GoFolkestone Working Group Reports
Tourism and Leisure.
Historic Notice Boards: This year the Tourism group decided to concentrate
on having six Historic notice boards placed around the town, which would help in
the creation of a Town trail that would link in with other Towns such as, Hythe
and Romney Marsh. The areas agreed by the group for the placements of the boards
were, East Cliff, The Harbour, The Bayle, and the Leas. It was decided that it
would be a good idea to get the community involved. The decision was to approach
local schools, four of which were happy to take on the research for their given
areas.
Applications for Planning and funding are being sought.
Sports Centre: Tessa Stickler manager of the Folkestone Sports Centre
came and gave the group an update on the new plans that the Sports Centre Trust
have had drawn up. SDC have approved the plans in principle. There is still much
to be considered. Ann Berry thought it would be good for the sports centre to
have ’Friends’, and so with the agreement of the Sports Centre Trustees she set
up with others ‘The Friends of the Sports Centre’ Alison Streeter (MBE) Channel
swimmer ‘Queen of the Channel’ has agreed to become a Patron. It is envisaged
that there will be a launch of the ‘Friends’ early in the New Year.
Ann Berry (Interim Chair T&L)
Transport.
During the course of the year, we were concerned with the
loss of parking spaces in light of the proposal to dispose of the Royal Victoria
Hospital. This would have a profound effect on parking and access to the Walk in
Centre and the clinical services to be provided. Howard Jones of the East Kent
Hospital Trust assured us, that every effort would be made to preserve these
spaces.
Also in our programme was the proposal for a Cycle Forum for Folkestone, thus to
promote cycling in and around the area considering it to be in line with current
thinking. This has so far been successful in its establishment with two meetings
under their belts. In cooperation with K.C.C. and other bodies a composite map
of cycle paths is to be drawn up and published. This has been achieved by Jean
Baker among others, devoting immense amount of time and effort for this project,
for which we continue to offer our support. We are in the process of checking
cycle access to the new shopping centre.
We were pleased to hear that Freedom Tickets would be available from April 08;
also that, Kent and Medway free off peak travel passes would be valid in London.
Next year there will be two direct services to Canterbury an hour as opposed to
one at present (these would not pass through villages.)
Stagecoach are getting a number of two year old coaches from Newcastle to
replace some of the ageing double deckers.
Selling on a trial basis, for £50.00 pa, Freedom Tickets to under 16’s for use
outside peak morning rush hour. These will hopefully prove to be popular.
George Maidment (Chair)
Community Arts and
Events.
The community Arts and Events group has had another busy and productive year,
mainly concentrating on one ambitious and successful event “Midsummer Madness”
held at the Amphitheatre in June.
Having gained funding for this colourful family event, it was “all hands on
deck” to ensure that this realised its full potential and that all went
smoothly. The horrendous weather in the morning did not deter us and a diverse
and truly magical event took place, culminating in a wow!” firework display
provided by the De Haan Charitable Trust.
We had several guest speakers during the year, who spoke on subjects such as,
Local Art, The
Literary Festival, The Triennial and Whither Folkestone, which were well
supported.
My thanks to our sponsors and the committee past and present, without whom these
events would not have been possible. Go Folkestone’s Community Arts continues to
act as a conduit between the exiting artistic faction and the community. We are
very proud of our achievements and look forward to 2008 and the forthcoming
Triennial with our usual unwavering enthusiasm.
Lynne Smith, (Chair)
Environment and
Buildings.
The Environment and Buildings Committee this year has pressed Shepway District
Council every month on a succession of derelict buildings, most of which have
progressed to improvement such as St Olaves, or at least to getting planning
permission and / or grants such as Unique Engineering in Foord Road and 98-100
Guildhall Street North. Although we are always looking for fresh problems such
as run down neglected shop fronts, the only serious eyesores left are 45 Augusta
Gardens and 1 Manor Road next to the memorial gardens. Here, we have now got the
Chief Executive of S.D.C.and Cabinet member for regeneration involved.
We monitor planning applications and comment in a constructive way that gets
listened to.
A year ago the development of Coolinge house was allowed on terms, which were
significantly better, and less cramped following direct discussions with Simon
Pentecost the Developer. Since then we have had notable input which has had some
effect on developments like the White Lion public house in Cheriton.
On the Royal Victoria Hospital we had face-to-face discussions with the Trust
and believe this influenced their view of the merit of the old Victorian Block,
which they are now retaining, as well as working with the Friends on the
retention of medical facilities.
Successful listing applications, which we initiated this year, include, the
smallest monument listed in town: The Edwardian Electricity Service Pillar in
Bathhurst Road, which other wise would have disappeared in road works. Also the
former Pound Shop, now the new Halifax branch in Sandgate Road where the
engraved windows and other features were saved. The Leas Bar or former Leas
Pavilion may be another success. See article on page 2.
We have also influenced the Town Council on provision of litter bins and on the
details of the Town Maps, recently put up around the town, where Richard
Wallace, Terry Begent along with Richard Theobold were prime movers.
Richard Wallace, (Chair)
Article from Go Folkestone Newsletter March 2008
