Wards Hotel, Earls Avenue, Folkestone

Attendees: David Noble (Chairman), Greg James, Mohammed Sakaan, (new members) Elizabeth Halstead, Patty Key, Linda Bauers, Jo File, Alison White, Mick Williamson, Jan McNeil, Nicky Tolson, Dan Keeling, Chris Philips, Deryn Cutting, Jenny Barraclough, Tony Hill, Marie Helene Hunter, Penny Shepherd, Roger Bell, Belinda Walker

Apologies:  Frank Bond, Roger Joyce, Ian Gordon, Dorothy Douse, Madeleine Vivers, Richard Wallace

New members Greg and Mohammed – warmly welcomed and gave us a little of their background.

  • Minutes from August meeting have been sent electronically.
  • Cheriton Road new road layout.
    • Elizabeth Halstead and Jan McNeil raised the issue of the new cycle lane layout on Cheriton Road, and both spoke about the problems now being experienced not only with cars backing up particularly at busy times, but also about the new dangers imposed due to lack of parking spaces opposite Harvey Grammar School, which are too small.
    • Dan Keeling said that the same parking scheme is to be introduced at Folkestone Central Station.
    • Belinda Walker suggested contacting Cllrs Polly Blakemore/ Dylan Jeffrey.
    • Penny Shepherd commented on the local transport plan “this a strategy, not a scheme”.
    • Tony Hill mentioned a photo had been posted on Facebook showing traffic chaos outside Harvey Grammar School. Why did this not come up at original government scheme?
    • Marie Helene Hunter suggested that everyone write to KCC Transport and complain.
    • AW suggested that the Agency responsible should visit and write a report and explain.
    • it was agreed that “Go Folkestone would write to Dylan Jeffries regarding the new Cheriton road scheme outside the Harvey
  • RECYCLING
    • Mick Williamson Explained origin of recycling scheme in Hythe.
    • Leaflets on scheme will be handed out in Folkestone on Saturday 14th September.
    • 21st September first date set for collections.  Stall will possibly be near HSBC bank.
    • All items have been ordered.
    • Alison White spoke about the rota and invited members to join WhatsApp group.  Rota shifts up to two hours once a month.
    • Gorilla trolley has been delivered to David Noble who will put it together.
    • Wheelie bin will be stored in Shellon Street.
    • Combination lock is required.
  • SUGGESTED VENUES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
    • Elizabeth Halstead will investigate possibility of Royal Cheriton Pub – require £40 per meeting.
    • Burlington to be reassessed
    • Keppels may be too small – committee meeting 3rd Oct will determine whether it’s appropriate.
    • Community Room (The Bayle) has no bar.
    • David Noble suggested United Church
  • WALTER TULL
    • Tony Hill informed the meeting that the steel screws in the Walter Tull plaque on the bandstand, had perished due to sea air conditions. The plaque was retrieved and Paul Marshall of FHDC agreed that the plaque be replaced on the bandstand.  Walter Tull’s parents are buried in the cemetery.
    • Tony Hill suggested that it would be an idea to have a list of all plaques in Folkestone.
  • CALENDAR
    • David Noble commented that sufficient photos now available for the 2025 calendar including one of David Crocker’s.  Once details are given to the printer the delivery time is about two weeks.  Debate as to how many to print – probably 400.
    • Everyone agreed that as the calendar is our main source of income, we need to collectively be imaginative how we market them through different outlets around the town.
    • Orders can be placed through our website, (Home Page), gofolkestone.org.uk Payment can be made directly to our bank account Lloyds Bank, Go Folkestone Action Group, Sort Code 30 93 34 A/C 02359029
  • LEAS VIEWING BALCONY
    • Tony Hill is currently sourcing an epoxy paint in order for lines to be drawn. Roger Bell and Tony Hill will liaise regarding marking out co-ordinates – on a clear day!  QR code will be created and linked to GF Website.
  • FOUNDATION STONE
    • Tony Hill pleased to announce that not only the music and words have been located for the Marie Lloyd song about Snooty Folkestone but also Marie Helene Hunter is sourcing professional singers who are keen to be involved with community projects.
    • Information Board suggested to be put on abutment.  Folkestone Estates have been asked for permission.  Philip Clapham has been contacted.
    • QR code will be created and linked to GF website.
  • LITTER PICK
    • Patty Key, Litter Pick Leader confirmed that all equipment will be provided by FHDC who will meet on the last Friday of the month.  Meet at the Leas Arch at 2.00pm.
    • Next litter pick Friday 25th
  • LIBRARY CONSULTATION
    • Consultation closing by midnight. Focus on Question 7 – you are totally opposed …..
  • BUSES
    • Elizabeth Halstead will attend 2-hour meeting at the Civic Center, 1st October.  Members of the public, Councillors and transport groups attending.
    • JB said there is a meeting regarding buses and the bus station at the Civic Center on 26th October at 10 AM.
    • Penny Shepherd said government going to re-introduce Council bus services.
    • the government is going to give English local authorities power to run bus services. Plans to be put before MPs that extend the right to all councils to set routes and timetables.

Next meeting – 9th October 2024, Wards Hotel.  6.45 for 7.00pm start.  All welcome.

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