Attendees: David Noble (Chairman) Jan McNeill, Trish Newbury, Patty Key, Linda Bauer, Jenny Barraclough, Deryn Cutting, Tony Hill, Rob Wilson, Marie Helene Hunter, Richard Wallace, Elizabeth Halstead, Mick Williamson, Alison White, Frank Bond, Belinda Walker, Eddie and Rita Lee, Matthew and Debby Jones, Celeste Foreman (Treasurer), Penny Shepherd, Nicky Tolson, Felicity Trinder

Apologies:  Tony Quarrington, Pam and Dan Keeling, Ian Gordon, Roger Joyce, Dorothy Douse

  • September Minutes approved
  • Howard Holt – meeting stood in silence for one minute in memory. Howard will be very much missed.  His contribution has been enormous.
    • Go Folkestone has been offered an original old streetlamp that has been in private storage (Gavin Hicking – carpenter and builder).  Richard Wallace felt it might be a fitting memorial to have the lamp renovated and placed in the grounds of St John’s Church, where Howard has spent much time supporting the church and other causes. Tony Hill has offered to arrange to have the lamp renovated and will speak to Howard’s wife, Charlotte, to ascertain how she feels about the idea. Project in progress. See picture. TH
  • Leas Balcony – David Noble expressed concern over the wording in the letter from FHDC regarding ongoing maintenance and responsibility for the painting of the balcony.  MJ suggested getting quote from signwriter for doing the work and maintenance. (1) Issue of graffiti may be more of a problem.  Folkestone Sprucers have remover, and TH has offered to oversee.  RW is putting a booklet together with a QR code. (2)  RW (1&2)
  • Go Folkestone 2025 Meetings will be at The Burlington as Wards have today had planning approved for change of use from hotel.  The Burlington has diary dates for GF 2025 meetings, and we will all have to be flexible IF they have a commercial booking as they are giving us the space for our meeting for FREE on the proviso that members buy a drink, whether it is alcoholic or not. Laurent Boizot, Events Manager mentioned that the Bay Tree Restaurant is open from 6.00pm, but timing may be too tight as our meeting starts at 7.00.  We will either be in the Domino Room (just off the Martello Bar) or the Radnor Room.  IF events should be booked on the evening of our meeting members will be advised as far in advance as possible.

Go Folkestone has offered advertising space in our thrice yearly magazine.

Keppels was ‘tested’ by the Committee who met there in October and it will not be an option for meetings as The Grand owners have their own monthly meeting on the second Wednesday evening of every month.

  • Go Folkestone AGM will take place on Wednesday 13th November and guest speaker Floortje Hoette, CEO Leas Lift Company will update members.

Food will be available, buffet style, at £8.00 per person.  This will be our last meeting at Wards Hotel and the owner will be doing something a little different.  Advance booking recommended.

  • Treasurer:   Celeste Foreman introduced herself as the new Treasurer.   She is currently waiting for information in order to proceed.
  • Electrical Waste Recycling – Mick Williamson & Alison White reported that the new project is going exceptionally well and is being very positively received.   It’s been running for 3 weeks and has been more successful than had been hoped.   The stand is manned by a team of volunteers, each signing up to a 1- or 2-hour shift. The shift mainly involves engaging with the public and sorting items into appropriate containers. Saturday between 10:00am. and 2:00pm. Look out for us by the HSBC bank, opposite Boots and please join our volunteer group. AlisonjWhite999@gmail.com

Storage of the gazebo and gorilla cart is proving challenging but with so many shops in town we are hopeful to find a co-operative partnership with someone to support this project.

  • Lantern March – 9th November – MJ gave a lengthy overview of the Lantern March which will be held in place of Walking with Ghosts this year and is hoped to be an annual event on the Folkestone calendar.  The gathering for a procession will start on The Leas outside The Metropole and The Grand at 18:00. Lanterns are being provided by Shorncliffe Trust and culminating in a walk through the town to the Harbour Arm. This will be a public event.  It is planned to have music and our Folkestone poppies.
  • Sir Jeffrey Statue – QR code position suggestions were put forward, as Sir J is now on a plinth in the middle of a circular pond.
  • Foundation Stone – TH updated meeting on plaque on sea wall.  Both he and RW have received letter from FHDC requesting replacement of information board, to which they have given consent. TH has spoken with Web Dandy (GF Webmaster) about ensuring that QR code is driven back to GF Website. Web Dandy will create a slot on the website. Plaque plus replacement £304 as discussed in previous Minutes.

A query raised over public liability which does not pose a problem as this is a plaque on the wall.

Marie Lloyd and lyrics with Katie Bradley proposed – £150.   Member musicians felt that might be costly.

  • Library scaffolding – has been erected in order to unblock gutters and drains.   Cost of scaffolding was discussed.
  • Calendar – currently being printed.  DN proposed 2024 calendars to be sold at £9 each. MHH explained to meeting the difference between using Sumup or QR code linked to bank account, which may be the best option.
  • Magazine articles – RW, Magazine Editor – asked for articles to be sent at any time as these can be held until required.  Articles up to 500 words.   Deadline for Autumn magazine October 20th
  • Buses – Elizabeth Halstead attended Focus Group meeting representing GF, which has been set up by Polly Blakemore.

Just a note from Dorothy Douse about the bus station meeting mentioned in the minutes by Jenny Barraclough.  I and several others were not allowed to attend although we had received general notice of the date and time.  Only members of an action group whose names had presumably been submitted in advance were allowed in.  For a matter as important as this all interested people should have been included.

Belinda W informed meeting that it had been an oversight in that the correct questions had not been asked.  AW reminded meeting that Dan K had also said the same at the time.

  • AOB: 
    • Museum – Belinda W informed meeting that Darren Cowd had left the museum but good news that Coralee Clover (apologies if incorrect spelling) – ex Princess of Wales Regiment has replaced Darren.
    • Sports Centre – of community value – District council would be more interested in selling to a private sports organisation.
    • DJ – mentioned that Dennis Pepper will be talking on Folkestone’s 7th Century Royal Family – 26th October
    • MHH – Leas Pavilion – Chairman of NFS, Matthew Jones has advised that the company has withdrawn. There is some activity on the site as it is cleared.  Crane will be dismantled.  MJ suggested that GF approach KCC to re-open the road, Cheriton Place from The Leas to Sandgate Road.
  • Next Meeting 13th November – AGM

All welcome – please advise if attending to hear speaker CEO Floortje Hoette, The Leas Lift Company and also if food required.  This will be the last meeting at Wards Hotel due to change of business.

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