Eastry Village News


This page last updated: 01 February, 2012 11:15:42


Latest Trading Standards Alerts

TS Alert Animal pillow recall

TS Alert powersaver

TS Alert Survey

TS Alert Argos Nodding Reindeer

TS Alert Halogen Heater

TS Alert Homebase Reindeer

TS Alert Drainage Work Scam

TS Alert Salmon recall


Sports Grants in Dover District

Applications are invited from SPORTS CLUBS and / or INDIVIDUAL SPORTS PERFORMERS in the Dover District. (Click on links for application forms)

The application forms contain the necessary information about the criteria and also the application deadline dates (31st October 2011 and 28th February 2012).

Typical applications from clubs usually aim to:

  • Increase the number of training opportunities for coaches, referees, committee members and club volunteers
  • Deliver a project/initiative that increases participation in sport (regardless of age) with associated marketing
  • Improve the Health & Safety within the club, e.g. funding for First Aid equipment, courses, etc.

Typical applications from individuals usually come from:

  • An individual aspiring to represent their county/country/nation in their chosen sport.

For assistance or advice, please contact: Sarah Philpott on 01304 872446


Kent Downs Orchid Newspaper Seeks Contributions

The Kent Downs Orchid newspaper will be circulated to 35,000 people during November 2011 to March 2012. This edition will be edited by Sally Evans and the theme will be Food, Farming and the Landscape.

Wide-ranging and colourful stories by way of contribution are being sought from across the Downs. Lead stories of about 800 words, plus photographs, together with shorter pieces of up to 200 words plus photos are required.

Please contact Gill Bell, Office Manager, Kent Downs AONB on 01303 815170 or visit their website: http://www.kentdowns.org.uk


Want Better Broadband? Read on...

Kent County Council are seeking to find out what demand there is in the County for better, faster Broadband services.

Please register your view by  clicking on the link below and entering the requested details:

https://www.kent.gov.uk/af3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=rubrTCEraCn


Kent Fire and Rescue Seek Volunteers...

Kent Fire and Rescue are looking for volunteers.

By working with us as a volunteer, you'll have the chance to save people from the terrible consequences of fire, flood and road accidents. You won't be a firefighter, but we'll train you to support our community in a range of activities, including...

* Community work to raise awareness of the services we offer

* Supporting fire station open days

* Raising awareness of risks in your community

* Helping firefighters on home visits where there are language /cultural barriers or extra support is needed

* Providing support to residents who have had smoke alarms fitted by third party agencies

We need all kinds of people, so if you're interested please contact us to find out more. 

Call: 01622 692121 ext 6672 or Email:volunteering@kent.fire-uk.org

or visit www.kfrsvolunteers.info


Responsible Dog Ownership

Following reports of dogs biting people and attacking other dogs being walked by owners, Kent Police in Dover has released the following advice: 

Key points in Responsible Dog Ownership

Train your dog in basic obedience so it is under control at all times.

Train your dog to go to the toilet at home - if your pet accidentally fouls in public make sure that you clean it up.

Always have a poop scoop or plastic bag ready when you walk your dog.

Make sure your dog is kept on a lead when in public. It is an offence for your dog to roam the streets. There are financial penalties if your dog is picked up by a dog warden and impounded.

Take your dog to the vet regularly for its vaccinations.

Ensure your dog receives a healthy well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. A healthy pet is a happy pet and a happy pet is a loving companion.

Don't let your dog become a nuisance to your neighbours.

Make sure your dog has a collar and tag.

Worm your dog regularly and groom it frequently. Check for fleas on your dog and seek your vet's advice for treatment.

If you do not want your dog to have pups, make sure it is neutered.

If you are confronted by an angry dog, consider the following points:

  • Stop moving towards the dog
  • Stay calm
  • Talk to the dog calmly in a pleasant tone of voice
  • Get something as solid as possible between you and the dog
  • Watch the dog – but do not stare into his/her face
  • You may need to move, either behind something or to get away from the dog
  • Do not make sudden movements or run, just walk slowly away from the dog
  • Fend the dog off rather than try to fight back
  • Do not scream or yell
  • Continue to walk slowly away, backwards or sideways, looking down and sideways. 

If your dog is bitten, if there is concern for a dog or a noise issue, then contact your local authority. If you are bitten by a dog then please contact Kent Police on 01622 690690.


Living History Group Seeks Volunteers

212 Squadron Royal Air Force Living History Group, are a voluntary group of re-enactors who preserve the memory of those courageous men and women who fought during WW2 and in particular during the" Battle of Britain."  We operate principally in in the Kent and Sussex area, and exhibit at various airfields, museums, WW2 events, i.e. Salute to the Forties at Chatham Dockyard, and schools.  Members of the group have also participated in various film roles for the BBC.  In addition for the last four years have been involved with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust at Capel le Ferne, when many present serving RAF Officers come to meet us, as well as a number of famous fighter pilots, and veterans who served in the RAF.

We are looking to recruit several young ladies who would regard themselves of good appearance, between 18 - 30 yrs of age, who would be willing to join the group, re enacting the roles of women who served during WW2 in the Women's Axillary Air Force, WAAFs.  These could include telephonists, plotting, typing, driving and rendering first aid to anyone who had sustained injuries during an airfield attack.

It would mean wearing a period uniform, and equipping yourself with the usual accessories, i.e. shoulder bag, gas mask and tin helmet.  We would provide assistance as to where these could be obtained.  

You can also contact us on 07840388581, or visit our web site. www.212Squadron.org


Kent Minerals and Waste Consultations: Community Notice

Following recent stakeholder events it was requested that there was further promotion of the chance for local communities to have their say on the current Minerals and Waste consultations. Notice of the consultations can be found here.

You can find a list of Minerals/Waste site submissions on the Minerals and Waste Development Framework websites for Minerals and Waste.

Please note the consultation includes all site proposals received from minerals and waste operators; we know not all of them will be suitable. We are seeking initial views and opinions on the sites to help us decide which sites should go into the final document and which should not.

You can view or comment on consultation documents online at: http://consult.kent.gov.uk/

More information on the Minerals and Waste Development Framework is available at: http://www.kent.gov.uk/mwdf.

Please contact the MWDF team (mwdf@kent.gov.uk) if you have any further queries.


Police Praise NHW Coordinator

Police in Dover are praising the actions of a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator who lives on the outskirts of Deal. His prompt action lead the the arrest of 4 males:

Alastair Ferguson,18 years from London Road, Deal

Harry Palmer, 18 years from Dover Road, Deal

Toby Shorter, 19 years from Matthews Close, Deal have all been charged with burglary and theft from motor vehicles.

One other male who cannot be named was also arrested. Several items of property, believed to be stolen, were recovered.

DC Williams, officer dealing, states, 'Due to the actions of a vigilant Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator 4 offenders have been arrested and 3 have been charged. This will put a stop to a recent spate of crime in the area. One phone call is all it took.'

This arrest follows a call made by the NHW coordinator to report a suspicious vehicle, the occupants of which were knocking on doors in the Deal area.

Please contact the NHW office on 01233 896126 if you have or you would like any further information.


You Could Help Save a Life

The most vulnerable members of our community are most at risk of being injured, or even dying, in a house fire - and, worst of all, it's nearly always preventable.

That is why Kent Fire & Rescue are asking Neighbourhood Watch members who have vulnerable friends, neighbours or relatives to pass on our "Freephone" number 0800 923 7000 and encourage them to contact us to book a FREE home safety visit. By helping us to reach out to people in your community you will be playing an important part in helping someone you know stay safe and independent in their own home.

A combination of factors can put someone at higher risk, so please look out for anyone you know who would tick more than one of these boxes:

  • Elderly or in poor health
  • Has mobility problems
  • Lives alone
  • Uses an old or unstable heater
  • Is a smoker or like a drink
  • Is on medication that makes them sleepy

Once the person rings us, friendly staff from the Kent Fire & Rescue Service will take down some information and if needed arrange a time to visit them in their home to offer safety advice and fit a smoke alarm. We even have a range of fire safety devices for visually and hearing impaired people, as well as other special gadgets; e.g. if someone is getting forgetful about turning off the cooker. It all takes about 30 minutes and the visit and any equipment we fit is all FREE.

Thank you.


What Happens to the Contents of Your Black Box?

After collection it is taken to Richborough. When the containers are full they are transported to a sorting facility where it is tipped onto a conveyor to a large, meshed, rotating drum. The glass crumb falls through and is collected. A magnet lifts off tins, followed by an eddy current to remove the aluminium.

This leaves plastic bottles and any contaminants. A team of people remove unwanted plastic bags and other plastics whilst glass too large for the mesh is picked off and recycled. Plastic bottles are moved to a nearby facility where a trammel spins them and shakes off the dirt. A beam of light is shone through the bottles to determine whether they are HDPE or PET. The bottles are then ground into flakes and washed, then various flake sorters remove coloured flakes and remaining contaminants. The PET is further treated to remove the top layer of the bottle and the HDPE is melted, sieved and turned into plastic pellets.


Volunteering Opportunity in Libraries

Time2Give is Kent Libraries and Archives volunteering programme, offering opportunities at over 100 libraries across Kent.  We welcome people of all ages from the Kent community and pay agreed out of pocket expenses, such as travel to the library.

The range of activities we offer is much wider than most people expect, from Computer Buddies to help customers with IT, to library gardeners to create attractive reading gardens.  Or from Knit and Natter volunteers to encourage and retain traditional crafts, to Home Library Service couriers delivering books to those who are housebound, and to their carers.  A full list of activities is attached, together with an information leaflet about Time2Give.  The leaflet is readily available at all Kent libraries and archives.

Further information, including our volunteer newsletter and volunteers own accounts of their Time2Give experience, can be found in the Libraries/Services For All section of the KCC website at www.kent.gov.uk

Application Leaflet

Current Vacancies

Nicola Browne, Project Director, CSV Consulting

Developing and managing Time2Give for Kent Libraries and Archives

 Telephone:  01622 696468      7000 6468

nicola.browne@kent.gov.uk

nbrowne@csv.org.uk

Time2Give, Kent Libraries and Archives HQ, Royal Engineers' Road, Maidstone ME14 2LH


Click here to download your copy of this poster!


Artist Seeks Rae Family Links...

James RaeLincolnshire artist, Richard Bish, is seeking links in Eastry of the Rae family, one time residents of Walton House from around 1830.

Two years ago Richard purchased three out of four Rae family portraits which were up for auction in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

The paintings were painted by Thomas Roods RA; a noted Irish artist and were of James Rae and Elizabeth Sophia Rae with daughter Rosa Margaret. The third picture was of Mary Gordon.

Regrettably the fourth picture of Miss Bennett was snapped up by a Dutch dealer and has subsequently disappeared. All the paintings were mentioned in the Will of Mary Gordon who died in 1854 and whose body lies in the Rae family vault in St Mary's.

Mary GordonFrom carrying out some research Richard has found that James Rae and his family, of Walton House, were of some significant means and possibly a doctor, as was his half-brother Dr Adam Black. James was born in 1794 in Douglas, Ayrshire.

The family wealth appears to have come from his wife and her mother, Mary Gordon, is one of the portraits in Richards possession. Her maiden name was Jemmitt; and the family were importers of sugar since 1729. They also owned a plantation on the island of Dominica, still called Jemmitt's to this day. Elizabeth Sophia Rae (nee Jemmitt) was born on the island in 1795 and married James in 1827. Elizabeth Sophia Rae

If you have any information on the Rae family and feel you can help Richard further in his quest, please contact him at richardbish273@btinternet.com .

If you are a member of the Rae family, we'd love to know more about the family's fortunes and what happened to this 19th century resident of Eastry. Maybe you can send us a photo with your story so that we can see if there's a family likeness!

 


Residents of Eastry "Beat the Bounds"!

Residents from Eastry gathered at the Five Bells Public House in the centre of the village on Sunday the 10th October for the tradition of Beating the Bounds.  It was a beautiful sunny autumn day and 64 people set off at 10 a.m. to cover the approximately 14 miles of the boundary of Eastry.  The walkers were fortified by refreshments kindly provided by the “Bell”.

Walkers gathering at "The Five Bells"

The walk was led by Nick Kenton, Chairman of the Parish Council stopping at a spot once marked by an ancient yew tree to sing the Old Hundredth Psalm “All people that on earth do dwell”.  Sadly the yew no longer exists but has been replaced by a beech tree and so tradition has been maintained.

Walking through Eastry Churchyard

Beating the Bounds started in ancient times and involved taking young children around the boundary of the village and effecting a memorable experience at each marker so that the child would remember the route in the future. Traditionally children were “bumped” on the stone or perhaps they had their finger pulled.

Singing "The Old 100th"

Historically, understanding the position of the boundary was of vital importance to the community, the parish church and local government. It had economic significance in defining common rights (to land, or firewood collection, for instance) and the ‘tithe’: a tenth of all crops and produce that went to the parson as a tribute to the church.

Disputes about boundaries were common, and often heated, but fortunately the “Beating” this year mostly passed without serious incident.

To own your own copy of Eastry's "Beating the Bounds" booklet, download your own copy here...


Hospital Park and Ride has Arrived from New Dover Road

The new exclusive hospital Park and Ride service from New Dover Road, Canterbury, has arrived!

You can benefit from all day parking and unlimited journeys from only £2.50 (or less with the Park and Ride payment card, buses every 20 minutes from 8:00am - 6:00pm. It operates from Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) and it stops outside the Outpatients Unit and Emergency Centre.

Download the leaflet here...


 KCC's Countryside Access Service Annual Report

This year's Annual Report from the Countryside Access Service is available here:

http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside_access/annual_report.aspx

Many of you will have made contributions towards the research phase of the Countryside Access Improvement Plan so it is hoped that you will take this opportunity to have a read through and check the progress to date. The CAS is dedicated to customer led frontline service delivery and it is hoped you will agree real progress is being made to improve accessibility and connectivity of you local Rights Of Way Network.

Some of the sizable projects delivered this year are:

  • The successful "Walk to Win" healthy living campaign in Thanet 
  • Developing the Countywide Guided Walks Database
  • Increasing the number of Volunteer Wardens
  • Working with the Highway's Agency to construct a new Bridleway bridge over the A2 bridge at Kingston 
  • Improvements to the Darent Valley Path and Central Park Dartford
  • The creation of a new footpath in East Farleigh
  • The creation of a new footpath in Palmarsh
  • Further details of projects being worked on can be found here.

    Two current projects to draw your attention to are:

    The Volunteer Walks Database

    and

    Destination Signs


    Public Rights of Way (PROW)

    Explore Kent logo What Are Public Rights of Way? Public rights of way are mainly paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They allow people to explore and enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace - or they can be used for short journeys such as to school, to church, to work or even to the pub!

    Kent has over 4,200 miles (6,700km) of public footpaths, bridleways and byways providing free access to the county's much loved countryside and coast. These are all managed by KCC Countryside Access Service. This includes signing and cutting of vegetation to keep the paths clear.

    Like a public road, a public right of way is a highway which anybody may use at any time. Public Rights of Way are recorded on a legal record of Public Rights of Way. Each path is classified according to who is allowed to use it and the public's rights along it. If you would like to identify a path near you, KCC have an interactive map service on their website:

    http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside_access.aspx


    Dover District Neighbourhood Forums

    The Dover District Neighbourhood Forums are a joint initiative, enabling a new form of consultation and feedback from local communities. The aim is to give local people a chance to voice their opinions and concerns and to be able to influence decisions and to challenge the delivery of services.

    The Forums join the three tiers of local government, with equal representation from DDC members, KCC members and Town and Parish Councillors.

    There are five forums in place across the district:

    Deal and Walmer - covering: North Deal, Middle Deal, Mill Hill and Walmer.

    Dover North - covering: Aylesham, Nonington, Eythorne, Tilmanstone, Northbourne, Great Mongeham, Sutton, Ripple, Langdon, Guston, St.Margaret's at Cliffe and Ringwould with Kingsdown.

    Dover Town - covering: Buckland, St.Radigunds, Maxton Elms Vale and Priory, Town and Pier, Tower Hamlets and Castle.

    Dover West - covering: Denton with Wootton, Shepherdswell with Coldred, Lydden, Temple Ewell, Alkham, River, Capel-Le-Ferne, Hougham Without and Whitfield.

    Sandwich Area - covering: Stourmouth, Preston, Wingham, Ash, Goodnestone, Staple, Woodnesborough, Sandwich, Worth, Sholden and Eastry.

    For more information about the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums please see: www.dover.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums or contact Anne Charman, KCC Community Engagement Manager on 01622 696389


    Who We Are: - Despite the smallness of our country, its high population density and widespread, intense pressure for development, we still have, in England, large areas of incomparably beautiful countryside. CPRE exists to protect our natural landscapes from destruction and degradation.

    Established in 1926, CPRE is a registered charity with about 60,000 members and supporters. The charity operates as a network with over 200 district groups, a branch in every county, a group in every region and a national office. Over 2,000 parish councils and 800 amenity societies belong to CPRE. This makes CPRE a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning

    What We Do:- We campaign for the countryside to be protected and enhanced for the benefit of everyone. We work mainly at a local level, striving to influence opinion formers throughout the county and the South East region. We also work with CPRE nationally to influence national planning policy.

    Our work focuses on

    ·         land use planning

    ·         transport

    ·         natural resources

    ·         the quality, character and diversity of the countryside

    ·         rural economies, services and quality of life


    Trading Standards Information  

    Kent County Council LogoKent Trading Standards wish to remind people that we always need to receive information about poor trading practices. This information is vital as it enables us to effectively target our campaign work.  If you wish to make a report to us, please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. They will take the details and forward the information to us. Examples of matters that you may wish to report are:

    Sales of Cigarettes or Alcohol to under 18's
    Sales of Fireworks to under 18's or outside the permitted dates
    Doorstep sellers, e.g. fish sellers, carpet / rug sellers   
    Cold Callers who offer to do work on your property e.g. driveways, guttering, garden clearance, tree surgery
    Sales of Counterfeit goods, dangerous goods and wrongly described goods
    Roadside car dealers
    Out of date food sales
    Traders who purport to be private sellers
    Any other trading practice that causes concern

    Any business seeking advice about Trading Standards legislation are welcome to call 01732 525291 if they are based in West Kent or 01233 898825 if they are based in East Kent.

    If you wish to find out more about your rights as a consumer please call 08454 04 05 06.


    Creating Areas For Nature  

    Biodiversity LogoWhy not try creating a pond or tree planting, composting, building raised beds, making boggy areas or building bird or bat boxes?

    Any piece of ground can be transformed into a haven for wildlife, whether it is at school, in a community space, in your back garden or even on a rooftop. No matter how much space you have available, you will find ideas here that can be adapted to suit your needs.

    Across the county, Kent ’s Countryside Management Partnerships, supported by Kent County Council, the Kent Eco-Schools Project and the London Borough of Bexley, have collaborated to produce this pack on behalf of the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan.

    The guide is the first of its kind in Kent and takes the form of an online series of PDF information sheets that provide a step-by-step guide to creating wildlife habitats in your garden or grounds. As well as a helping with the practical side of creating nature areas, it also includes information on the kinds of wildlife you can expect to attract, planning tips and lots of useful links for further reading and information. Health and safety information is also included.

    The pack is available now at www.kentbap.org.uk/creatingareasfornature

    Email cmp@kent.gov.uk with your ideas on how you could improve your garden or grounds for wildlife and you will receive a packet of free poppy seeds!

    For further details, please email cmp@kent.gov.uk or contact Isabel Sturdy at the North West Kent Countryside Partnership, 01322 294727.



    INVOKE - Help Guides for Those Over 50...

    The INVOKE website, www.kent.gov.uk/invoke, gives details of the project funded by the Department of Health and managed through Kent County Council and is aimed at those aged 50+ to promote healthy, active ageing, independence, a sense of wellbeing and the ability to participate fully in the community.

    The Dover Directory, first published in 2008, is now a widely used resource for local individuals and practitioners and is available for download here...

    Each of the directories is a valuable source of information.


    Pre-Planning Application Advice Charges

    Dover District Council have introduced new charges in respect of Pre-Planning Application advice with effect from 29th July.

    To clarify the new charges, and what can be provided, Dover District Council have prepared a document for information. A copy of the document is available here...


    All About Kent trading Standards...

    The role of Trading Standards is to provide advice and guidance to consumers and businesses. Amongst other tasks we try to disrupt the activities of doorstep criminals. If necessary we can prosecute the worst offences provided we have sufficient evidence. Please take the time to report doorstep criminals to us via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 05 06. The information we receive is valued. Consumer Direct can also give you information on your rights as a consumer. Visit our website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent to find out more about what we do.
    We have recently published a booklet "The Smart Guide to Scams - How to deal with doorstep criminals, scam mail and unwanted phone calls" to get a copy email tsadvice@kent.gov.uk
    or view it on line at http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/documents/AE%20factsheets/The%20smart%20guide%20to%20scams.pdf
     

    Doorstep Callers
    Doorstep Callers offering most goods or services valued at over £35.00 should provide you with a 7 day cancellation period in writing. A recent change to the law means that you will be able to cancel any contract made while in your home; this applies to both cold callers and businesses you invite to call.
    Always carefully consider any offer that is made to you at your door. If you are told work needs to be done on your property take extra care. There are very few jobs around the house that need to be done immediately. Do not be pressurised into making an instant decision.
    Call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk   for further advice or to report any details that have been taken e.g. descriptions of the caller(s) vehicle details/registrations, phone numbers.
    Check out the Buy with Confidence Scheme for details of approved traders you can trust at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by ringing Trading Standards on 01233 652385
     

    Scam Mail
    Scam mail could be mail order catalogues, letters asking for your assistance in transferring money, letters telling you that you have won a prize in a draw or offering to tell you your future. Never respond as it could increase the amount of scam mail that you will get. Dispose of it in your recycling bag remembering to remove any personal information.
     

    Unwanted Mail
    By registering with the Mail Preference Service it is possible to reduce the amount that is received. It is a free service. It is unlikely that this will stop any mailings from abroad.
    Mailing Preference Service
    DMA House
    70 Margaret Street
    London
    W1W 8SS
    Tel 0845 703 4599                       www.mpsonline.org.uk
     

    Unwanted Telephone Calls
    Register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unwanted calls. It is unlikely to stop calls coming from outside the UK.
    Telephone Preference Service
    DMA House
    70 Margaret Street
    London
    W1W 8SS
    Tel 0845 070 0707                       www.tpsonline.org.uk


    Roadworks Information on "the Web"

    For many months now, this website has been advocating you use the "Electronic Local Government Information Network", or eLGIN.

    The eLGIN website provides an up-to-date interactive map of both current and planned works on the road for a large area of the UK.

    You can read more about the service by reading the poster here, or by viewing their website at: http://kent.elgin.gov.uk or www.elgin.gov.uk .


    Kent Police Youth Panel

    The Kent Police Youth Panel is made up of young people, aged 11 and over, who live in Kent, who tell Kent Police what they think about a number of crime and policing issues. The panel helps Kent Police understand the views and needs of young people across Kent and the information helps shape the service provided by Kent Police.

    How it works: During a year panel members will be invited to take part in up to four surveys or discussion groups. Opinions are sought by email, telephone or pot or at informal discussion group meetings.

    Get involved! If you are aged 11 years and older, or know a person who is, live in Kent and would like more information about becoming a Youth Panel member please email the Youth Panel or call 01622 652667.

    You can also visit their website at www.kent.police.uk/youthpanel .


    Kent Highways Survey of Speed and Traffic in Lower Street

    Kent Highways Logo

    During January and February this year Kent Highways conducted a traffic volume and speed survey in Lower Street, Eastry.

    As requested at the Annual Parish Meeting a copy of the report has now been made available for download here.

    Please be aware that the document is very large and will take some time to download.


    Are You Licensed to Drive?

    Many people are unaware that a photocard driving licence is only valid for 10 years; after that it needs to be renewed with a new photo. Renewing it costs £17.50 currently.

    Some of the oldest photocards are now 10 years old. Is yours about to expire?

    The front of the licence carries two dates:

    4a - the date the photo is valid from, and

    4b - the date by which the licence needs to be updated. This is generally 10 years after the licence was initially issued but for drivers nearing or over the age of 70, is the date at which the entitlement to drive ends.

    If you change address or name then you must tell the DVLA so that the driving licence details can be updated. In this case the licence is free as long as the '4b' date has not been passed. Having a licence which has not been updated will pose problems, particularly if you want to hire a car or if you have to prove your entitlement to drive to your employer. It could also lead to a fine of up to £1000.

    More information is available from the AA here...


    Repossession Advice Pack

    A repossession advice pack, with practical advice for homeowners worried about meeting their mortgage repayments, has been created.

    The pack gives step-by-step advice to households and advises on how they can avoid making their situation worse.

    You can download and print your own copy by clicking here.


    Support Our Small Shops

    Small shops are at the heart of our small towns and villages. They offer diversity and choice and provide a personal service to the community. Yet in many small communities these independent retailers are under threat, facing a rising burden of regulation and tax, a daily battle against crime and violence as well as competition from the growth of large shopping centres. It is estimated that 2000 shops close every year.

    Small Business Rate Relief

    Rising business rates are hurting small shops - and yet many shops don't claim the rate relief they are entitled to because they either don't know about it or because it's too complicated. Rate relief could save some small businesses up to £1,100 a year, so it's vital we help owners claim the full amount they're owed.

    With the help of Leaseholders United we have provided an online tool via the link below to find out what relief - if any - you're entitled to. If you run a small business and want to see if you're entitled to rate relief simply click here.


    Get "ICED"!

    Get ICE on your mobile phone!

    We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were involved in an accident, or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call! yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored; but which one is the contact person in case of emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

    The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population all you need do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients; but they didn't know which number to call.

    He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored in 'ICE'. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.

    PLEASE LET ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES KNOW - IT MAY SAVE A LIFE!


    New Neighbourhood Watch Website

    The website that supports the new organisation; Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (England and Wales) - (NHWN) - and represents Neighbourhood Watch nationally is:

    http://www.mynhw.co.uk

    Please try logging on to the new site and explore what is going on around the country with NHW. You'll find it very interesting!


    Policing in Eastry

    Link to Kent Police website

    PCSO Annmarie Benson and our Community Warden continue their duties in Eastry.

     Annmarie can be contacted on 07772 226155, or 01304 218000. If you need to report a crime please call 01304 240055, and in case of an emergency 999.


    Buttsole Pond Restoration Plan

    "Work has begun on the implementation of a management plan for Buttsole pond, located alongside Lower Street.  The plan had been drawn up by the White Cliffs Countryside Project and approved by the Parish Council and will greatly improve the diversity of wildlife and general amenity value.   

    The area of surface water has reduced considerably in recent years due to the encroachment of plants like reed mace and suckering from the roadside willows.  The first phase is to reduce the area of these plants in about half of the pond.   Conscious of the impact of habitat changes to existing wildlife the remedial work is best done at this time of year and much of the pond has been left untouched to act as a refuge for the animal population.  Although the change in appearance is dramatic there will be re-growth in spring from remaining roots and we will encourage a more diverse range of native plants.

    Since the pond is not stream fed a major problem for the pond has been the lowering of the water table probably due to greater extraction.  The gulleys from the road have been cleared to capture more rain run-off and so partly compensate. 

    Another issue with the pond is that   a couple of non-native pond weeds have been accidentally introduced (Parrot’s feather and Australian swamp stonecrop) and have to be removed they will upset the ecosystem.   People should refrain from bringing any pond life from their own ponds

    We can all watch with interest as the pond recovers from this temporary shock and a richer fauna and flora are allowed to develop."

    Simon Dundas - Eastry Pond Warden 


    Shore Watch   

    If you see any seals, dolphins or whales washed up onto our local beaches please call British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546.

    Hopefully this will not be a frequent occurrence, but some of you may remember the huge whale that was washed up in Pegwell Bay several years ago and which, sadly, could not be saved.


    New Refuse Rounds 

    "Please find here a list of all new collection days for refuse, recycling and green waste - refuse remains weekly, black box fortnightly and green waste fortnightly (where applicable).  The new scheme and collection dates will start from Monday 3rd November 2008.  

    Leaflets, bags and calendars for all collections have started to be delivered in Deal, will move up to the top of the district - Ash, Preston, Sandwich next, then onto the middle Nonington, Tilmanstone, etc., and then finally down to Dover, Capel, Whitfield.  It is estimated that deliveries will take around two weeks to complete therefore they will be in certain areas for more than one day. 

    Paper and cardboard would be collected in the blue bag - once collected it will be stored and then it will go to Aylesford Newsprint where the paper is recycled on site back into paper and the cardboard will go to Smurfit Kappa in Kent.

    www.aylesford-newsprint.co.uk/

    www.smurfitkappa-paperuk.com/

     The mix of plastic bottles, cans and glass will be collected from the black box, it will be stored and then transported to Veolia Materials Recovery Facility in Rainham, Essex.    www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk/pages/int_materialsrecovery.asp 

     The materials will be sorted and the glass will be recycled by local contractors for road aggregate, the plastic bottles will be recycled by closed loop, Dagenham  www.closedlooprecycling.co.uk/ and will be recycled back into plastic packaging and the metal and aluminium will be recycled by several outlets of Veolia, where the market demands are."

    Mandy Pile - DDC Waste Services Officer


    Parade Opening Ceremony

    Donald Eldridge opens the Parade - 27 Sept 2008

    Eastry Parish Council are pleased to announce that the project to revitalise the are in front of the Parade of shops in The High Street, Eastry, has now been completed. The project was launched in the late 1990s and was originally to be the Parish Council's "Millennium Project". There were, however, many delays during each stage of the project.

    Early in 2007 Cllr David Carr, then Chairman of the Parish Council, established the Council's Working Party which finally, by March 1st 2008 were in a position to start work to create this amenity area for the local community.

    The Parish Council are very grateful for the financial aid of Sandwich Neighbourhood Forum, Dover District Council Community Safety Partnership and a Member Community Grant from Kent County Council.

    The Parish Council would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Mr Theodore (Teddy) Birnberg, a previous Parish Councillor who generously left the Parish Council a Legacy that has been used to part-fund the project.

    In addition the local community has helped raise over £1600 with a "Buy-a-Brick" campaign, raffles and even a sponsored sing by the parent and toddler group!

    Children from Eastry School bury the "Time Capsule"

    The opening ceremony was held on Friday 26th September 2008 at 10:00am; the ribbon was cut by Mr Donald Eldridge; retired Parish Councillor and one of the instigators of the project. Pupils from Eastry Primary School also were in attendance to bury a time capsule.

    Official Press Release here...


    The Clean Kent Campaign

    The Clean Kent Campaign recognises that Kent is a clean and beautiful County in which to live, work and enjoy. One of the ways in which the campaign aims to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the county is by reducing instances of fly-tipping and littering, thereby improving the overall quality of the Kent environment.

    "Litter, rubbish, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and potentially in turn, crime and fear of crime. The Clean Kent Campaign recognises all of these issues and the adverse effects they may have on the quality of life, tourism and economic development. Where anti-social behaviour is present, crime may follow. Clean Kent aims to eradicate fly-tipping offences and ensure high quality environments and support safe communities." - PC Mick Wright, County Watch Liaison Officer.

    To find out more about Clean Kent log onto www.cleankent.com or call 08453 450210


    National CCTV Database

    The Association of Chief Police Officers working group on CCTV and video is exploring the feasibility of storing CCTV images of crime and matching them against databases of offenders, similar to the store and search systems currently in use with DNA and fingerprints collected at crime scenes.

    It is proposed that the new initiative is to be titled the Facial Images National Database (FIND).

    The working group recognise that it is vital that CCTV standards are improved. The Metropolitan Police Service recently reported that their success rate in using CCTV for criminal prosecution is as low as 3%

    The British Standards Institute, the Department of Justice and the Information Commissioner's Office are working together to develop standards for anyone who wants to produce CCTV images that the police could use in prosecutions.

    The majority of the estimated 4.2 million CCTV systems installed in the UK are owned by local authorities and the private sector. Currently few systems produce images that would be usable by police to secure convictions without corroborating evidence.


    Hospital travel information

    Kent County Council have issued leaflets on travel to local hospitals and are available as a download by clicking on the appropriate link below:

    William Harvey Hospital, Ashford

    Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Margate

    Kent and Canterbury, Canterbury


    Buttsole Pond Management Plan

    A Management Plan for Buttsole Pond has been prepared by the White Cliffs Countryside Project on behalf of the Parish Council.

    The paper will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting and you are invited to read a copy, together with the Appendix:

    Management Plan

    Appendix 1


    Kent County Council - "Buy With Confidence"

    Kent County Council's Trading Standards Service have launched a "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme. A copy of the notice is available here.

    The scheme provides customers with a list of reliable local businesses that have proved their commitment to trading fairly.

    These businesses will have had to undergo and audit by Trading Standards Officers and passed a series of detailed checks before being approved under the scheme.

    Full details are available from the website at www.buywithconfidence.info .


    Eastry Parish Council Adopt New Code of Conduct

    At the Parish Council meeting of 2nd July 2007 it was unanimously agreed to adopt the new Code of Conduct for Town and Parish Councils in the Dover District.

    The new Code of Conduct contains the Ten General Principles for Public Life, as laid out in the Relevant Authorities (General Principles) Order 2001.

    A copy is available for you to read: please click here. Remember: this document is large and may take some time to download.


    What is a Parish Council?

    There are over 8,700 parish and town councils representing around 16 million people across England. They form the most local level of government and cover many rural areas.  

    What services do they provide? 

    Eastry Parish Council provides the following services:

    Allotments Dog waste bins “poop scoopers” Public lavatory
    Street cleaning Burial ground Open spaces Bus shelters
    Play Equipment Litter bins Picnic site Buttsole pond
    Coffee Break      

    They also work with Dover District Council, and Kent County Council to get other services for the parish. Eastry Parish Council meets 11 times a year on the first Monday of the month (except January and May, when it’s the 2nd Monday).

    The booklets “All About Parish and Town Councils” and “The Good Councillors Guide” can be found on the parish council web-site http://www.eastrypc.co.uk


    DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES ORDER


    A Designated Public Places Order, which will control the consumption of alcohol in public places in specified areas, will be introduced by Dover District Council with effect from 1st February 2007. The order is commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as an alcohol exclusion zone.

    The effect of the order is that a Police Constable may require a person to stop drinking alcohol in a public place within the designated area. Any person so required, but who refuses to stop, commits an offence which could result in them being arrested. Drinking alcohol in a designated area is not in itself an offence. The offence is created if any person refuses to stop drinking once required to do so by a Police Constable. Any enforcement of this law is carried out entirely at the discretion of the police.

    This order has been made following analysis of relevant crimes and extensive consultation with the public. The relevant work was undertaken by Dover District Council's Community Safety Unit.

    The order will apply to all public places lying within the boundaries of Dover, encompassing Castle, Town and Pier, Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory, Tower Hamlets, St. Radigunds, Buckland and Whitfield wards; Deal, encompassing Walmer, Mill Hill, Middle Deal and Sholden and North Deal wards, Sandwich and the following parishes: Ash, Aylesham, Eastry, Eythorne, Guston, Ringwould / Kingsdown, River, St. Margaret's, Shepherdswell, Temple Ewell, Wingham. Signs are being placed across the district to indicate designated areas.

    For more information, please log onto the Dover District Council website at www.dover.gov.uk/asb

     


    Coffee Break

     

     

    Just a reminder that Jigsaw puzzles are available to borrow on 2nd Friday of the month at Coffee Break. Also on the 2nd Friday Hi-Kent hearing-aid re-tubing clinic is available to assist you with your hearing-aid needs. Hearing Aids should be re-tubed every 3 months!


    Play and Recreation Facilities

     

     

    The Parish Council own and maintain a number of play areas and play equipment in the Parish. Play equipment is situated in Gun Park (off Wilmott Place) and at the Allotment play area behind Centenary Gardens and Mill Green. Three goal posts are in place at the bottom (Wilmott Place) end of Gun Park and two small goals are situated in the Allotments play area for general use. Also in Gun Park are a skate ramp and basket-ball hoop.

    The Parish Council also maintain a Recreation Ground in Church Street opposite the Church. This area is well used by smaller children and their parents.


    Minimum Wage Information

    National Minimum Wage

    The national minimum wage applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall.

    It is an important cornerstone of Government strategy aimed at providing employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace. It helps business by ensuring companies will be able to compete on the basis of quality of the goods and services they provide and not on low prices based predominantly on low rates of pay.

    The rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission. The rates change on 1st October each year.

    To find out more:

    Casual staff, agency staff and short-term contract staff are all eligible for the NMW. More information is available on the Government's website here.


      Useful Contact Numbers

    The Parish Council are receiving more and more phone calls reporting things that they do not have a direct responsibility for. In these instances the Clerk can only pass on the report to the correct department and does not always have enough information to do this efficiently and errors could be made. Parishioners are asked to contact the responsible authority directly, as below:

    Dover District Council                         

    White Cliffs Business Park
    Dover
    Kent
    CT16 3PJ

    Telephone: 01304 821199
    E-mail: customerservices@dover.gov.uk
    Minicom: 01304 820115

    http://www.dover.gov.uk

    All problems relating to refuse or recycle collections. Rubbish and Dog waste bin emptying Street cleaning, Street nameplates, and Council housing problems should be directed to DDC. A full list of services and direct dial numbers can be found in the phone book 

    Kent Highways Services –

    Kent Highway Services
    Kent County Council
    Invicta House
    County Hall
    Maidstone
    Kent ME14 1XX

    08458 247 800

    kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk 

    All problems relating to street lights, roads or footways, road signs, pot holes, road works, overgrowth hedges, drains and ditches on the highway, vehicle crossings, dropped curbs or empty salt bin should be directed to Kent Highways services. 

    Public Rights of Way Office – 01304 216307 

    Problems with footpaths (Not tarmac) including Horses using public footpaths.

    Memorial Inspection

     

     

    Following a recent inspection of all memorials in the Cemetery the Parish Council is trying to trace the owners of some of the memorial stones. If a member of your family is buried in Eastry Cemetery can you please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council on 01304 614320. For your information the Cemetery is the very bottom section of the Church Yard between the Beech hedge and the Holly hedge where the kissing gate is located.


    Householders' Responsibility For Waste

     

     

     

    Following the introduction of new Government waste regulations, Dover District Council is reminding residents that householders now have a responsibility to check who is taking their rubbish away, or risk a fine of up to £5,000. Householders now have a 'Duty of Care' to ensure that their rubbish is only collected by a registered waste carrier.

    Dover District Council is already working hard to reduce the problem of fly tipping. The regulations have been introduced to help Authorities tackle this serious issue. Last year Dover District Council dealt with 487 incidents of fly tipping, at a cost of around £50,000.

    The new regulations mean that people who need to have household, garden or construction waste removed from their home must check the waste carrier registration of anyone they employ, or who offers to remove the waste for them. All builders and allied trades, landscape gardeners, tree fellers, house clearers, retailers who remove domestic goods such as fridges and sofas when delivering new ones, and scrap metal dealers should be registered waste carriers. The carriers will issue householders with a 'waste transfer note', which should be kept by the householder as proof that they passed their waste on to an authorised carrier. This legislation does not affect any waste collection service provided by the Council, including your normal weekly household waste collection. 

    Registered waste carriers can be checked by contacting the Environment Agency on (08708) 506506, or online at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister. Householders can also contact Dover District Council on (01304) 872410 and for a small fee bulky items can be collected and disposed of in an authorised manner.