Sam Francis
IN the 1960’s Margate was known as the place to buy rock and kiss-me-quick hats, but, recently, Margate has been struggling to make an income.Margate locals are still enthusiastic for the redevelopment of Margate, one local said, “Margate may have lost it’s shine but we will get it back, where else can you live in a block of flats with a view of the sea.”
With the redevelopment in mind, Brian Hawkings has tried to help out the locals of Margate. He hopes that the shake up will change the way that people perceive the once bustling town.
Leslie van Ruyskensvelde
MILLIONS of people across the UK marked two powerful anniversaries of national remembrance by observing two-minute silence at 11h on Thursday.Crowds gathered around the nation, some to grieve, some to prey, others to remember those who died in wars and conflicts since World War I.
In Canterbury, a short service was held in Christ Church University’s chapel in an attempt to bring together the young and older generation to remember the lost heroes.
Reverand David Stroud said: “It shows that we aren’t forgetting that we are remembering and that even though we continue to make mistakes.”
“We remember not just the First and Second World Wars but all the consequent battles and fights that are going on even up to the present day.”
World War I, one of the bloodiest war in modern history also known as ‘The Great War’, ended 92 years ago with the signature of the armistice.
With the poppy as their symbol, generations of war veterans and volunteers have been since then spreading the same message, never forget.
ONE of Britain's oldest bears turns 90 years old this week.
Over 400 fans flocked to the Rupert Bear Museum in Canterbury last weekend to mark the occasion.
Visitors were welcomed to a Rupert Bear tea party where children could create their own cakes to go on display in the museum.
Older fans are fighting for a rare Rupert bear plush toy, currently auctioning on eBay.
Rupert first started as a small comic strip in the Daily Express newspaper in 1920 by Canterbury-born artist Mary Tortel. It was created to rival the popular comic strips in the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail.
Since then, the fond favourite has had his own animated cartoon in the 80s and 90s, a series of annuals, a film and a new CGI version of the show is currently shown on Channel 5.
Caroline Elvin
MANY elderly people could face problems in the next year as the social services threaten to cut care funding.
A £3bn funding cut could affect people with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Canterbury’s Age Concern could be affected by the cuts. Judith Griffiths, director of Age Concern, Canterbury, explains what the cuts will mean for them, “We may have to change a few things, and mainly we will not be able to provide home care for those who cannot afford full-time care. This is something that we are quite certain we will not be able to provide. This is such a shame.”
Kent has the highest migration rate of over 65’s in the country, meaning that it will affect the county more than others.
Talks among Canterbury City Council and charities in Kent will start this month, and decisions will be made by March about the future of the elderly generation of Kent.
AROUND 150 students and staff from Canterbury Christ Church University took part in the protest against proposals to raise tuition fees to £9000 and cuts to colleges such as EMA.
Steve Godwin, National Union of Students president at Canterbury Christ Church University, described the rise in tuition fees as an “interesting proposal”.
He added: “it’s interesting because it’s ridiculous.”
At least 50,000 students and lecturers took part in the demonstration in London, which was aimed at challenging the big changes to funding proposed for higher education by the government.
The protest was organised by the National Union of Students (NUS) and the University and College Union, which represents lecturers, researchers and academics.
For more on the protest watch the video:
For more on the protest watch the video:
Caroline Elvin
CRIME in Kent has fallen for the fourth year in a row. Police have seen a decrease in robbery, sexual offences and theft.
However, with the latest spending cuts that the government have implemented, local people have concerns that crime will increase due to less Police being available.
Canterbury Liberal Democrat councilor Alex Perkins raises his concerns about the latest Police statistics “Police do feel the need to raise public expectations, but you will find that a lot of people do not report crime anymore as they do not think that the Police will do anything about it.”
Although Police have seen a decrease in some areas of crime in Canterbury, vehicle theft, and violence against a person is increasing.
Kent Police issued a statement about the figures “We will not get complacent, we have a lot of other ideas to keep Kent safe, and we will implement them as we see effective. We are, of course, happy with the progress of the Kent Police force and we hope to continue this way.”
Laura Russell
PUB popularity is falling due to increasingly poor service, according to reports by the BBC.
In fact, bad service is causing more than 39 pubs a week to close in the tough economic climate due to lack of customer loyalty.
The Good Pub Guide 2011 published an article exploring the main reasons for people refusing to revisit pubs, and highlighted their findings with a 'blacklist' of drinking establishments that had not received praise from punters.
Among the reasons was poor attitude from bar staff, such as unwelcoming landlords and a lack of interest in customers. Other complaints included lack of choice concerning food and drink, slow service, grubby surroundings and dogs roaming free in gastro-pubs.
Although the recession has not helped the situation, it is not entirely to blame.
"Pubs need to diversify to satisfy customers," said pub landlord Mark Burford. "The larger pub chains do not focus on customer service, and they lose repeat business by that. In the tough economic climate, it's important to hold onto your regulars."
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| The Limewire website is closed with just a legal notice |
POPULAR file sharing website Limewire has been shut down after a four year legal battle with the US music industry.
The news that the courts have closed the book on easy access Limewire, may not come as such bad news to its users. The rise of YouTube converter to download music has appealed to many.
“YouTube converter is the way forward and I never really liked using Limewire, it gave me viruses” said Rebecca Hunt, 20, Studying Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church.
Bobby Harvey, 27, studying Music technology at Thames valley University said: "Limewire was never a good thing. The music industry didn’t realize the effect the Internet would have, but downloading music illegally didn’t give justice to record labels and artists.
Country singer, Taylor Swift new album “I hate cheaters” has rocketed since the ultimate end of Limewire. Her album, released last month has sold nearly, 1,047,000 copies in America.
FOUR people have been released on bail after an alleged attack at the Chill nightclub in the early hours of Friday 28.
Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood was hosting a gig at the popular club, when a fight broke out. The incident has sparked concern over R'n'B nights which security firms say are a common venue for violence.
"Some venue operators have chosen not to continue with the R'n'B nights because of the extreme violence that overspills into the streets," Tony Smith, Right Guard Security told us. "Of course then the general public are affected by the actions that have occurred as a result of what happens on the premises."
The club bouncer was admitted to the QEQM hospital in Margate after being struck over the head with a champagne bottle.
An 18 year old man was arrested on suspicion of GBH, a 19 year old woman on suspicion of possessing a knife, a 22 year old man for alleged obstruction, and a 23 year old man suspected of being drunk and disorderly. All were released on bail until December 2.
Kent Police are appealing for anyone with information.
Leslie van Ruyskensvelde
A THIEF with a string of motoring offences has been given a suspended prison sentence and must pay thousands of pounds in compensation. Stanley West, 57, of Thornton Lane, Sandwich, appeared before Canterbury Magistrates yesterday (Friday) where he was convicted of stealing from a friend and driving under the influence of alcohol in.
West, unemployed at the time of the offence in June, tried to earn ‘honest’ money by helping a friend paving his driveway. Dave Williams, described as ‘old and vulnerable’, agreed on a quote of £2,500 for West to start the work and buy what was needed.
After realizing that the deposit made by Mr Williams would not be enough to cover the price of the construction, some £7,000, West panicked and fled to Portugal leaving the work undone. When he came back he handed himself in to the police.
Drink-driving
West was also arrested by the police while driving under the influence of alcohol in September. He has been convicted in the past and was banned from driving for five years. During that period, he got arrested five times for the same offence.
His lawyers used West’s social background to explain his drink problems explaining that “he is turning to the bottle to compensate for the lack of friends.”
Verdict
West was given a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months and six months alcohol treatment. He must also pay £3,500 back to Mr Williams in compensation and £85 court cost. He will also be under curfew to remain at home from 6pm to 6am Friday to Sunday.
West made full admission of theft and recognizes he has an alcohol problem.
The defence argued that West didn’t deliberately targeted an old person and that he is ‘not by nature a dishonest person.’
Samuel Francis
CHARLTON (0) v Brighton and Hove Albion (4)
The Addicks slipped to an embarrassing home defeat at the hands of an impressive Brighton and Hove Albion team who continue their dominance on the Npower league 1. Goals from Calderon (26), Murray (62), LuaLua (81) and Sparrow (90+4) sealed the victory for the travelling side that pushed Charlton down to 14th in the league after their first home loss of the season.
Gillingham (0) v Port Vale (0)
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| Charlton fail to stop the impressive Brighton |
Dover Athletic (2) v Chelmsford City (3)
Dover Athletic were left stunned last week as they saw their 2-0 lead turned upside down as they lost 3-2 at home to Chelmsford City. Adam Birchall (25) and Harry Baker (40) gave Dover a dream start. Dave Rainford pulled one back for the away side from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time. Rob Edmans equalized for Chelmsford before Rainford picked up his second of the match and cemented the win for the away side. Dover remains in a good position however, currently sitting fourth in the Blue Square south division.
Boreham Wood (0) v Ebbsfleet (1)
Ebbsfleet United moved up to fifth in the Blue Square south division with a 1-0 win away at Boreham Wood. Michael West scored the only goal of the game in the 38th minute earning the travelling team all three points with the hosts dropping to second from bottom.
Dartford dropped to 17th in the Blue Square south division after a crushing 3-0 defeat away to Eastleigh. Richard Graham opened the scoring for the home side just before half time. A cruel own goal by Dartford defender Paul Goodacre put the home side in a promising position before Anthony Riviere capitalized on a sloppy clearance from the Darts keeper to seal the three points and move the hosts up to seventh in the league.
Amie Parker-Williams
Here are a few top events that are on this week.
Diggerland- Diggerland offers a family packed adventure for all ages. Diggerland has a wide selection of construction machinery that both adults and children can drive. It’s the last time this year you can visit the adventure park. With Half term commencing the park will be open between 10am-4pm from 23rd to 31st October. Canterbury Festival- With the festival a week into action, the city has seen marches of colourful dancing and music with a fresh vibe brighten up the dire autumn days. With a week to go
Kent's Coastal Week- Kent coastal week is filled with activities such as guided walks, boat trips, art events, family events and exhibitions to celebrate the Kent Coast.
Antiques Fair at Whistable Castle -A host of antiques will be on show at Whistable castle for the first time.Brogdale Farm Apple Festival - 23-24 October - A lot of events will be taking place at the farm including tastings and guided tours around the farm.
Caroline Elvin A GUNSHOT fired in Bexleyheath yesterday night caused alarm among residents via Facebook.
It is said that the gun carrier opened fire at around 10pm near to the Furze Wren pub in the centre of the town. No one was injured in this incident.
Police taped off the Broadway area, forcing passersby to divert. Sainsbury’s, the Furze Wren pub and the main high street were all affected generating speculation over Facebook. Jared Fleming, a Bexleyheath resident wrote, “What the hell is happening in Bexleyheath?” while others reported of police helicopters circulating the area to their Facebook peers.
Luke Tuck, 21, was in the Furze Wren pub when the gun was fired, "We was sitting by the window when all the people by the clock tower bus stop started running off in all different directions and then numerous police arrived. They shut down the doors to the pub, not letting anyone in or out, asking people what they had seen and taping off the broadway, they were looking around with a sniffer dog. People in the pub started saying they heard a gun go off and then later bar staff told us that someone who had been drinking in the pub earlier was involved in an altercation and had shot a gun. After about an hour they closed the bar and let us leave."
Sophie Anderton, 19, spent her time locked in the pub on her mobile phone, checking for updates, “I wanted to go on Facebook to see what was going on, there were of course rumours of people getting shot at a bus stop outside of where we were, and a gunman on the loose, at the time everyone believed this was the truth. Facebook is the biggest game of Chinese whispers you can play.”
Rumours that were circulated on Facebook began to worry locals. Mother of three Sue Macintosh grew concerned after seeing Facebook updates, “I knew two of my children were in the Bexleyheath area. When you read that there is a gunman loose and you cannot find any other information on it, it is very worrying. I managed to get through to my children, but reading rumours such as that is such a worry.’’Mrs Macintosh worries that the Bexleyheath area is becoming unsafe “All I hear about is fight after fight, I have walked down the high street before and found myself in the middle of a brawl.”
Metropolitan police spokesperson dispelled rumours by issuing a statement “Yesterday night there was a firearm discharge, at this point we do not have any information to suggest anyone was hurt or shot.”
This news comes shortly after crime statistics were released boasting a decrease in Kent crime for the fourth year in a row. New statistics show that crime has fallen by 8.7 per cent.
Update (22 October 14.50)
A woman has been arrested in connection with the gun shot incident that took place in Bexleyheath last night. She is being remanded in custody at a South London police station.
This arrest was made after someone opened fire next to a busy Wetherspoon's pub last night. The person responsible fled the scene before the police arrived.
Police are eager to speak to anyone who witnessed the gun shot last night, or have any information about the incident.
To report information to the police call: 020 8785 8560.
Update (22 October 14.50)
A woman has been arrested in connection with the gun shot incident that took place in Bexleyheath last night. She is being remanded in custody at a South London police station.
This arrest was made after someone opened fire next to a busy Wetherspoon's pub last night. The person responsible fled the scene before the police arrived.
Police are eager to speak to anyone who witnessed the gun shot last night, or have any information about the incident.
To report information to the police call: 020 8785 8560.
Laura Russell
A CANTERBURY woman has been freed from magistrate's courts on three years conditional discharge after allegations of benefit fraud.
Donna Louise Steptoe, 44, of Tennyson Avenue, was claiming carer’s allowance to care for an Emma Jane Hunt.
The benefit claims, which began in 2004, did not start fraudulently and the money was used legitimately to fund Steptoe’s caring role.
However, in 2007 she obtained a job in a care home and earned wages in excess of her ‘earnings limit’, which was £95.
This then meant her claims for carers allowance were not permitted, however the authorities were not informed of the change in circumstances so benefits were still paid into her bank account.Steptoe, who suffers with anxiety and depression, entered an early guilty plea to the courts after being caught in 2009. She claimed that the money was still being used for care undertaken by her son-in-law, so it was still being used legitimately.She also claimed to be handing the cash straight over to him when it was paid into her account.
“I do not think my client has acted with dishonesty,” said the defence.
“She simply forgot to declare her earnings to the authorities.
“She simply forgot to declare her earnings to the authorities.
“She did not retain any of the benefit money for herself, and requested a transfer of it into her son-in-law’s account, but this was never followed through.”
Magistrates recognised that Steptoe’s health made her unfit to complete community service, and so fined her £100 and issued her with a three year conditional discharge.
Leslie van Ruyskensvelde
Winter is on its way back, along with the disadvantages of colder weather and Canterbury is not spared.
Seasonal flu is the most common winter illness and it affects thousands of people every year, but many people are not aware of the major health complications it could lead to, especially if you are 65 or over.
Flu is the common name for Influenza, a virus that infects the respiratory system. Unlike with other viruses, the body cant build up a defense system against it as the flu viruses keeps on changing each year. The virus spreads through the air when a person who has it sneezes, coughs, speaks.
The most common symptoms are headaches, sore throat, fever, chills, muscle aches and dry cough. In the most serious case, it can cause pneumonia and can result to death.
The best way to prevent catching flu is by getting a vaccine from your GP, especially in the autumn months of each year.
BUTCHERS already face hard competition from supermarkets, but a new threat is hitting stores across the county.
At a time when jobs are scarce, owners are claiming that not enough young people are interested in pursuing a career in butchery, making it difficult for stores to continue. The vast majority of butchers are family owned businesses, but less sons and daughters are interested in carrying on the business when their parents retire.
Ed Beddington, editor of online meat trade journal meatinfo.co.uk told us: "There's lack of succession, there's lack of young people coming into the industry to take on the reign, so when shops close these days, 9 times out of 10, its closing because the butcher is retiring and no one is carrying it on."
Experts predict that the number of butchers in the UK have fallen by around 70% in the last 20 years. In the 1990s there was around 20,000 butchers - today that number stands at just 6,000.
Mr Williams of Wincheap Butchers employs four butchers but knows that it can be difficult to find new talent. "Most youngsters want to go into computers" he told us.
Amie Parker Williams
THE number of homes affected by flooding in Kent could triple in the next five years according to Environment Agency.This is after spending cuts have seen current levels standing at £2.15b for the flood defence drop to £2b.
The Environmental Agency refused to comment while it is "reviewing the situation".
THE number of homes affected by flooding in Kent could triple in the next five years according to Environment Agency.This is after spending cuts have seen current levels standing at £2.15b for the flood defence drop to £2b. The Environmental Agency refused to comment while it is "reviewing the situation".
Residents living along the East Kent coastline could be be affected the most as sea levels continue to rise and hostile storms take over due to climate change.
With the government cutting back, the AA are too concerned that the rise in floods will effect the insurance industry. "It means insurance companies may have to pay out larger sums. To protect ourselves, we would certainly want to see an increase in the flooding funds.
"It's disappointing news. But also potentially bad news for home insurers living in area more affected by floods. They could see their home premiums rise."
"It's disappointing news. But also potentially bad news for home insurers living in area more affected by floods. They could see their home premiums rise."
The changes in flood defence spending commences in 2011.
Toll charges are to be increased to up to £2.50 for the Dartford Crossing over the Thames between Kent and Essex. Current charges stand at £1.50 per car and will increase to £2 in 2011, to £2.50 in 2011.
As well as Kent commuters raising amid concerns, The AA too have spoken out on the spending cuts. "The higher the toll, the more likely congestion is likely to happen. The increase will just ramp up the possibility of more problems not only during the charge times but at the start and end time".The Dartford crossing is already controversial as the charges were only meant to be once the structure had been paid for. That was covered in 2003. Seven years later fees are still in place.
A further concern for Kent commuters is the railway service. Despite Chancellor George Osbourne “waiting” till 2012 to increase railway prices, figures will see many season tickets rocketing over £1,000 more expensive by 2015.
From 2012 the cap will be RPI plus three per cent that if introduced next year, would have seen fares rise to almost eight per cent. The rise in price in railway services could see passengers turn to roads, which then could lead to more carbon emissions.
Debbie Rudd, 46, lives in Kent and travels to Essex for work. "The traveling prices has left commuters no where to go. The new rail fares will drive people onto the roads but then new charges to roads will see people not want to use those routes. Then there is congestion to think about. I shouldn't need to leave my house at five to avoid charges and congestion."
Osbourne says that the rise is needed to pay for new trains and improve passenger condition. Carl Bailey, 56, who lives in Canterbury had to say, "Does this mean I'll able to sit for the full amount of my journey? And not just the last quarter. If they are going to increase the fares, I would like a seat on the train to moan about the increases."
Laura Russell
A group of 12 Capuchin monkeys at Howlett's zoo, Canterbury, have been included in Halloween celebrations.
The family of primates were given large buckets of water in which apples, pumpkins and other fruits were floated - an animal-friendly version of the traditional Halloween 'apple bobbing' game.Capuchin monkeys are reknowned for their intelligence and thus need a great deal of mental stimulation, so the keepers added the buckets to their enclosure to keep them occupied in October.
"The monkeys are extremely clever, but need a lot of entertaining," said Charlotte Jones of the Aspinall Foundation. "The keepers like to keep their minds occupied, so they decided to include them in the park's festivities for Halloween."
Capuchin monkeys were the first species kept by the Aspinall Foundation, so they are highly valued at the animal park.
"They were the ones who started the foundation and subsequent animal parks," said Charlotte. "We like to make sure they are well cared for."Laura Russell
TWO rare North Chinese leopard cubs have been born at Howlett's Zoo in Canterbury.
The cubs, which have not yet been given names, are the offsping of Britain's only captive-breeding pair of the species. They are the only two Chinese leopard cubs in the UK, and it is hoped that they will continue the population of the species in the future.
Charlotte Jones of the Lady Aspinall Foundation was delighted by the birth.
"The Chinese Leopards are beautiful and rare," she said. "They are spottier than African leopards, and tend to be shyer as well. The mother of the breeding pair tends to like to be left well alone - which our keepers did."
"Unfortunately, the cubs will not have learnt to hunt properly and probably wouldn't survive if released into the wild," she said. "Predators have tough lives - they must always have their eyes on the hunt if they are to live. For this reason, it would be cruel to release captive-bred leopards back into their native habitat."
This does not mean the cubs will miss out, though. The animal park provides plenty of entertainment for the animals all year round to keep them stimulated, mimicking their natural habitats.
"We found a great way to stimulate our tiger's natural hunting instincts," explained Charlotte. "We filled huge old car tyres with meat, and then packed plastic boxes on top so that the big cats had to work for their food. We'll probably do something similar for the leopards once they are older."
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