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 71 Available from Wednesday, THE NEWSPAPER FOR CANTERBURY, WHITSTABLE, HERNE BAY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES January 21, 2009 BEATS ATVFIRHNEEGEOSN VLCIONEUR CPAHUGEEN-RT UBCRONHIONGK BYOUERA CTOM TPLHETEE PCULRL-OUUNT GCUIHDE PLUS DOWNLOAD OUR GREAT SAVINGS VOUCHER BOOK vouchersforkent.co.uk vouchersforkent.co.uk @ SCHOOLS CELEBRATE MAKING THE GRADE WHAT’S ON & WATCH (cid:2)BY GARETH ARNOLD CANTERBURY High and the Chaucer Technology School are on track to fight off the Government’s threat of closure. Both hit exam pass targets in the latest league tables released last week. But serious questions are set to be asked of Community College Whitstable after its scores dropped,leaving it nearly bottom of the league for Kent.Cash will now be injected into the school in a bid to reverse its declining fortunes. In unveiling the National Challenge initia- FIGHTING BACK:Tackle the crunch and save tive last year,schools minister Ed Balls rapped out a clear message;shape up and hit GCSE money. Search ‘crunch’ @yourkenttv.co.uk pass targets or risk being shut down. ALSO INSIDE He insisted those schools achieving less than a 30 per cent pass rate for GCSEs between A* and C grades,including maths and English,be COMPETITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 15 given three years to hit the target or face being shut or merged with another institution. LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 16-17 Both Canterbury High and the Chaucer PROPERTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 18-22 failed to secure the target last year – but in fig- ures released on Thursday,pulled themselves BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 69 clear of the danger zone.Canterbury High hit 30 per cent (last year 27) while Chaucer got 31 SPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 70-71 WHERE DO YOU STAND? per cent through (last year 24). Yet the Community College Whitstable will find itself under mounting pressure since it achieved a mere 17 per cent pass rate – down on 24 per cent last year and reversing a trend of gradual improvement. After plans were unveiled to turn disused tennis courts on the Victoria recreation ground near The average for Kent is 49.7 per cent. Canterbury High into beach volleyball courts, residents mounted a petition against it. But now those But head teacher Helena Sullivan-Tighe behind the scheme have hit back. But what do you think? Email us: [email protected] or said the result was an anomaly,and the school write - our address is on page 2. FULL STORY – PAGE 3 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Nasons Department Store 47 High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2SB 01227 456755 www.nasons.co.uk Nasons Furniture,Carpet and Bed Centre Maynard Road, Wincheap Estate, Canterbury, CT1 3RQ. 01227 463550 yourcanterbury.co.uk 2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] Student rents Schools make WHAT’S ON & WATCH the grade and yourkenttv.co.uk meet targets provide vital TOP TV CLIPS CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE was already on course to meet the tar- get for 2009. She said:“We were very disappoint- housing boost ed with the result as our English department is one of our strongest departments,and in 2006 got 40 per cent.This year we had about ten stu- dents under achieve. “But we have already achieved 20 per cent in the early entries for this year,and hope to hit the 30 per cent (cid:2)BY GARETH ARNOLD target by March. “The National Challenge, when it came in,was not presented to schools BUY-to-let is back with a in the most positive manner,but it is vengeance in Canterbury bringing financial assistance to the school,which will help us raise stan- as investors looking for dards.” healthy returns take There is little doubt the National advantage of the student Challenge is unfair to many schools across Kent. The selective system market. which sees the Kent Test cream off 1 All the latest news and views from the Gills. Search suTrvhiev icnitgy ’sd eessptaittee tahgee nntas tsioany atlh egylo aorme tshche otoopls p,erdfoerpmriivnegs putphiels tor egmraaminminagr the sport channel at www.yourkenttv.co.uk. over tumbling house prices – and schools from students who would pull some have even reported that buyer their average up. enquiries are up on last year. Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar The problem is,no one wants to sell. scored 97 per cent. Simon Langton Caxtons director Neil Boswell said: Grammar School for Boys hit 94 per “We’ve had a lot of enquiries recently cent.Barton Court Grammar secured and some are translating into sales. 93 per cent. But there are hardly any houses com- The Community College, mean- ing onto the market at the moment. while,scores poorly compared to near- “You need a HIPs pack,which costs by Herne Bay High,which achieved a more than £300,and people are not respectable 42 per cent pass rate.City prepared to speculate that kind of catholic school St Anselm’s scored 41 money.Demand is definitely outstrip- per cent. ping supply.” Community College Whitstable will This pattern was echoed by other now be given 15 days support from a estate agents in the district. KEY FIGURE:The student lettings market is National Challenge adviser,who will Sales negotiator Denise Miller, of attracting investors to the city review all teaching,and the way it is Kent Estate Agents, said: “We are assessed,at the school. working extremely hard at the by other positive factors which are An additional £108,000 will be moment and things are very difficult. attracting new blood into the city. granted to the school to help improve We are getting more enquiries, but Ward and Partners marketing con- standards of maths and English. people are not selling. sultant Jonathan White said: “You The school also plans to have target- “A lot of people are renting,waiting can’t deny that sales are down on last ed intervention programmes and 2 Cream oflocal music talent. See the community channel tsotu sdeeen wt hleattt itnhges m marakrkete td oies s,thane do tnhlye yceenatr,abgue.t I can’t tell you the exact per- Emaasntye r chreilvdirseionn acsl apssoesss ibtloe hgeeltp thaes at www.yourkenttv.co.uk and search for ‘ether’ thing keeping our heads above water.” “But it’s never been a better time to results they need. Mr Boswell agreed the buy-to-let buy,and we have started a campaign Canterbury High School head market was providing a lifeline to the to get this across to people.And in teacher Phil Karnavas,an outspoken city’s housing market. many ways, Canterbury is bucking opponent of the National Challenge He said:“Canterbury has been fair- the national trend. scheme, is more interested in the ly resilient.There is a lot of buy-to-let “The market is very localised.Some school’s value added scores,which top investment with the student market, areas of the city have taken a hit on the table in Kent and place the school and there are people with money to house prices, others have hardly sixth highest in the country. invest. changed. Mr Karnavas said: “The school is “Investors are coming back to prop- “Canterbury has so much going for doing so well because we have an erty in a big way now because it gets a it.There are lots of schools,the fast rail ethos which is about creating an envi- better return than other investments.” link coming in this year is attracting ronment in which every child can and And estate agents say Canterbury’s people from London and overall it’s a will do well, and the staff support housing market has been cushioned very decent place to live.” that.” YEAR START New New Join us in January 3 Waters blessed in special ceremony. See the community (cid:486)(cid:3) A great place tolearn and work channel at www.yourkenttv.co.uk. Search for ‘blessing’ (cid:486)(cid:3) More than 300 courses SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY (cid:486)(cid:3) Full and part-time job vacancies EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT (cid:486)(cid:3) £50m state-of-the-art campus EDITOR:Chris Britcher 01303 817171 (cid:486)(cid:3) Excellent teaching GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032 (cid:486)(cid:3) Industry standard facilities WEBSITE: www.yourcanterbury.co.uk TELEPHONE ADVERTISING: 01303 817110 (cid:486)(cid:3) NUS Award winning Students’Union FAX: (Advertising) 01303 817002 EMAIL:Editorial:[email protected]. Sales:[email protected] HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR CwLwICwK.canterburycollege.ac.uk Printed by Newsfax CALL © 2007 KOS Media. yourcanterbury by KOSMedia award-winning publications 01227 811111 yourcanterbury.co.uk Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 3 Gaza protest takes Faulty heating left me to town’s streets MORE than 100 protestors from across east Kent took to the streets of with massive gas bill Whitstable on Saturday in support of the Palestinian people. The demonstration,called by the Kent Stop the War group, marched through the town carrying placards calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza. Protestors met outside the library before marching through the town. Council offers to help pensioner Ruth Picture: GA tthhSeep MeWaukasreli rmsc a Wfrlloeemldf a trfheo reA lsposceoaoclpi alLetia obntoo au nrb dop ySacrtoottypt, after Yourcanterbury investigation RETH A Itosr gaeetl ia gido otdos G aanzda .support the campaign RNOLD caImsrpaaeilg cna lleodn a Starutucerd taoy itsn itghhret,e-wweiethk EXCLUSIVE the radiators,so they were heating poorly. Palestinian group Hamas agreeing to the Mrs Wood is able to claim a small retirement ceasefire soon after. (cid:2)BY JENNY ARMSTRONG pension from her previous employer,but at the It is estimated about 1,300 age of 61 her only other income is her state pen- Palestinians died in the attack on Gaza. sion. Israel has reported fewer than 20 fatali- A PENSIONER left with a huge She is paying off the debt at £30 a month. ties. gas bill due to faulty heating equip- Since the huge bill the council has fixed the ment has been promised help by faulty equipment and provided Mrs Wood with a meter key.She now checks her consumption VIEWTHIS CLIP ON the city council after her case was once a week. investigated by Yourcanterbury. For more than a year the council refused to yourkenttv.co.uk Ruth Wood,of Saint Alban’s Road,Hersden,a help with the bill,and no new insulation was put British Heart Foundation volunteer, was hit in,despite repeated requests. with a £409 gas bill for last winter,despite living However, when Yourcanterbury asked the LOCAL in a one-bedroom council bungalow with only council whether it would help,staff agreed. five radiators. Council official Steve James said:“On a visit to Her heating was jammed permanently on,but Mrs Wood’s home,we identified a technical prob- her home was so poorly insulated she was still lem with the thermostat. cold. “We advised Mrs Wood of the fault and our The pensioner blames the council for the bill, contractors mended the thermostat as soon as it which she is still paying off after more than a was practical to do so. year. “But we do appreciate there was a slight delay She said:“When I moved in the thermostat before this happened.Therefore,as a goodwill was broken,so I couldn’t turn it up or down. gesture,we will be paying Mrs Wood £150 to “And it was cold even though the heating was help pay for her heating bill. stuck on a very high setting,because the insula- “We will also visit Mrs Wood and make sure tion was so bad.” her home is insulated to the highest standards. Mrs Wood claims she had no meter key,so was “If Mrs Wood experiences any future prob- Check out the latest Hollywood unable to check how much fuel she was using. lems,we will be more than happy to speak to her blockbusters. Search ‘preview’ She also says she had no radiator key to bleed and offer advice.” RUTH WOOD: Help with heating bill from city council Police plea Volleyball court after five Manual, Electric, lift & rise Recliners injured in backers dismiss road smash residents’ fears 5GF OUYRAE ARTRVHAA ENM TTDO EIFSTERAOEBRLEE D A SERIOUS crash left one man with life-threatening injuries and another four needing hospital treatment after their car swerved off the road. The accident,close to Old Priory Farm in Littlebourne Road, MIND and Body Leisure Centre,one Sarah Pegg dismissed the concerns. Canterbury, happened just before of the partners in the controversial She said:“Residents may pose the 10pm on Thursday,when a Nissan beach volleyball courts planned for question ‘where are our children and OVER 25% OFF Almera carrying five young men left Canterbury,has hit back at residents pets to play?’ but as the earlier the road and collided with a hedge. campaigning against the scheme. Yourcanterbury story stated, only Three of the five remain in the Earlier this month campaigners one fiftieth of the total area of the QEQM Hospital at Margate in a presented a petition with more than field is to be used,leaving the rest for serious but stable condition. 50 signatures to city councillors,call- use and free play. eg: Hampton lift & tilt dual-action recliner They are a 21-year-old man from ing on them to overturn the decision “And it will not only be used for the Ash,and teenagers aged 16 and 19 to grant permission for beach volley- so-called minority sport of volleyball. (cid:88)(cid:66)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:98)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:21)(cid:17) NOW £899 from Canterbury. ball courts to be built at the Victoria “Although the courts will provide a The other two,both aged 20 and recreation ground, next to base for the volleyball teams of from Canterbury and Ash, were Canterbury High School. Canterbury – of which there are four allowed home after treatment. They argued beach volleyball was sizeable clubs – the courts will also The accident caused extensive too niché a sport to warrant selling be used for beach soccer,beach ten- delays for motorists.Officers carried off the disused grass tennis courts nis, beach rugby, foot volley and out a detailed examination of the they will replace. Ultimate Frisbee, giving the resi- crash site and the road was closed The petition reads:“Please tell us dents of Canterbury a variety of new until the following morning. where we can go to enjoy open space sports to try and compete in.” Opening times: Police are continuing to investi- to run and play with our children, Mind and Body Leisure says the 01227 766655 Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm gate and any witnesses who have grandchildren and pets and interact courts will help combat the rise in (cid:88)(cid:88)(cid:88)(cid:15)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:90)(cid:84)(cid:15)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:15)(cid:86)(cid:76) Sun 10.30am – 4.30pm not yet contacted officers can do so with other human beings?” children’s “sofa lifestyles”,which are FURNITURE. BEDS . CURTAINS . FLOORING . ACCESSORIES on 01622 798538. But Mind and Body Leisure’s fuelling childhood obesity. yourcanterbury.co.uk 4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] Hockey star’s yourcanterbury NEWS IN BRIEF view on life Meeting over plans for rise in beach hut prices PROPOSALS to increase charges for beach huts by 16 per cent are set to be rejected by Canterbury council on Thursday. The rise is likely to be close to 11 per cent. at the Games It will be one of a number of proposals to be decided upon by the council’s executive,prior to going before full council on February 19. Proposals will also include keeping the Whitstable Biennale and the Whitstable Oyster Festival separate,and retaining the recycling calendar. Police on lookout for duo SHE’S one of the city’s most suc- (cid:2)BY GARETH ARNOLD cessful sports stars – and next over New Year’s assault week she will provide a fascinat- our friends and family in training camps in ing insight into life behind the Australia and Argentina and pushed our bod- WITNESSES to an assault on New Year’s ies to the absolute limit.” Eve in Whitstable town centre are being scenes at the Olympic Games. But despite the hardships,Ms Clewlow,32, sought by police. Double Olympian Mel Clewlow is one of is in no doubt the experience was worth it, A couple were attacked as they walked England and Great Britain’s best-known and hopes hearing about her experiences will OLYMPIAN: Canterbury player Mel Clewlow starred for home along Gladstone Road at around 10pm. hockey players and part of the squad which inspire others to get behind London 2012. Great Britain in last summer’s Beijing Olympics The two men who assaulted them are in travelled to compete in Beijing last year. She said:“It was an incredible experience their 20s and may have been drinking in And at a public lecture at Christ Church competing against world class hockey players ances for England,has since started a new the Wall Tavern in Middle Wall,and may University,she’ll lift the lid on what it is like and being surrounded by athletes from other job – as sports development officer at the have been involved in a fight in the pub. to train and compete in the world’s biggest sports. University of Kent. Anyone with information should contact sporting event. “The buzz that went around the GB The talk is part of a series of post-Beijing PC Chris Kidd on 01227 868262. Olympic training camp every time Great presentations by members of Great Britain’s Heat Parking charges set to Britain won a medal gave us the incentive to Olympic and Paralympic teams. Speaking before the lecture,the Canterbury try harder and do our best. It will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, captain revealed just how hard she and her “The GB women’s hockey team came sixth, January 27 at the Old Sessions House stay same until next year team mates had to push themselves. which was a more than a respectable finish Lecture Theatre, North Holmes Campus, She said: “The team prepared for the and way above our expectations.” Canterbury Christ Church University,and is CAR parking charges in the district will be extremely hot weather conditions in Beijing As part of the sacrifices she made prior to free and open to everyone. frozen until 2010 under new council propos- by spending time in a heat chamber and the Olympics,she quit her job as an account “I hope this lecture ignites people’s passion als to help businesses weather the recession. training in hats,scarves,gloves and leggings manager,and lived on just £500 a month in and interest in the London 2012 Olympic and The council says this is the best way to in the middle of summer. pursuit of her dream. Paralympic Games and gives them the incen- pass on the 2.5 per cent VAT saving,rather “We spent long periods of time away from The defender, who has made 179 appear- tive to get involved.” than reduce the charges at the meter. Council leader John Gilbey said:“It’s one of several ways we are trying to work with VIEWTHIS CLIP ON What’s your favourite place? local businesses to support the economy.By keeping charges at existing levels,we hope to attract people to our town centres.” yourkenttv.co.uk Early warning of Thanet LOCAL IS therea place which holds special memories events in our area – including the Canterbury Way temporary closure for you? A place you think would make an ideal and Whitstable festivals. film for our hit,free,broadband TV website? But we are on the lookout for more too.So if Then why not let us know so we can send a you think you have an idea which Julie could THE Thanet Way at Whitstable is to be resur- team to investigate? research why not drop us a line? We will follow faced next month with a temporary road clo- Former BBC Radio Kent DJ Julie Maddocks up the best and when the film is completed,pub- sure on the day the work is being done. presents a series of exclusive films which are then licise it on the pages of this newspaper. A section of the A299 Thanet Way at the uploaded on to our site at www.yourkenttv.co.uk. Alternatively,why not make some of your own junction with Millstrood Road will be closed Recent clips include a history of the Marlowe and become a budding documentary maker? All between 8pm and midnight with diversion Theatre (see opposite page), a behind-the- you have to do is upload the clip on our site. route in operation on February 12. scenes peak at the company behind this year’s So visit www.yourkenttv.co.uk or email your Kent Highways Services have asked resi- pantomime,Evolution Productions,and special ideas to Julie Maddocks at julie.maddocks dents to keep the area free of parked cars. reports throughout the year from the biggest @kosmedia.co.uk. Call Kent Highway Services’ 24-hour helpline on 08458 247 800. CHEMICAL PEELS freshens dull, lifeless skin WRINKLE RELAXATION INJECTIONS frown lines, crows feet, forehead LASER TREATMENTS fine lines, acne, scars, sun damage, age spots Your local LeisureTVChannel THREAD VEIN REMOVAL DERMAL FILLERS NLITE To advertise your business in your local softens lines, fuller lips LASER paper, local website and online TV, MEDICAL MICRODERMABRASION For acne telephone our team on 01303 817000. gives skin a fresh, healthy glow and INFRA RED SKIN TIGHTENING acne Al•l tLreaastmere nTtast atroeo c aRrreiemd oovuat lb •yLaser FHOaRi rM ROeRmjEoo IwNvlaFslO, •RnMWecAakTr,ItO saN,r mMso,l easb •doSCSemaKmneItiNne Pr beAurrmNyaDneLnAt MSsEackaRerruipng yoyouNourOukrWr VesN dinesEaetrinWttvtv adi.ci coleasonsd .lf!udion kre experienced doctors, supervised CALL 01227 472288 by a consultant dermatologist www.skinandlaser.co.uk Clinic yourcanterbury.co.uk Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 5 Picture BBC yoNurEcaWnteSr bIuNry BRIEF PTOeLeICnEa garee lgooikrinlg p fuorn wcithneessdes PtoC an assault in which a young off duty policeman was punched in the face. Officers believe other people may have been Dogs go on the rampage assaulted the same night by the girl believed to have carried out the attack. RUSH hour traffic in Canterbury was plunged The 20-year-old man was walking with two into chaos last Thursday morning after armed friends near the bus station ticket office in St police had to catch two dogs savaging sheep. Margaret’s Street, Canterbury, on Friday, Police were called to Downs Road at 7.15am January 9 between 11 and 11.30pm.A girl, following a report two dogs were attacking who was in a group of five other girls,came up livestock. to him,said she knew him,and punched him. But when officers attended the dogs had left A 15-year-old girl has been quizzed by police and headed towards St Stephens Road.A total and is due to return on bail next month. of seven sheep were attacked.Four had to be destroyed as their injuries were so severe. Ban for loudmouth drunk In order to protect local people,police closed the road at St Stephen’s Hill and also the junc- A DRINKING ban has been slapped on a tion of Downs Road and The Close. man shouting abuse at shoppers in It caused traffic problems as commuters were Whitefriars shopping centre. forced to cut across the university campus,put- Kevin Lusher, 44, of Whitstable Road, ting a strain on other routes into the city. Canterbury,appeared before magistrates last The dogs were eventually removed by the week charged with racially aggravated RSPCA. Police emphasised they had not harassment and assault after he was arrest- been shot. ed in the popular shopping complex. STAR: Former university student Alan Davies (left) – now a regular on hit BBC Two show QI, along with host Stephen Fry Area Commander for the East Kent Area, He had been shouting at shoppers and Chief Superintendent John Molloy,said:“It is assaulted a security guard,the court was told. Students aim to deplorable the owner has allowed their dogs to The case was adjourned until February 4 pose such a danger to others and we will act and Mr Lusher was bailed on the conditions appropriately in an effort to prevent harm he does not enter the city walls and does not from coming to anyone else or their livestock.” drink in a public place. raise a laugh on way to a degree A GROUP of budding Russell (cid:2)BY JENNA PUDELEK Brands and Ricky Gervaises are to take to the stage as part of their will be unleashed on the general public. stand-up comedy course at the Miss Griffiths, 22, said: “People should expect it to be quite different.Our lecturer, University of Kent. Olly,is trying to get us to strive to be differ- Friday 16th Jan The ten students will be performing 20- ent but also push boundaries.We have been to Sunday 25th Jan minute spots next month as part of their four- performing in a safe environment before we NoShowings on Monday 19th Jan yeTahr ecyo uhrospee i nt od rfoalmloaw a innd t hthee faotortes tsetupds ioefs .the doT iht ei ng ifgrso wnti lol fb ea cloivmep aeureddie bnyc eD.”r Olly Double, BBaanndd AB::££1120..0500 CCoonn c£ £190..0500 FBroiudnady &2 0Gtahg Fgeebd rCuoamryed8y.00pm likes of comedians Alan Davies – who stars the comedian and drama lecturer who teaches OTHER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE presents 4 Poofs and a Piano in the BBC’s Jonathan Creek and QI – and the stand-up course and who has released a regular comedy show panellist Jackie Clune. DVD of a routine in which he talks about the WWHHAATT’’SS OONN AATT TTHHEE WWIINNTTEERR GGAARRDDEENNSS Both are graduates of the university’s drama unlikely comic topic of his son’s diabetes. courses. The current students will be performing FEBRUARY 2009 “The American Dream” Friday 10th & Saturday 11th April diSffteurednent tt oA npneoap Gler iwffhitoh sju ssati dtr:y“ Hstoawn dw-ue pa ries iFne bTrhuea Brye e3r caanrdt A1r0m,asn pdu abt i nth Cea Hntoerrsbeubrriyd ogne SiTmupeSlsaedt aS2yi1m 1sot7 ntFh ea bFnredub ahrruiysa rCyat Monday 9SthuJ n–edc aWkyye 1ldl5 n&teh sH dMyadayer c1h1th March TSEhsaastnueerndtc aBeye oe1fr8 ItFrhee sAlatpinvrdiall that we have got the theoretical background. Arts Centre in Whitstable, on February 6 Mr Wonderful Dancing Sunday 19th April st“aIgte c apner tsaoknea s,obmute ownee hteanv ey etoa rdso t ot hfiantd r tehaelliyr anMdi s1s3 .Griffiths added:“There are comedians TelSeFuvrniisddeaadyy 2B27r2itnthids F hFe eWbbrrureuasartyrlying “20th TAFhrniend uaAyall l 2 SC0thtahar srMi tBaya rCcnhodncert” WMeSdonAoetYsyd Ian2y S60ptha0 cMe9ay quickly because our gigs are being marked such as Jack Dee,who are outwardly hostile to Colin Fry and TJ Higgs LEMAR in Concert Rob Brydon from the beginning, although obviously it their audience,and a new wave of nice comedi- Saturday 28th February Saturday 21st March Sunday 10th May changes and develops.” ans such Mark Thomas and Josie Long.In actu- An audience with Bjorn Again Leon Jackson in Concert forTmhea ngcreosu po nh afse lbloewen stteusdtienngt so uatr tohuenidr ptehre- athl efarec tc,aIn’v eb efo turnudly a n loont -oafg rgerseesasrivche cwohmicehd ya.”sks if M"TuAAeNRsDdYCa yA H3BrRd A2 MH0AarM0ch"9 ASPatuRrdIaLy 42th0 A0pr9il SRuhnyidnda iaCyn o1 nR7ctoehbr teMratsy campus and the upcoming gigs will be the • Tickets for the gigs cost £4 and £3 for concessions. For Billy Ocean in Concert Disco Inferno Tuesday 26th - Saturday 30th May first time their individual and fresh comedy more information visit www.kent.ac.uk. Friday 6th March Sunday 5th April “A Night On The Town” Another Schooltime Spectacular The Enemy in Concert M.O.S Variety A trip down memory VIEWTHIS CLIP ON yourkenttv.co.uk lane at the Marlowe LOCAL TThhee uullttiimmaattee ffiittnneessss aanndd wweeiigghhtt AS the final curtain falls on this year’s record- lloossss ssoolluuttiioonn iinncclluuddeedd FFRREEEE breaking pantomime at the Marlowe,why not wwiitthh aallll oouurr relive the past of this historic theatre? mmeemmbbeerrsshhiipp Simply log-on to our free,broadband web TV ppaacckkaaggeess.. site www.yourkenttv.co.uk and search the leisure channel to see Julie Maddocks cast a nostalgic With our new personal fitness plan tailored to you let us help you to reach your health and fitness goal with our 30-day plan. eye over the theatre as it prepares for one of the Combining exercise with nutritional and lifestyle advice our professional fitness team have only one goal, to help you achieve yours * Terms and conditions apply h biggest changes in its history. In March,work will begin on knocking it down and replacing it with a multi-million pound state-of-the-art venue. yourcanterbury.co.uk 6 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] 09 ‘‘GGoooodd OOlldd RRoocckk ‘‘nn RRoollll’’ LEN PHILLIPS The Kings Hall 0 Wedding Fayre 2 MMiikkee BBeerrrryy BIG BAND y ar Hit &Re Sctoarrd oinf gT VS’tsa r‘A -r e‘T rYiobuu tBee tion gB uSderdvye Hd’olly’ Sunday 15th March 2009 u br JJeettTh e HHLegenaadaryrrrriiss £T1IC2K.E5T0S e TICKETS F Original bass guitarist with £12.50 ‘The Shadows’ th BBiilllliiee DDaavviiss 8 “Tell Him” 2 “Angel of the Morning” Also featuring y a EEaarrll SShheerriiddaann d r Supported by u HTOHEUSESHAKERS JJaayy CChhaannccee Sunday 8th March 2009 t a The ‘50’s 60’s Man’ - a true originator Doors open 7p.m. Show starts 8p.m. S Doors open 7p.m. Show starts 8p.m. ABBA BBALLET 9 9 CC 0 0 0 OO 2 GOLD EUROPE 0 performed by the Vienna Festival Ballet 2 P l TICKETS i £10 y r P p a A M E L h h t I t 4 A 8 y y ADULT a a TICKETS d £17 d r Under u i 14’s TICKETS r TICKETS t O n e C h i l d F r e e £10 £12 Sunday 26th April 2009 F a p e r P a y i n g A d u l t Doors open 6.45p.m. Show starts 7.30p.m. Doors open 7p.m. Show starts 7.30p.m. S Doorsopen7.00p.m. Showstarts8.00p.m. yTelephoone edituorial: 01r303 8w17200 Emeail [email protected] er yourcanterbury.co.uk 7 yourcanterbury SPONSOREDBY SPONSOREDBY NEWS IN BRIEF [email protected] Popular restaurant still TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND has the right ingredients HIGH TIDES THE Sportsman continues to impress critics having retained its Michelin star in this year’s guide. 777 Chatham Saturday 11:48am 5.3m reTnhowe npeudb foirn sFeravvienrgs h“afamn cyR ofaodod, Sweiathsaolutet r,thies Sunday 12:28pm 5.5m frills”,with head chef and owner Stephen Harris Dover Saturday 10:06am 5.8m taking inspiration from top restaurateurs such as Gordon Ramsey and Alain Ducasse,stripping Sunday 10:44am 6.0m dishes down to the bare essentials. 111000 Dungeness Saturday 9:50am 6.6m The kitchen makes a point of sourcing high- quality ingredients from three local farms just Sunday 10:33am 6.8m a few miles away. Ramsgate Saturday 10:36am 4.4m Fresh vegetables are delivered daily from Mallards Farm just around the corner,with Sunday 11:14am 4.6m meat coming from Waterham and Monkshill SUNRISE SUNSET Sheerness Saturday 11:37am 5.2m faMrmesa nwwhhicihle arsee aaflosood n,eainrcblyu.ding Whitstable 7.49am 4.25pm Sunday 12:18pm 5.3m native oysters, comes from Whitstable and MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 11:47am 4.8m Hythe,with other ingredients such as game 4.36am 11.41am sourced from local dealers. Sunday 12:29pm 4.9m FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST Catch Herring on stage AROUNDTHE Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY TV STAR Richard Herring will be performing Ashford 7°C 7°C 8°C 9°C 8°C Gravesend 6°C 6°C 8°C 9°C 9°C at the Horsebridge Comedy Club in Whitstable later this month. Canterbury 6°C 5°C 7°C 8°C 7°C Maidstone 6°C 6°C 8°C 10°C 8°C Amsterdam 5°C Madrid 12°C The Horsebridge is his second gig of a 44-date Chatham 6°C 6°C 9°C 9°C 8°C Ramsgate 6°C 5°C 7°C 8°C 7°C ABathrceenlsona 1173°°CC NPaerwisYork 1-22°°CC nHaetaidonmaals tetoru’sr Soofn ,aw hniecwh rseocleoi vesdh ogwl,owTinhge Dartford 6°C 6°C 8°C 9°C 9°C Rochester 6°C 6°C 9°C 9°C 8°C Beijing 4°C Rome 14°C reviews at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Dover 6°C 6°C 6°C 7°C 7°C Sevenoaks 5°C 5°C 7°C 8°C 7°C Bombay 32°C Sydney 26°C whHoe rwrein agr aet.tHeme pbtlsa mtoe dsi sthcoev pera rwehnatst m– ahkise sd auds Faversham 6°C 6°C 9°C 9°C 8°C Sittingbourne 6°C 6°C 9°C 9°C 8°C CCaarpdeifTfown 276°°CC TToenkeyroife 1194°°CC waRsi cahlsaor dh eHaedrmriansgt earp opfe tahres socnh Foorli dhaey ,aJttaennudaerdy. Folkestone 6°C 6°C 6°C 7°C 7°C Tonbridge 6°C 6°C 8°C 9°C 8°C Gibraltar 14°C Vancouver 3°C 30.Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. HongKong 24°C Warsaw 1°C Tickets are £7 or £5 for concessions.To book Gillingham 6°C 6°C 9°C 9°C 8°C TunWells 6°C 6°C 8°C 9°C 8°C LasPalmas 18°C Wellington 17°C call the Horsebridge on 01227 281174. Business/ JJANUARYY Fencing Garden Whitstable development Buildings Harbour SALE opportunity Sheds South Quay Gates Pergolas Trellis Proposed development Pavilions Carports (cid:2) Entire site area development of 3,664sqm, or individual parcels from 109sqm are available Decking (cid:2) Suitable for a mixed development of retail/business and leisure uses For all enquiries or to request a detailed brochure please contact Owen Croft By using Phone: 01227 862 087 only Email: [email protected] the best materials & Web: www.canterbury.gov.uk/harbour OFF construction 30–E4x0 D%isplay timbetdre ebclihuvnieldirq insuugepss e,a rwnioder Buildings homef eanncdin gga trhdaetn e. n Ahnan ecree cytoiounr OFF service is available for all our 10–40% products. Local delivery available. Fencing & Why not come and visit our well stocked shop, yard and show site. Trellis panels T:01227 712 913F:01227 713 400 E:[email protected] www.quinneys.com Wealden Forest Park, Herne Common ( Next to Wildwood) Herne Bay Kent CT6 7LQ Opening Hours: Kent County Council Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Fencing &Sectional Building Manufacturers Trading Standards Approved Saturday 8.00am to 2.00pm yourcanterbury.co.uk 8 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] yourlocalinterview QNow that you’ve sold Conquest House, having renovated QWere you sad to go after putting so much work into so people press a buzzer to get in.It certainly QUESTION & ANSWER it so extensivley, what are you looking to do next? restoring the building? helped deter shoplifters. AThe future is one big question mark.I will AI was sorry to be leaving in a way. It probably be looking for another building in depends what mood I’m in.Next summer QDid you get many shoplifters stealing antiques? CAROLINE that state to renovate but I haven’t got any- will be the first time that the new King’s Mile thing specific in mind at the moment.I’ve got can be seen in all its glory,with the new trees APeople will try anything.Hiding paintings some land in another part of Kent which has in leaf above the pavement cafes. under coats, bringing in towels to wrap nothing of any interest on it,so I’ll probably do But I feel that I’ve left both the building and things up in… We lost several things over the HILLS a new build on it.I’ve never done that before. the street in a better state than when I came years.There was one bloke who brought in a We haven’t got new premises yet.We are plan- here,and I’m really proud of that. Victorian box with lots of little glass and silver ning to run the internet side of the business for I feel very privileged to have been part of it perfume bottles in it.There was something a while,and retain the workshops and ware- all really.I put an awful lot into this building, dodgy about him and I couldn’t help thinking house.We are checking with the council to see if but I get a tremendous sense of pleasure from I’d seen the box somewhere before. we can arrange private viewings,but we are not knowing what we’ve done here. There used to be another antiques shop just allowed to open the warehouse to the public. down the road,and I walked past their window QHow did you get into antiques? every day.Suddenly I twigged that that’s where QHow did you get into restoration? I had seen it before.I said:“You’ve nicked that AI got into antiques through my partner,he haven’t you?”At first he denied it and tried to AI owned a small building firm, but we’d was already very involved in it,and I needed leave,but of course the door was locked.So then only done cottages and things like that. something like that after taking on this place. he attacked me to try to get me to let him out. When I came here in 1983 the building was a Luckily there was another buyer upstairs, a complete wreck – it was a massive task but I QI understand Conquest House is something of a tourist Dutchman called Nick who is about six foot six. decided to take it on,but we’d done nothing on attraction in its own right? He rushed down the stairs and grabbed this that scale.So I did have some experience,but AWe had to ask the tour guides to stop bring- bloke by the throat while I called the police.It I could have done with a lot more. ing them round! The shop just got overrun. turned out he had just been released from Canterbury council conservation department We started showing small parties around but prison.He got another six months for that. were wonderful,especially a man called Craig had to start charging £2 in the summer Bowley who is still a great friend of mine.They months;it’s the only way to put some off. QAny other adventures? provided all kinds of help. Maintaining old Lots of tourists thought it was a museum. buildings is an ongoing task.That’s the price you We even produced a short brochure giving a AAnother time a man stole some paintings. pay for living in an historic city.It’s so important brief history of the building and people who But my partner,who is quite athletic,saw to preserve old buildings,but many owners do pay their £2 for the brochure can take photos. him and chased him down the road.He dropped not do enough,or anything at all. We had to put a lock on the door eventually, the paintings and my partner picked them up. & Gareth Arnoldtalks to antique shop owner Caroline Hills, the previous owner of Conquest House, an historic building in Palace Street, about her future plans, restoration, tourists and light-fingered visitors WINTER SALE NOW ON HUGE SAVINGS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS Colonial Homescents Skyflite Candle Jars Big & Warm blankets Afternoon tea set NOW ONLY 'Spirit' Luggage usually £30 usually £14.95 50% off original prices Now £14.99 Now £9.95 £6.00 EACH OPENING TIMES Nasons Department Store, Monday to Saturday 47 High Street, 9am – 5.30pm Canterbury Sunday 11am – 5pm Tel: 01227 456755 www.nasons.co.uk Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourcanterbury.co.uk 9 EDITOR’S CHOICE You can view all these videos and others from around the county with the click of a mouse at… Driving around Ashford’s Tackling the crunch; our Blessing of the waters Tory leader David Cameron’s Man in line for Radio 4 gong controversial ring road… new campaign to help you ceremony on Margate Q and A session in Chatham. for raising awareness of eye yourkenttv.co.uk at night. Search ‘ringroad’ save cash. Search ‘food’ beach. Search ‘blessing’ Search ‘Cameron’ disease. Search ‘Royston’ Fat chance to win money NHS scheme to offer obese cash incentive for losing weight (cid:2)OcaBsBhEY SrJEeE wNpNaeArod pPslU eD fraEoLrmeE K steht et oN rHecSe ivoef Picture REX FEATURES more than £400 for losing weight. But the Tories’ health spokesman said he was “sceptical”about using taxpayers’ cash to reward people for dieting. East Kent health bosses are calling for hun- dreds of overweight men and women to take POP IDOLS: The Cheeky Girls visited school in Sevenoaks part in the trial and dieters can choose from cash or vouchers for holidays and shopping Cheeky little visit for dropping a few dress sizes or losing their beer bellies. Rewards range from £70 for shifting 15lbs, for singing pupils to £425 for losing 50lbs and keeping it off for six months. Shadow health secretary,Andrew Lansley, said:“While incentive schemes can be useful in POP beauties The Cheeky Girls were in helping people to lose weight,we are extreme- Kent last week to hand over the prizes in a ly sceptical about whether public money major school music competition. should be handed over in this manner. They met pupils at the Sevenoaks Preparatory School, who won the Royal Exercise London Society for the Blind’s inaugural “Incentives should be geared around sus- White Christmas singing competition. taining people’s drive to lose weight,for exam- INCENTIVE:Health bosses are calling on the obese to take part in trial to earn rewards for shedding excess pounds Keen RLSB supporters The Cheeky Girls ple by encouraging them to do more exercise, judged the competition for the RLSB,and not simply handing over taxpayers’ hard- If the ‘pounds for pounds’ trial is successful some turn to drugs or alcohol. then listened to the winning pupils from earned money.” and value for money it could be rolled out Asked whether the dieters will be too moti- Sevenoaks Preparatory School perform their But the country is facing an obesity crisis - across the county and nationally. vated by the money and revert to their fatty successful version of the classic,Ave Maria. the NHS in east Kent alone spends around The NHS in west Kent forks out £130million food habits after collecting the cash, Ms The winners will also be recording their £200million a year treating people for diseases and in Medway £70million a year treating the Martin said:“We recognise that achieving a winning song at the school’s sound studio. linked to being obese or overweight such as overweight and obese. healthy weight is complex and different levels Year Six pupil Jordan said:“It’s been great type 2 diabetes,heart disease and cancer. Nationally more than 9,000 people die too of service need to be put in place for different to meet the Cheeky Girls,and I’m certain we NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent’s public young from obesity. people. can defend our title next time.” health specialist Claire Martin said:“In east Government figures show that by 2015 the “For a proportion of the population the trial The Cheeky Girls do not charge for their Kent one in four people are obese so it is very county’s taxpayers will be spending £448mil- might be the programme that makes the dif- appearances for the RLSB. clear that people need help to achieve a lion on the over-eating and under-exercising ference for them. Monica Irimia, said: “Gaby and I have healthy weight. crisis. “For others,a more specialised service will been delighted to be judges in this singing “The whole issue of increasing levels of obe- Obesity specialist Ms Martin said the focus be required and we are investing in other pro- competition for the RLSB, and it’s been sity is very complex and is clearly not just of the Kent scheme would reward for gradual grammes that address greater complexities great fun to meet and listen to the children about choice. weight loss,a balanced diet and lifestyle. within individuals as to why they have diffi- from local schools.We’ll definitely be back “The annual cost to the NHS in east Kent is Its aim is long-term weight control,she said. culty achieving a healthy weight.” again for judge the next one.” one fifth of its annual budget – so we need to But experts say many people over eat for • If you want to take part in the trial visit www.nhsweight- Second and third places went to Dunton look at ways of reducing this cost locally.” emotional reasons and can turn to food like losstrial.com or call the helpline on 0800 849 4000. Green Primary and Seal Primary respectively. FOR For all your GREAT OFFERS CLOSED servicing SEE BACK PAGE needs visit until the yourlocal SPRING professionals Page 68 Allbits Plumbing Supplies WFe RalsoE ofEfer Unit 60,John Wilson Business Park,Whitstable 01227 281648 Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 9am-5pm delivery on Tuesdays Greenfields Shooting Ground, Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0NG www.allbitsupplies.co.uk & Thursdays 07793 610060 www.wildtrackskent.co.uk yourcanterbury.co.uk 10 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected] £550 £312 Why rent for a month, when you can buy for just a month? (APR 4.99%) ARTERRA WHITSTABLE ROAD FAVERSHAM ME13 3BG Shteyalirsth o afp tahristm cheanrtms ainngd mhoaurkseets tionw thne. 1AP &PRAI 2CR EBT EFMDREORNOMTOS £,M9 190,09%95 5 9 9 4 , 7 * £ FIRSTB TUIMYF E7R 5BO%UMY NEJUORSSWT, O S I T N E E D E D* D E P O N OPEN DAILY 10am-5pm NO*WJUSITSTHT A f7Fl5OyM%iRn UOPgPFs TTDtOHa EUr1t C0YT OYOSEYUTA,R R N LNSO EE-W WNG. O GHAWEOT MYL 2OE 5UF %IS EC 1RAE0EN0NS %AT* F AYOFONODURR RDINSC T TBOEAUR BTETU YSCYOT! UFHR PEEAEYS! 0800 883 8112 WWW.FAIRVIEW.CO.UK Our Independent Financial Advisor can even help you sort a competitive mortgage! INTEREST RATES ARE FALLING... THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY! Typical example:Purchase price:£99,995.You initially payjust 75%:£74,995.Pay no rent or interest on the other 25% until the 10th anniversary of the purchase or subsequent re-sale,whichever occurs earlier.*Offer is available on selected apartments for a limited period subject to agreement and contract, terms and conditions apply.The availability of any incentive is strictly subject to utilising the services of a Fairview approved I.F.A.and panel solicitor/licenced conveyancer.Offer not in conjunction with any other incentive.Mortgage rates are approximate only based on an interest only loan of £74,995 at 4.99% APR based on a fixed rate for 2 years.Please check with your IFA for a mortgage offer that suits your circumstances.Please note you will have to pay your own arrangement fees.Prices correct at time of publication.Photograph of Arterra.