 60 councils up and down the country of councillor Peter Vickery-Jones said:“We are all political persuasions have signed up,we just a small council doing the very best we would gain tips and help with what other can.People keep coming up with c**p ideas councils are doing,which could be applicable like this.” here. A report to councillors on the proposal “If we don’t sign up we will plod along noted eight past achievements in reducing behind the pack and will achieve far less.” New light on old traditions AN artist who specialises in neon will be Ms Blood said: “Artists rarely make displaying illuminated takes on hunting works for themselves.However,born from trophies in a Canterbury gallery. a desire to have some cool neon in my Sarah Blood’s exhibition Trip the Light home,this work was developed because I Fantastic will show her latest creations wanted it.” including CariBoo and Duck!,which are a Her exhibition will be in the Sidney light-hearted take on traditional country Cooper Gallery on Canterbury’s high house adornments. street until Saturday,January 23. yourcanterbury.co.uk 6 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] yTelephoone edituorial: 01r303 8w17200 Emeail [email protected] er yourcanterbury.co.uk 7 Youngsters can learn SPONSOREDBY animation at gallery [email protected] CHILDREN can get to grips with animation at a special workshop on Saturday. TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND The cut-out animation session is for eight to 12 year olds,to tie in with an exhibition by young people at the Sydney Cooper Gallery. HIGH TIDES Films created by more than 500 Kent children between the Chatham Saturday 1:36pm 5.7m ages of five and 19 will Sunday 2:08pm 5.8m be on show. Each animation was Dover Saturday 11:46am 6.3m scripted,designed and Sunday 12:19pm 6.3m directed by the young- 111111 sters, who used video 111333 Dungeness Saturday 11:41am 7.1m cameras and computer Sunday 12:15pm 7.2m software to learn how to bring their ideas to Ramsgate Saturday 12:16pm 4.8m life with the help of Sunday 12:49pm 4.8m Animate and Create,a Kent-based company. The company’s creative director, Dan Sheerness Saturday 1:26pm 5.5m Richards,said:“I love working with children S7.5U7NaRmISE S4.U12NpSmET Sunday 1:58pm 5.5m because they have such fresh ideas and a real raw talent. MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 1:27pm 5.0m “Looking around the exhibition I feel that we 6.57am 2.20pm Sunday 1:58pm 5.1m could have the next Nick Parks or Peter FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST Firmin.” AROUNDTHE The films were commissioned for the gallery by Christ Church University.Curator Hazel Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY Stone said:“This is definitely the way to start Ashford 1°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Gravesend 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 6°C the year.Visitors of all ages will enjoy this exhibition and the animations are unique and Canterbury 1°C 2°C 4°C 5°C 5°C Maidstone 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Amsterdam 0°C Madrid -1°C well worth seeing.” Chatham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Ramsgate 1°C 2°C 4°C 5°C 5°C Athens 15°C NewYork -4°C The exhibition will run until Saturday, Barcelona 7°C Paris 1°C January 23.The gallery is open from 11am- Dartford 2°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 6°C Rochester 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Beijing -6°C Rome 8°C 5.30pm from Tuesdays to Fridays,and noon to Dover 1°C 1°C 3°C 4°C 4°C Sevenoaks 0°C 1°C 2°C 3°C 4°C Bombay 31°C Sydney 26°C 5.3T0hpem wono rSkasthuordpa yiss. at the gallery on CapeTown 24°C Tenerife 21°C Faversham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Sittingbourne 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C Cardiff 1°C Tokyo 5°C CBoaonktienrgb uisr yr’esq uhirigehd asntdr etehte soens siJoann cuoasrtsy £1165.. Folkestone 1°C 1°C 3°C 4°C 4°C Tonbridge 1°C 1°C 3°C 5°C 5°C Gibraltar 16°C Vancouver 10°C For details or to book call Hazel Stone on HongKong 14°C Warsaw -3°C 07828 529 509 or email hazel.stone@canter- Gillingham 3°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 5°C TunWells 1°C 1°C 3°C 5°C 5°C LasPalmas 21°C Wellington 15°C bury.ac.uk What could a professionally made video do for your business? Yourkenttv video services can add great value to your website, or promotional campaign at a price to suit all budgets. For more details telephone Richard Purvis on 01303 817071 yourcanterbury.co.uk 8 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] yourlocalinterview QWhy did you want to get involved with The Caldecott affairs in a professional and businesslike way. es to meet the needs of children and young QUESTION & ANSWER Foundation? We don’t receive government funding or people and to strive continuously to improve AMy involvement began five years ago,after grants,so we need to work hard to provide the outcomes for those in our care. a casual conversation with a friend who best care, therapy, education and fostering ANGUS has been a long-serving Caldecott trustee. service we can within the resources available. QWhy do you think it has managed to maintain this suc- Caldecott had just built a new school on their We have to be competitive to earn the opportu- cess over all those years? Smeeth site and were looking for school gover- nity to do that. What’s more,we need to set ABecause we care,and because we’re always nors.I have always been interested in educa- money aside to invest in facilities for the thinking about how we can best help the FRASER tion, both personally and professionally – I future.so we look after our money very care- children who are placed with us.Our services was chairman for nearly seven years of the fully,and are very appreciative of the dona- are constantly evolving and we now provide a Alpha Plus education group in London – so I tions and legacies we receive from our sup- complete package, from initial assessment was delighted to help. porters. These help pay for life-enriching through to residential care in one of our seven extras for the children,such as holidays,out- houses,therapy,schooling,fostering and final- QHow has it changed in recent years? ings and sports equipment. ly,supporting them into the outside world. AA great deal.In the mid-90s,an appeal was QAre the services the Foundation offers under more pres- QHow can people get involved to help the foundation? launched for major projects, including sure at the moment? What are the main problems? building a new school and improving the hous- AWith public finances under scrutiny,it is an AThere are lots of ways to help the Caldecott es. This raised £8 million. The Duke of economically difficult time for our local Foundation by giving a little time or Edinburgh visited us three years ago to mark authority clients and we will need more than money.There are volunteering opportunities its successful conclusion.But it’s not just about ever to demonstrate high quality and value for and a regular programme of events. We enjoy capital investment.We have also made great money. Running a care organisation like working with companies,and there are plenty strides in developing our range of services and Caldecott is inevitably costly,not least because of ways to make donations.Visit our website at in enhancing the quality of integrated care we of our relatively high staff to child ratio. www.thecaldecottfoundation.co.uk and click provide for some of Britain’s most neglected on ‘How You Can Help’. and vulnerable children,so as to help them QThe Foundation is nearly 100 years old, how do you see rebuild their lives. its future? QWho inspired you when you were younger? How did AWe’re looking forward to our centenary in they affect your life? QYou have extensive experience in business. How does 2011 but it is a sobering thought that child AI was fortunate to work early on,in differ- this help in your work with the Caldecott Foundation? cruelty and neglect cases such as Baby P show ent enterprises for a succession of bosses AMost of our income is from local authority there is as great a need as ever for the sort of whom I liked and admired and from whom I social services departments,who place chil- care and protection we provide.Our role is to learned a great deal.The one common feature dren in our care.They expect us to manage our ensure that we continue to develop our servic- was that they were all extremely demanding! & The new chair of trustees at The Caldecott Foundation at Smeeth near Ashford, which cares for up to 50 children who have suffered cruelty and neglect, talks to ED HILLabout the future of the foundation SALE NOW ON Russell Hobbs 4 slice Retro toaster Breville super Tefal Diamond Usual price £41.99 steam iron kettle Sale price £33.99 Usual price £44.99 Usual price £49.99 Sale price £22.99 Sale price £39.99 Rival crock pot Krups Citrus Usual price £39.99 press Morphy Richards Sale price Usual price £99.99 Breadmaker £24.99 Sale price Usual price £129.99 Sale price £49.99 £64.99 yourcanterbury.co.uk Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 9 (cid:2)BY MARIJKE COX Devastated dad’s TV plea A GRIEVING father whose son was killed by a speeding driver has spoken of his heartache for a hard- hitting TV advert. to stop speeding drivers Michael Bollom, from Bearstednear Maidstone,hopes the candid account of his son James’ death will bring home to viewers the harsh reality that speeding can kill. He said: “This isn’t just coming from an actor on TV – this is coming from a parent who lost his child.” message through that speed kills,”he said. In the advert,which will be shown on ITV Director of Southside Television, Martin Meridian, the 50-year-old recalls James’s Smith,also praised him. death in December,2005. He said:“He was brave to do something The 16-year-old was killed a month short of like this as it obviously brought memories his 17th birthday when the car he was flooding back, but he is determined James travelling in lost control in the village of should not have died in vain.” Wateringbury. As part of his own personal plight, Mr He died instantly after taking the full force Bollom has also written a book entitled of the crash. Losing James:A Father Cries Too. The driver was prosecuted and jailed for It gives a poignant account of his grief and dangerous driving. how he dealt with the tragedy that tore his The life-changing consequences of the world apart.He hopes it will help other fam- crash took a further tragic twist when ilies cope with bereavement. James’s grief-stricken mother, Samantha, He said:“It’s going very well – Waterstone’s took her own life three months later. has taken it on in two of their branches in Mr Bollom believes by opening up Maidstone.I’ve had emails from people say- about the tragedy on television,people will ing it has helped them with their own grief.” take notice and think twice about their speed Money from sales is donated to Holding On, while on the road. Letting Go,which is part of Demelza House, “I want to get the message across to some of MESSAGE: Michael Bollom hopes his moving account of his son’s death will make drivers think and (right) with James a children’s hospice based near these young drivers that speeding can have at a wedding before the tragedy which claimed his life. He has also had a book about his experiences published Sittingbourne. tragic consequences,”he said. The charity aims to help families cope with “If I can prevent just one death,prevent one approached by Kent Police to talk about his brought up a lot of sad memories,”said Mr bereavement. family from going through the pain we suf- grief as part of a campaign to clamp down Bollom.But if helps prevent people speeding Mr Bollom said:“We have already raised fered,then it will be worthwhile. on speeding. then it’s been worth it.” £2,000.Some of the people who have read my “By me doing it rather than an actor it The 30-second advert was filmed at Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge book have also given extra donations to the makes it all the more real for people and Maidstone Studios by Southside Television paid tribute to Mr Bollom for taking part in charity.” therefore will have more of an impact.” and will be shown on ITV from this Friday to the campaign. • To buy Losing James:A Father Cries Too, Mr Bollom,who is director of a manufac- mid-February. “We are grateful to Michael for having the email [email protected] or go to turing company in Sittingbourne, was “It was daunting doing the advert and courage to do this and to help us get the Waterstone’s in Maidstone. ‘Designer dogs’ dumped by cash-strapped owners A RISE in demand for so-called and are quite expensive, which ‘designer breeds’ has sparked may be why they are becoming fears even more dogs will be increasingly popular as fashion dumped in the coming weeks and accessories. months. “But still people do not seem able The Dogs Trust says cross-breeds to cope with them or keep them like the labradoodle face an long-term. Many don’t seem to increased risk of being abandoned understand the dogs they buy will due to their newfound popularity need to be looked after for the next as short-term fashion accessories ten years. rather than lifetime companions. “We took in quite a few labradoo- Staff at the charity’s rehoming dles last year but the problem has centre in Canterbury are currently become more apparent now we caring for three such animals and have three cross-breeds at once. are concerned they may receive Fortunately because they are so GIVE A DOG A HOME:(l-r) Puggle Ruby, boxador Benson and sprollie Charlie are being cared for by the Dogs Trust Canterbury more in the weeks and months to popular they tend to be rehomed (springer spaniel-collie). However, Ms Reffell said there with them but as time goes on we come. fairly quickly.” Last year the BBC sparked a con- was no evidence to suggest cross- will find out more and more about Manager Lizzie Reffell said: Three dogs currently being cared troversy when it dropped the annu- breeding caused any of the genetic the effects of cross-breeding.” “We’re seeing more designer breeds for by Dogs Trust Canterbury are al Crufts dog show from its televi- defects uncovered by the broad- • Anyone interested in pro- coming through the kennel system Ruby the puggle (pug-beagle), sion schedule, citing concerns caster. viding a home for one of the and it’s quite unusual. Benson the boxador (boxer- about the welfare of some of the She added:“The dogs we’ve come Dogs Trust’s animals can call “These dogs are new on the scene labrador) and Charlie the sprollie pedigree canines on show. across haven’t had anything wrong 01227 792505. yourcanterbury.co.uk 10 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] Weight Loss Surgery giving you your life back Free Information Evening Thursday 4 February 7pm Mr Sanjoy Basu, Consultant General Surgeon Ms Victoria Shorland, Dietitian Location: Courtyard Suite, Ashford International Hotel, Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, Kent,TN24 8UX To book your free place, or for further information, call 01303 233 766 or email [email protected] www.spirehealthcare.com/stsaviours 73 Seabrook Road, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5AW 10309 Tel:01227 772752 Tel:01227 770966 114 -116 John Wilson Business Park Whitstable Kent 208 Tankerton Road Tankerton,Whitstable Kent