Issue 7 - Medway Council

Transcription

ISSUE 7
Nov / Dec 2006
Circulation: 111,978
Medway
M ATT E R S
T H E C O U N C I L M A G A Z I N E F O R A L L M E D W AY P E O P L E
Greco
hooks
us in
Pages 16-17
INSIDE
Win lots of prizes in this
bumper Christmas issue
Eight-page adult learning
pull-out in this issue
See page 3 for details
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
ADVERTISEMENT
• Shopping
• E v e n ts
• E n te r t a i n m e n t
Christmas and New
Year opening hours*
Late night shopping every Thursday...
Thursday, 23 November
Thursday, 7 December
8am to 8pm
8am to 8pm
8am to 8pm
...time for last minute shopping
Monday, 11 December Friday, 15 December
Saturday, 16 December
Sunday, 17 December
Monday, 18 December Friday, 22 December
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
8am to 8pm
8am to 6pm
10am to 4pm
8am to 8pm
8am to 6pm
10am to 4pm
Closed
...and time to go to the sales
Boxing Day
Wednesday, 27 December Friday, 29 December
Sunday, 31 December
Monday, 1 January
Tuesday, 2 January onwards
10am to 4pm
8am to 6pm
8am to 6pm
10am to 4pm
10am to 4pm
Normal trading
*Times confirmed by the Pentagon Shopping Centre.
Other individual store times may vary.
Sponsored by the Pentagon Shopping Centre and
Medway Council, in support of the Chatham Centre Forum.
Medway M ATT E R S
Issue 7
Nov / Dec 2006
Circulation: 111,978
Medway Matters is written and
designed by Medway Council's
Communications Team.
Printed by The Limehouse Group
on 100 per cent recycled paper.
Distributed by Royal Mail
door-to-door service.
Visit Medway Matters online at
www.medway.gov.uk/medwaymatters
CONTACT MEDWAY MATTERS
Medway Matters, Corporate
Communications, Medway Council,
Civic Centre, Strood, Rochester,
Kent ME2 4AU
Editorial Tel: 332782
medway.matters@medway.gov.uk
Advertising Tel: 332782
marketing@medway.gov.uk
Distribution Tel: 332282
medway.matters@medway.gov.uk
Text MM then your message to
07739 657073.
The next edition of Medway Matters
will be published in January 2007.
If you have an article or photograph
you think would be suitable for
Medway Matters please send it to
the above address to reach us by
the deadlines shown below:
Jan/Feb 2007
November / December 2006
T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R A L L M E D WAY P E O P L E
Christmas is coming
I’ve been having a bit of an identity crisis over
the past few weeks. I think I’ve been turning
into Scrooge at his very worst. Even the mere
mention of Christmas has been enough to turn
me into a ranting madwoman.
Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier
every year and it has been driving me to
distraction. I couldn’t take any more festive greetings from
anyone. There seemed to be no Christmas magic any more.
That was until the other day when I heard a group of children
in my daughter’s school playground talking about Father
Christmas and what they were going to leave out for him and
his reindeer on Christmas Eve.
It struck a chord and made me smile. It also helped make me
remember what Christmas was really all about. Thankfully, now
all my Scrooge tendencies have disappeared.
So I’m on a Christmas mission now. In this issue we have
information about how Christmas is shaping up in Medway,
with details about when the Christmas lights are turned on
across the area and more. Medway Matters is also celebrating
its first anniversary as a magazine and to mark this we’re
asking you what you think about it. Make sure you fill in the
questionnaire in as you stand to win £100 of High Street
vouchers if your name is the one chosen at random.
This issue is a bumper edition for competitions, so make
sure you take the opportunity to enter and see if your
Christmas turns out to be just that little bit more special
because you’ve won a prize.
Fay Coffin,
Merry Christmas to all our readers
Editor
INSIDE
Regular features
About Medway
Hot-off-the press stories
about the local area.
Pages 4-10
Viewpoint
Let us know your views and
opinions on what’s happening
and what affects you.
Page 18
Community news
Events and news from
around Medway.
Page 19
Mixit SHOUTbOX
If it’s important to young
people, it’s here.
Pages 20-21
Off the shelf
What’s new in libraries.
Page 28
What’s on?
Find out what’s happening in
Medway.
Page 29
by 1 Dec 2006
Mar/Apr 2007
by 26 Jan 2007
May/Jun 2007
by 30 Mar 2007
Jul/Aug 2007
by 1 Jun 2007
Sep/Oct 2007
by 3 Aug 2007
Nov/Dec 2007
by 28 Sep 2007
It’s competition time
£100
All telephone numbers should be
prefixed with 01634 unless
otherwise stated.
This publication is available
in other formats and
languages. Please telephone
332282 for more information.
WIN a fab Karaoke
microphone
Cover image: Michael Greco,
courtesy of Stuart Thomas
Photography
Corrections and clarifications
In the September/October issue our
Ward Focus feature didn’t mention
Rede Common, which is also an
open space in Strood South.
Serving You
WIN
High Street
shopping
vouchers to
be won
Fill in our
Medway
Matters
questionnaire
and enter
Pages 11-12
MIXIT SHOUTbOX: Just answer the
question for a chance to win Page 20
an eco
bag filled
with
goodies:
Enter our
recycling
competition
Page 32
Win £100
of Dockside
Shopping
Vouchers
Dockside Factory Outlet Shopping Centre:
Discover more and enter their competition Page 7
www.medway.gov.uk
3
Medway M ATT E R S
It’s arrived:Two-way traffic
It’s almost two months
since Chatham went
two-way and now a
traffic study shows the
new road system working
well for motorists and
traders alike.
Since Two-Way Day, Medway
Council has been monitoring
traffic on key routes and at all
car parks.
Results confirm that:
● Far from driving people
away from Chatham, traffic
levels across Chatham as a
whole are already back to
within a few per cent of
levels before road works
started in March.
● Significantly, journeys into
Chatham during shopping
hours are already back to
within one or two per cent
of the pre-March figures.
● Car park use is showing a
healthy upward trend with
many car parks, including
the Pentagon Shopping
Centre, already back to
normal and some with
greater use than before.
● Taken together, the figures
show there’s no evidence
of increased congestion
and no evidence of
motorists being deterred
by the new system.
This swift return to nearnormal traffic levels, after
months of roadworks and six
weeks of people adjusting to
the new system, is especially
welcome as traders prepare
for the crucial Christmas
shopping period.
The traffic study is an interim
measure – there will be a
full review of the road system
early in the New Year.
Two-way Chatham is
designed to open up the
waterfront and improve town
centre access for pedestrians
and motorists. Key
developments now coming
forward will make it a place
to ‘come to’ rather than
‘go through’.
It has already been a key
factor in securing plans for a
massive expansion of the
Pentagon Shopping Centre.
Now Medway Council has
unveiled a second
regeneration scheme made
possible by the road changes
- £20million
plans for showrooms, flats and
town houses in The Brook.
You will start to feel the full
benefit of Chatham’s new
road system next year when
phase two proposals including
demolition of the Sir John
Hawkins Way flyover to allow
development of a major new
bus station, further road
improvements and new car
parks, begin.
Thank you for your
continued patience in this
period of major change.
Planning for all in
our community
Medway’s Local Stategic
Partnership (LSP) has agreed
the Medway Community Plan,
which sets out improvements
in a variety of key areas including health, well-being,
regeneration, learning, social
care and more.
Look out for the community
plan summary in your next
issue of Medway Matters,
with details of how you can
get involved .
Chance for coaches
to join our register
If you are a qualified or
assistant sports coach and are
interested in getting more
people to take part in a wider
choice of sports in Medway,
get in touch with the council
now. The council is putting
together a list of coaches work
in Medway.
For information phone Chloe
Leech on 338761 or email
chloe.leech@medway.gov.uk
ADVERTISEMENT
4
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Opinion poll tells council
what local people think
Medway M ATT E R S
More people than ever are satisfied
with the way Medway Council provides
services and looks after residents.
According to the annual
residents’ opinion poll 65 per
cent of residents are satisfied
with the way the council runs
things. It’s an eight per cent
improvement on last year and
the highest ever rating for
Medway Council.
Every year the council carries
out a residents’ opinion poll.
This year it spoke to 1,317
people from across Medway.
The opinion poll was first
carried out in 1999.
Satisfaction with Medway as
a place to live has also
increased by two per cent.
It’s now at 73 per cent.
Medway Council’s Leader
Cllr Rodney Chambers said:
“It is very important that we
listen to what our residents tell
us and that is why the
residents’ opinion poll is
carried out every year.
“We are pleased that we
have reached our highest ever
levels of satisfaction among
residents with the way
Medway Council is providing
services. Equally, it is pleasing
to hear that so many people
find Medway a good place
to live.
“Where there are areas for
improvement we will work
hard to continue to make
progress with these.’’
Satisfaction rates in
Gillingham with Medway
Council have improved
slightly and satisfaction with
Gillingham as a place to
live has increased by
36 per cent, now standing at
73 per cent, which matches
the Medway average.
Other headlines in this year’s
opinion poll are:
● More than half - 57 per cent
- of residents think the council
gives value for money, which
is a six per cent improvement
on last year
● People feel well informed 63 per cent said the council
keeps them well informed,
which is up nine per cent
from 2005 and higher than
other comparative councils.
● There is also increased
satisfaction with the way the
council handles complaints satisfaction has increased from
33 per cent in 2005 to 42 per
cent this year. This is the
highest level of satisfaction
among all councils for where
there is comparative information
● 2006 has seen a significant
increase - 17 per cent - on
the number of young people
who are satisfied. However,
there is still some way to go in
improving youth provision
●
Services with the highest
satisfaction ratings are primary
schools, nursery education,
rubbish collection and libraries
● Services showing the
greatest improvement over the
past year are parks and open
spaces, sports facilities, play
areas, services for young
people, primary and
secondary schools and
nursery education.
Portfolio Holder for Corporate
Services Cllr Tom Mason said:
“These surveys help us shape
the services that we provide
for our residents in Medway.
We always put the customer at
the heart of everything we do.’’
There are some areas where
the council needs to work to
improve residents’
satisfaction. This includes
street cleaning and youth
provision, where work is
ongoing to improve these
services for residents.
Satisfaction with the
way the council runs
things has increased by
eight per cent
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
5
Medway M ATT E R S
We’re getting
there, says public
health report
Tackling health inequalities is a long-term priority for
Medway Council and Medway Primary Care Trust,
according to the Director of Public Health.
As the second public health
report was launched, Director
of Public Health in Medway
Dr Anita Sims outlined the
huge progress that has been
made in the area over the
past 12 months.
She described improvements
in reducing teenage pregnancy,
tackling obesity, reducing the
number of people who smoke
■ Dr Anita Sims
and improving sexual health as
just four areas where real
changes have taken place.
Notable successes over the
past year include:
● The Public Health Team
received funding from the
Department of Health to roll out
a pilot health trainer project.
The aim of the pilot project is to
recruit and train volunteer
health trainers to provide help
and support to anyone who
wants to make positive
changes to their lifestyle.
● Medway has a successful
programme that is on track to
achieve its target number of
schools to achieve healthy
schools status by December
2006.
● The Smoking Cessation
Service provides group and
one-to-one support for quitters.
A trial of new techniques took
place to get people involved.
Leave the car: Park and ride
Hundreds of new car parking
spaces, reduced road
congestion and improved
public transport will result
from a major new park-andride site to be built on
Medway City Estate, near
Strood. Around 450 new
parking spaces for the
scheme, will be created as
part of a new retail warehouse
development on Anthony’s
Way. A similar number of
further parking spaces will
serve the retail development.
The scheme will operate
seven days a week. There will
be road improvements
between the new development
6
and the A289 through the
Medway Tunnel to cater for
the extra road traffic the
scheme will generate.
All of this will be paid for by
the developer as part of the
planning agreement approved
by Medway Council.
“The scheme should go a
long way towards reducing
congestion in our community
by improving our public
transport service,” said Cllr
Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder
for Front Line Services.
“The especially good news
is that these facilities will be
provided at no cost to
Medway residents.”
www.medway.gov.uk
■ L-R: Cllr Wendy Purdy, Dr Anita Sims, Peter Holbrook and
Malvinder Raval at the launch of the public health report
Initial results show
phenomenal success in people
who want to quit - 11 per cent
compared with one per cent
take-up when mailing out
via GPs.
● A draft Sexual Health
Strategy has been developed.
It will provide a co-ordinated
approach to sexual health
promotion, tackling poor
sexual health and reducing
health inequalities in Medway.
Work to reduce the number
of young women getting
pregnant in Medway has been
particularly successful. The
rate has shown an overall
decline of 11.9 per cent from
the 1998 baseline.
Director of Public Health Dr
Anita Sims said: “The report is
an independent assessment of
the health of the people of
Medway and is intended to
help set and support an
agenda for action for all
groups and agencies whose
decisions affect the health of
the people of Medway.
“We have, however, made
significant progress in a
number of areas since last
year’s public health report,
including tackling obesity,
teenage pregnancy, improving
sexual health, developing the
healthy schools programme,
and reducing the number of
people who smoke.’’
New Chief Executive for Medway
Medway Council has a new
Chief Executive - Neil Davies.
Neil was Director of Finance
and Corporate Services and
Deputy Chief Executive for
Medway Council. Neil said:
“I am immensely privileged
to be appointed as Chief
Executive. We have achieved
a great deal in a short period
of time but our next aim is to
become excellent and to deliver
services that are highly valued
and appreciated by
our community.’’
Medway Council Leader Cllr
Rodney Chambers said: “Neil
brings considerable strengths
to the role. As Director of
■ Neil Davies - new role
Finance and Corporate
Services Neil has been
instrumental in ensuring
Medway delivers outstanding
value for money services. I look
forward to working with him as
we steer Medway to become
an excellent authority.’’
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
ADVERTISEMENT
Fireworks - think safety
Bonfire Night may be over, but as Christmas and the
New Year approach, shops can sell fireworks, so
Medway Council is underlining safety messages for
people who use them and shops that stock them.
Information such as the firework
code, regulations and useful links
are on the council’s website at
www.medway.gov.uk/fireworks,
or call 333555 for help and advice
All sellers of fireworks must
register with the council’s
Licensing Team and they are
required to display a notice,
available from trading standards,
stating that it is illegal for anyone
under 18 to be sold fireworks, or
to possess them in a public
place. An on-the-spot fine of £80
can be issued in either case.
Medway Council Trading
Standards and Kent Police
seized 180kg of fireworks
from a shop in Strood that
were on sale before the legal
start date of 15 October.
ADVERTISEMENT
Did you know?
The sale of fireworks is limited to certain defined periods:
● Bonfire Night - 15 October to 10 November
● New Year - 26 December to 31 December
● Chinese New Year - on the first day of the Chinese New Year and
three days immediately before it
● Diwali - on the day of Diwali and three days immediately before it.
The shop was also not registered
to store fireworks.
“Businesses that do not follow
The curfew on firework use is between 11pm and 7am with the
the correct storage procedures
exception of the following nights, when the curfew will vary:
for fireworks risk the safety of
● 5 November - midnight
their neighbours and themselves,”
● New Year’s Eve - 1am on the following day
said Cllr Janice Bamber, Portfolio
● Chinese New Year - 1am on the following day
Holder for Customer First and
● Diwali - 1am on the following day
Community Safety.
“We are also concerned that
these very large and powerful
fireworks put employees of such
companies at unacceptable risk.
This action was carried out as
part of our commitment to
making Medway a safer place.”
It is also an offence to throw or
let off a firework in a street or
public place. This can result in
prosecution and a fine of up
■ Portfolio Holder for Customer First and Community
to £5,000.
Safety Cllr Janice Bamber with illegal fireworks
Share your views on disability
We’re all different and we all
think different things. If you’re
under 18, have a disability or a
special educational need and
want to make your opinion
known, then the Children’s
Disability Link wants to know.
It’s a confidential database for
health, education, community
services and the voluntary
services. To join young people
need to complete a
questionnaire that explores
aspects of children’s health,
education and social needs
and gives the opportunity to
share views. Phone Sharon
Gedye on 338506 or
disabilitylink@medway.gov.uk.
Or print off a questionnaire at
www.medwayppn.org/images/
resources/linkquest.doc.
Win £100
to spend at
Dockside Factory Outlet Shopping Centre
What is the name of the newest store at the centre?
A. Clarks B. Choice C. Marks and Spencer
Send your answer to: Dockside Competition, Corporate
Communications, Medway Council, Civic Centre,
Strood, Kent ME2 4AU. Or you can email your entry to
medway.matters@medway.gov.uk, marking your entry
Dockside Competition. Text 07739 657073 starting your
text MM Dockside. Rules at www.medway.gov.uk/rules
Closing date: Friday, 8 December 2006
Dockside Factory Outlet Shopping Centre has more than 50
stores, including new arrival Marks and Spencer.
Stock up on those Christmas treats.
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
7
Medway M ATT E R S
The door is open for
children and families
The Redvers Centre is ready
to make a real difference providing integrated services
for children and their families.
Redvers, in the heart of
Chatham, is the first of three
integrated centres opening in
Medway. The centre, serving
Chatham and Rochester,
brings together health, social
care, education and voluntary
sector professionals under one
roof so children and their
families only have to tell their
story once to get the help
they need.
Two other integrated team
centres will join the centre in
Redvers Road. The team for
Gillingham will be in
Woodlands Road, Gillingham
and should be fully open by
the end of 2006.
Residents in Strood and
Hoo will be able to take
advantage of an integrated
team based at Elaine
Primary School, Strood by
late 2007.
The three centres form a
combined investment of
around £1million into children’s
services in Medway.
Portfolio Holder for Children’s
Services Cllr Les Wick
officially opened the Redvers
Centre. He said: “I am
delighted that we have been
able to open this, our first
integrated children’s services
centre. It will make a real
difference.’’
The Redvers Centre
underwent a transformation to
make it a place where families
want to visit and professionals
are able to work to improve
children’s lives.
Customer support from hero Eddie
Information and advice on
every aspect of what the
council has to offer
Medway residents, such
as recycling, housing
benefits, road safety and
roads, was on offer at
special events in
Rochester and Chatham.
People came along to the
Corn Exchange, Rochester
and the Pentagon Shopping
Centre, Chatham, to discover
more about what services the
council provides and how to
make best use of them.
It was part of the council’s
contribution to National
Customer Service Week. This
is a nationwide campaign run
by the Institute of Customer
Service to promote the
importance of organisations’
relationships with their
customers and service users.
“I’m glad that so many
people came along to see the
huge range of services the
council has to offer and just
how easy it is to access them
now,” said the council’s
Portfolio Holder for Customer
First and Community Safety
Cllr Janice Bamber.
Former motorcycle stunt
rider Eddie Kidd was a special
guest. Eddie uses a Medway
Council-run leisure centre.
■ Medway customer Eddie Kidd helps launch National Customer Service Week
8
www.medway.gov.uk
Young people
get help to be
trouble-free
The Youth Inclusion and
Support Panel (YISP) is an
emerging programme that
makes it easier for young
people to access services that
can help stop them getting
into trouble.
The panel aims to prevent
offending and to reduce antisocial behaviour by offering
voluntary support services to
eight to 13-year-olds and their
families. Young people can
ask for the panel’s help
themselves, or can be referred
to the panel by another
organisation. Services include
council-run activities and
others run by Kent Police,
Connexions, Fairbridge and
Gillingham Football Club.
The YISP has been running
since October 2005 in River,
Gillingham North and
Gillingham South wards. The
scheme has expanded to
Chatham Central and Luton
and Wayfield wards and will
soon cover Stood South ward.
Contact Jenny Duggan
on 336225 or email
jenny.duggan@medway.gov.uk
Blue badge
rules change
The rules relating to the issue
and use of blue badges for
disabled drivers have changed
to help stop people using
disabled bays when they
shouldn’t. Parking attendants,
enforcement officers and police
officers now have the power to
request and inspect anyone’s
blue badge to make sure it is
being used correctly, that it is
in date and not being used by
someone it shouldn’t be.
It is now an offence if you do
not produce a blue badge
when a parking attendant,
enforcement officer or police
officer asks to see it. Find out
more at www.medway.gov.uk
or phone 333333.
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Visitors still welcome at castle
One of Medway’s most
historic landmarks is
staying open during
conservation work to
ensure it remains a
popular tourist
destination for
years to come.
Rochester Castle is known
as one of the best-preserved
and finest examples of
Norman architecture in
England. Its great keep,
square, massive and one of
the tallest in the country,
measures 113 feet high, 70
feet square and has walls 12
feet thick in places.
However, in the interests of
public safety the rampart
walkway, also known as the
battlements, has closed to
visitors while surveying work is
carried out and access to the
floor below - the gallery level is restricted. Closure of the
rampart walkway and gallery
level is not permanent, but is
necessary to ensure the safety
of all visitors.
Meanwhile, the castle’s
chapel and exhibits on the
floor below the gallery level,
as well as the castle shop are
staying open. The castle’s
grounds also remain open
to visitors.
Medway Council, which
manages the site on behalf of
English Heritage, has taken
the decision as part of an
ongoing conservation
programme at Rochester and
Upnor castles and Temple
Manor in Strood.
The decision to close the
rampart walkway was taken so
that work to masonry could be
carried out and improvements
made to railings.
Portfolio Holder for
Community Services Cllr
Howard Doe said: “The
restricted access is likely
to stay in place for at least
six months.
“There is detailed discussion
around the long-term future of
the castle, where a draft
conservation plan is due to
be presented in a few
months’ time.”
Queen rewards
park volunteers
Volunteers who work at the
council’s Riverside Country
Park and Berengrave Local
Nature Reserve, both in
Rainham, have had their
valuable contribution
recognised by winning a
Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Service. The Medway Towns
Conservation Volunteers
(MTCV), formed in 1989, were
nominated by Park Ranger
Steven Brooks and were one of
only three winners from Kent.
“This well-deserved award
recognises their dedication to
the maintenance of Riverside
Country Park, where they have
helped park staff for many
years,” said Cllr Howard Doe,
Portfolio Holder for Community
Services. “I’m really pleased for
them, and congratulate them on
behalf of all our rangers, who
have always valued their help
and enthusiasm.”
For more information phone
Jim Fulwood on 01795 471008
or 07840 652002.
ADVERTISEMENT
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
9
Medway M ATT E R S
University resource Cultural fun at castle
Free access to Drill Hall books for all
Medway library card holders now have access to more than
100,000 texts and journals available in the Drill Hall library at
Chatham Maritime.
Thanks to a unique agreement
"One of the benefits of
between Medway Council and
Medway Council's £2.5million
the Universities at Medway
investment in the Drill Hall
partnership anyone who lives
library is that Medway library
or works in Medway and has
card holders now have access
a library card can use the
to a superb new library."
books in the library.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway
For more information contact
Council’s Portfolio Holder for
337799 or email
Community Services, said:
chatham.library@medway.gov.uk
It might benefit you
Are you aware of benefits and
services you may be eligible to
claim? Medway Council and
the Kent Benefits Partnership
(KBP) are running an
awareness-raising campaign.
It covers such things as free
help to stop smoking, council
tax rebates, visits from the
pension service, and what's
on offer from all non-council
community, voluntary and
welfare groups in Medway.
Benefit claims in Medway
alone have increased by 585,
providing an extra income of
nearly £500,000 for residents.
For more information call the
Benefits Team at Medway
Council on 332222, or the
Kent Benefit Partnership on
0845 3450310.
ADVERTISEMENT
10
www.medway.gov.uk
Celebrating Medway, the festival championing cultural
diversity, got off to a cracking start at its launch event in
Rochester Castle Gardens. It set the pace for the rest of the
October festival.
There was music, dance and
Hundreds of people enjoyed
storytelling, such as
the fun at the castle, joining
Bollywood dance workshops
in Salsa dancing sessions
and an Indian music evening,
and clapping along to superb
a sell out National Schools
musical acts such as
Film Week featuring Maori
Medway's very own Indian
and African themes and a
R'n'B band 3Mix. They also
Hip-Hop dance workshop.
sampled a rich variety of
"The festival gives everyone
exotic foods.
the chance to celebrate and
Celebrating Medway was
learn about the diverse
the area's contribution to the
cultures and traditions that
national Black History Month
are an integral part of
event. It celebrated
Medway's community," said
Medway's cultural variety
Cllr Tom Mason, Medway
and showcased customs,
Council's Portfolio Holder for
attitudes and lifestyles from
Corporate Services.
around the world.
"Celebrating Medway
This was achieved with
achieved its aim to promote
events such as a Black
cultural diversity through
History Quiz Night, an intersharing our traditions in an
faith party, a national poetry
entertaining and enjoyable
day, drama at The Central
way. It was a resounding
Theatre organised by the
success."
Swarlahan group and a
celebration of Annkut, the
Hindu New Year.
Serving You
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Medway M ATT E R S
Medway M ATT E R S
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www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Instant help at hand
by Sarah Shaffi
Peace of mind, feeling safe, knowing you're protected - all
things that Medway Council’s Lifeline provides.
Lifeline, a 24-hour community
okay. If required, help is sent.
alarm service, was established
Central Services Manager
in 1987. It originally monitored
Richard Pellant said: "Lifeline
elderly residents in sheltered
offers peace of mind and
housing schemes. Now,
reassurance to our customers
Lifeline looks after:
every single day of the year.
● 22 sheltered housing
Although our service has
primarily older customers, the
schemes
● 3,500 alarms and sensors
number of lone workers using
● 280 CCTV cameras in
Lifeline is increasing. It can
make a great Christmas
public areas, schools and
present for someone.''
at Medway Maritime
Working with a company
Hospital
● Lone worker systems
called Tunstall, Lifeline is
● Out-of-hours emergency
using new technology
meaning a faster response
phone service for
and better customer
Medway Council.
information displayed in the
Lifeline control centre. It
allows the operator to
respond more appropriately to
each individual situation.
Lifeline doesn't only protect
people in their own homes. It
also helps lone workers people who work on their
own, perhaps outside of
normal hours, in remote
locations, or who visit people
in their homes.
It is a reassuring tool as
Alice, 93, of Rainham found
out. She accidentally
activated her Lifeline pendant
Lifeline works when buttons
and was pleased when the
installed in the home are
operator woke her to check
pressed. The customer's
that everything was ok.
details then appear on screen
She said: "Lifeline does not
at the control centre and an
give up until it is satisfied that
operator ensures everything is
we do not
need any help.
So any elderly
person should not
think twice to have a
Lifeline installed.''
It was a particularly difficult
time for one woman who was
the victim of domestic
violence. Lifeline provided her
with support, reassurance
and security during a time
when she felt very vulnerable.
For more information on
Lifeline and costs call 291365
or email
lifeline@medway.gov.uk
or visit
www.medway.gov.uk
Everyone who pays for a
Lifeline system to be installed
and who quotes
Medway Matters when
making contact with the
council will receive a free £10
Marks and Spencer voucher
to spend as they wish.
ADVERTISEMENT
Medway Lifeline Telecare Services is a community alarm
service operating 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Offering instant help and added security at home,
it gives users and their families peace of mind.
Who is it for?
People of all ages including:
Anyone who feels vulnerable or at risk
People with disabilities or illness
Victims of domestic violence
Benefits of Medway Lifeline
Personal service
Immediate response
Reassurance for you and your family
Easy wire-free installation
Low cost
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
13
Medway M ATT E R S
He’s retiring next year but Professor David
Melville will find it difficult to bow out altogether
from the education arena. As Vice Chancellor of
the University of Kent David, professor of physics,
oversees its running in Canterbury and Medway.
The University of Kent at Medway is part of a
unique partnership in Chatham Maritime.
Fay Coffin found out what makes Prof Melville tick.
of Lifelong Learning UK and
Chair of the Learning and
Skills Council, Kent and
Medway, along with
membership of a number of
boards associated with
educational training.
Tell me about your family
and where you live.
I have five children and
four grandchildren and I live
in Canterbury.
How did you become the
university’s Vice Chancellor?
I was headhunted and then I
was interviewed for the post
while in my previous post of
Chief Executive of the Further
Education Funding Council.
Can you describe the role?
I am essentially the Chief
Executive of the university and
have responsibility for
everything that goes on in the
institution, including its
finances, its estates,
employment of its staff and its
academic programme.
Why have you decided to
announce your retirement
from the university?
I am required to give 12
months notice, but when I
leave I will continue as Chair
14
The university moved to a
new campus in 2005. Can
you tell us about it?
It’s a modern joint campus at
Chatham Maritime in Medway,
shared with Canterbury Christ
Church University and
Greenwich University, as well
as Mid-Kent College. It is
based on refurbished naval
buildings including a
magnificent new Drill Hall
Library and the Pilkington
Building, which houses social,
catering and lecturing
facilities. We have built new
buildings such as the brassclad Medway building and
the Gillingham Building.
Traditionally, people have
gone away to university.
How would you encourage
people to stay in the area
and attend university?
Local residents now have an
outstanding university campus
on their doorstep and we
would encourage them to take
a look at the courses that the
university has to offer and the
excellent facilities that are
available. Medway also has
the University College for the
Creative Arts, formerly the
Kent Institute of Art and Design.
What’s the best thing about
the University of Kent at
Medway now?
www.medway.gov.uk
The best thing is the way in
which establishing the
University of Kent at Chatham
Maritime has brought in our
partners and created an iconic
university campus, of which
Medway residents can be
proud and which can be seen
throughout Britain as an
outstanding new institution.
facilities that, like our catering
facilities, are also available to
the people of Medway.
How has the opening of the
Medway School of
Pharmacy changed the
profile of the university?
The new school of pharmacy
has been an outstanding
success. It has brought
several hundred students in
already. The University of
Kent and our partners in the
school, the University of
Greenwich, see this as a very
important development.
Can you tell us about the
range of courses on offer?
Between the three universities,
we offer a comprehensive
range of courses, which include
humanities, sciences,
engineering and social sciences.
What challenges face
universities and students in
the 21st century?
The development of up-todate and relevant provision
with outstanding support for
students. In Medway we will
need to build more student
accommodation and we
expect to open a 400-room
hall of residence in Medway
by 2008. It is our job to ensure
that the University of Kent at
Medway provides them with
an outstanding and value for
money experience.
What do you see in the
future for the University of
Kent at Medway?
I see the University of Kent
and the Universities at
Medway as continuing to
expand. Our target of 6,000
students by 2007 has been
met a year early and I believe
that we have the potential for
a campus of 15,000 students.
We expect to include new
sports facilities in partnership
with Medway Council ensuring
that we continue to create
In our next issue: Marion Dinwoodie, Chief Executive
of Medway Primary Care Trust.
Want to ask Marion a question? You can by:
Emailing: medway.matters@medway.gov.uk
(Mark it On the spot)
Texting MM then your question to 07739 657073
Writing to: Medway Matters, On the spot,
Communications, Medway Council, Civic Centre,
Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 4AU
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Catch up with Christmas
Can you believe it,
Christmas is now just a
few weeks way.
Where has the past year gone? As the
countdown to the festive season gets
under way Medway Matters brings you
some of the seasonal activities happening
in the area over the next month.
Chatham
Michael Greco, star of this year’s Central
Theatre pantomime Peter Pan, will
switch on the lights at 4.30pm with the
Mayor of Medway Cllr Angela Prodger.
The switch-on will take place outside
The Central Theatre in the High Street.
On the same day the Christmas tree
of hope, organised by the Chatham
Group of Churches will be lit up on the
corner of Meeting House Lane, Chatham.
For a donation you can put a star on the
tree for someone you have loved and lost.
Father Christmas arrives at the Pentagon
Shopping Centre. He will take part in
a parade at 11.30am before taking up
residence in his grotto at 12noon.
Proceeds go to Demelza House Children’s
Hospice in Bobbing. It’s £1 per child and
each will receive a small gift.
Serving You
Saturday, 2, 9 and 16 December
Christmas events including competitions
for children, street entertainers and more.
Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 December
There will be a continental market in
Chatham, with gifts such as food, arts
and crafts, jewellery and perfumes.
Carol service led by the Chatham Group
of Churches.
Gillingham
Friday, 24 November
The lights will be turned on in the town
centre at 5pm, with fun in the afternoon
for all the family. There’s music and local
churches providing Christmas carols.
Rainham
Friday, 1 December
The lights will be switched on at 5pm by
the Mayor of Medway Cllr Angela Prodger
in Rainham Shopping Centre, with
entertainment from 3.45pm. There will be
lots of competitions and prizes donated
by traders in a family show, with support
from Invicta FM Roadrunners. Look out for
face painting, a performance by Rainham
Rangerettes, a local majorette troupe, Fair
Trade marquee and carousel rides. Engie
Benjy will be helping to turn on the lights.
Thursday, 14 and Friday, 15 December
The continental Christmas market makes
its way to Rainham.
Rochester
Saturday, 25 November
The Mayor of Medway Cllr Angela
Prodger will turn on the lights at 3.30pm
outside Medway Visitor Information
Centre, High Street. There will also be
pantomime characters and Father
Christmas, music and Christmas carols.
Strood
The Mayor of Medway Cllr Angela
Prodger will turn on the lights at 4.30pm
at Angel Corner. There will also be
pantomime characters and Father
Christmas, music and Christmas carols.
Find out more at www.medway.gov.uk
or phone 843666.
www.medway.gov.uk
15
Medway M ATT E R S
We’re hooked on Michael
He's gone from soap stardom to reality TV and this will be his first pantomime
appearance for 13 years, but is Michael Greco worried or even remotely nervous
about playing the best villain of them all? No, not at all.
He can't wait to get his teeth into playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan - this year's
pantomime at the Central Theatre in Chatham. Michael's first love is the
stage, but most of us probably know him more for his TV work.
He was Beppe di Marco in EastEnders for more than four
years before trying his hand at reality TV. In 2005 he
appeared in Celebrity Love Island. This was followed by
Soapstar Superstar at the beginning of 2006, Soccer Aid
this summer and most recently The Match. At 37
Michael has been acting since he was 12. Born to
Italian parents, family is extremely important to him,
and he has very strong views on the impact of the
media and our celebrity culture.
These days Michael, who lives in London, is just as at
home playing poker, which he does professionally, as
he is acting.
Fay Coffin and Charlotte Edwards
went to meet him.
Are you looking forward to your role
as Captain Hook in panto this year?
I did a pantomime back in 1993, so this
is the first pantomime for me in 13 years
and I said if I was going to do a
pantomime again it would be Peter Pan,
playing Captain Hook.
Is that because Peter Pan was a
favourite as a child?
No, I wanted to do it because Captain
Hook is a great acting role. He is the best
baddie and baddies are so much more
fun. I have played a good character on
TV all the time so I'm really looking
forward to it.
Pantomime is very interactive. Is that a
good incentive for an actor?
I am far more comfortable on stage than
I am on TV. I have turned down a lot of
pantomimes that could have been really
lucrative over the past 10 years.
The money has never been an issue for
me because all the roles I have been
offered, like Buttons, are just not
characters that I would want to do.
Captain Hook is the first character I
would do because - yes, the money is
quite good - but I actually quite like him.
How old were you when you
first decided you wanted to
be an actor?
I was 12 when I first really
seriously decided I wanted
to be an actor.
What made you want to
become an actor?
I was in Alice in Wonderland and
then Peter Pan. I played Smee and I
realised I was making people laugh
and I had good comic timing. A lot
of people have never seen me do
comedy and that is something that
I really excel at. In front of a live
audience I can really interact with
people and make people laugh,
even though Captain Hook isn't
really a funny character.
Are you a fan of reality TV
shows?
I am not a huge fan of reality TV although
I did find myself watching Big Brother for
the first time ever this year. I love I'm a
Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. I loved
16
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
watching Love Island this year because
Sophie Anderton is absolutely bonkers
and so is Paul Danan. They made a
great combination because they were
so fiery. So I suppose I am a bit of a fan,
but to appear in them - I wouldn't do
another reality TV show. I enjoyed doing
Love Island but I am an actor first
and foremost.
Soapstar Superstar was live TV. How
nerve-wracking was it to sing live in
front of millions of viewers?
I've sung live in the West End in Chicago
but I played a character and that is the
difference. If you slap on a bit of makeup and give me a role to play that
involves singing then I can do that but as
far as playing myself goes, I am quite
shy. To get up and sing as myself was
quite difficult in front of the six or seven
million viewers they had and that
affected my voice to be honest.
What are you hoping to get out of your
first visit to Medway?
My very good friend Daniella Westbrook
lives 10 minutes from the theatre. She
will be in Spain for a small time and I'm
going to be looking after her house. The
thing I'm most looking forward to is
showing the people of Medway how
good an actor and how good a Captain
Hook I can be.
Do you think you'll get much time
for sightseeing?
The schedule is quite demanding but I
am sure there will be a time when I go
out with the cast and have a few drinks
and go to a local club. I will probably rest
quite a lot especially during the day.
What advice would you give to a
young budding actor?
I think it has really changed over the past
five years and that is down to shows like
Pop Idol where most kids now just want
to be famous.
Years ago kids wanted to become a
nurse or doctor or train driver. Now if you
ask most kids, nine out of 10 of them
want to become famous. I think it is a
real indictment of how times have
really changed.
I say to those who want to be a serious
actor or actress to get a great education
first because the competition is too
tough. Do your university courses. You
can still do acting at university. Most
drama schools don't really take actors on
until they are in their early 20s anyway.
Serving You
You said you're quite shy. How do you
deal with being in the limelight in the
celebrity culture that exists today?
Being realistic I have not been zapped
over the front pages, back pages or even
the inside pages for the past few years
because I haven't got the profile that I
used to have when I was in EastEnders.
The public can become very fickle and
so are the press. You have the blue-eyed
boy who is flavour of the month and they
come in and someone else goes and
they say 'Michael...who? Oh, you, you
used to play some character in
EastEnders called Peppé'. They get the
name wrong and you go 'yeah, yeah, I
used to be in EastEnders but my name is
Michael, it is not Peppé, it was Beppé in
Eastenders, but you can call me
Peppé...whatever...'
The press love to talk about celebrities.
Yet what they're doing is fuelling the fire
with a lot of young kids who see, for
example, on certain magazines that
Cameron Diaz has spots or a big bum.
Kids read this and then they go 'I've got
spots, I've got a big bum...I want to get
rid of this, I want surgery'. I totally
disagree with it.
Tell us about your stage work.
I played Billy Flynn in Chicago, appeared
in three or four touring Shakespeare
productions and about 25-30 professional
plays in the past 12 years. I've had
countless roles but people just don't
know about them because all they see is
you as one character from one show.
That is understandable because you are
on their TV screens five times a week.
Win tickets to see Michael
Greco in action in Peter Pan.
Medway Matters has two family tickets
to give away to this year's pantomime at
the Central Theatre in Chatham.
All you have to do to be in with a chance
of winning one of the two family tickets*
is answer this question:
What role is Michael Greco playing
in Peter Pan?
a) Captain Hook
b) Captain Pugwash
c) Captain Kirk
Post: Peter Pan Competition, Corporate
Communications, Medway Council,
Civic Centre, Strood, Kent, ME2 4AU.
Email: medway.matters@medway.gov.uk
marking your entry Peter Pan
Competition.
Text: 07739 657073 starting your text
MM Peter Pan.
Whichever way you enter, please include
your answer, full name, address and
daytime phone number so that we can
contact you if you're a winner.
*Each ticket is for a family of five.
Your entries need to be received at Medway Council
no later than 5pm on Friday, 8 December and your
prize will be valid for set performances only. The
dates will be given to the two winners once the
competition has closed, but they will be from
20 December onwards.
And finally, do you have any regrets
about playing Beppe di Marco?
I don't have any regrets because
it has given me an amazing
life. I was doing really well
on stage when I got the
audition for EastEnders. It
was something that I never
really wanted to do but I was
a big fan of the show. I got the
role and I thought ok, I'll do it for a
few months and I was there for four and
a half years. As an actor you struggle,
you don’t have any money so Eastenders
was an opportunity for me, but I should
have left after a couple of years when my
character was at its peak.
You can see the full interview with
Michael Greco online at
www.medway.gov.uk/medwaymatters
www.medway.gov.uk
17
Medway M ATT E R S
Viewpoint
I would like to commend the
contractors responsible for
the resurfacing works
carried out in City Way,
Rochester. While the work
was going on, I found the
workers polite and
agreeable as they coped
with the difficulties incurred
resurfacing such a busy
road. I am greatly
impressed with the finish of
the surface.
Gerald Baron, Rochester
We're delighted that you
were not only impressed
by the politeness of the
contractors carrying out
the work on the council's
behalf, but also with the
quality of the road surface
that was laid.
Cars too fast:
crossing please
My neighbour and I are
keen walkers and like to
walk to the country park in
Gillingham. We have to
cross the link road (A289)
at Gads Hill and the Lower
Road, which should not be
a problem. In the last week
however someone has not
stopped every day when
the lights have been on red
and the green man has
been lit, mainly because
they are travelling too fast
to stop. I believe we need a
speed camera on Gads Hill
or on the traffic lights going
towards Rainham.
T Williams, Gillingham
It is difficult to understand
the attitude of drivers who
continue to put the safety
of other road users at risk
by driving dangerously and
inconsiderately. Medway
Council is committed to
promoting road safety and
18
Medway Matters welcomes letters from readers. Write to Medway Matters, Viewpoint, Medway Council,
Civic Centre, Strood, Kent ME2 4AU or email medway.matters@medway.gov.uk
preventing accidents. The
use of safety cameras is
subject to criteria set out
by the Department for
Transport. We have
assessed the area that you
talk about - the junction of
the A289 and Lower
Rainham Road and sadly
the site does not meet the
criteria. The pelican
crossing at Gads Hill is in a
safety camera zone and is
about 150metres away
from a fixed speed camera.
Write a story
about Strand
While I admire and
appreciate the hard work
done in obtaining material
for and the editorial
quality of Medway Matters,
I find one outstanding
fault. I would hope that
you would mention
Gillingham's Strand.
John Wright, Gillingham
Editor's note - thank you
for your comments about
Medway Matters. I'm also
pleased to hear your
comments about The
Strand, which is a councilowned venue for local
people. We try to cover
as many places that will
be of interest to people
that we can. I will put
your suggestion on our
list of future stories.
Piecemeal way
to recycle?
Why is there a limited
amount of blue bags
available for recycling?
Surely we should be
encouraged to collect as
much as we can. We also
live in a very central area
with lots of students and
house sharers who do not
need cars generally until
www.medway.gov.uk
the time comes to take
their glass recycling. We
would like to have a
comprehensive service and
not this piecemeal attitude
towards recycling.
Rachel Turpin, by email
The blue bags are
designed to supplement
the recycling service
already provided by blue
boxes. If you find that
you're recycling more than
your blue box or sacks
can take you can place
extra recycling out in
white bin liners, carrier
bags and cardboard
boxes. Please do not place
any recycling in black
sacks. The council is
investigating the possibility
of glass recycling for its
next waste contract. In the
meantime the council
has 58 recycling points
around Medway where
you can take glass to
dispose of it.
Reader’s praise
for magazine
I have just received issue
six of Medway Matters and
I would like to say that I
think that it is an excellent
and informative magazine a rare achievement among
that type of publication.
Andrew Trinder,
Rochester
Editor's note - thanks for
those positive comments.
We welcome reader
contributions, whether
complimentary or critical,
In this issue there is a
survey trying to find out
exactly what you all think
of Medway Matters as a
magazine, one year into its
life. See pages 11-12.
LETTERS
Well done on
resurfaced road
Have your say on local issues
ADVERTISEMENT
People like you
could be a volunteer Youth Offender Panel member –
Do you want:
●
To reduce crime and make your community safer?
To ensure that victims are listened to?
● To make a difference to a young person’s life?
●
Then become a Youth Offender Panel member
The Family and
Adolescent Centre
67 Balfour Road,
Chatham,
ME4 6QX
Medway Youth Offending Team is looking for new
recruits to become part of this ground-breaking way of
tackling youth crime and its consequences.
Visit:www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk/YouthOffenderPanels
or phone:
Ken Dance 336258
ADVERTISEMENT
Medway Council is looking for
people who can give time, energy
and commitment to adopting a child.
We need families for all ages of children but
especially for older children and those from
black and ethnic minorities.
Visit www.medway.gov.uk/adoption
call 01634 331113
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Cash for world-class museum
A museum project involving
a partnership between
Medway Council, the
National Maritime Museum,
the Imperial War Museum,
the Science Museum and
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Trust has received
substantial support from the
Heritage Lottery Fund.
The project has been
awarded a £4.97million grant.
The news followed a £2million
grant from the South East
England Development Agency.
The aim of National Museums
at Chatham is to create a
world-class museum that will
deliver substantial learning,
conservation and regeneration
benefits both regionally and
nationally. The project is due
to open to the public in 2010.
National Museums at Chatham
is recovering for future
generations the 19th century
No. 1 Smithery Building at The
Historic Dockyard, Chatham.
Restoration of the building
will include purpose-designed
education rooms, a high
quality gallery to attract
temporary exhibitions and
permanent galleries drawing
on the museum partners’
world-renowned collections.
These will include ship
models, paintings and more.
Community
snippets
● Medway Asthma Self
Help is recruiting trustees.
If you can offer eight
evenings a year, have lots of
enthusiasm and an interest
in asthma. Being a trustee
gives you experience in
running a small organisation.
Phone 855844.
● Kings Road Clinic, Chatham,
celebrated 60 years of serving
the local community of Luton
and the surrounding area this
autumn. To mark the event
staff organised an open day
with displays and were joined
by patients from the past
and present day.
Get Mama for free Help for sufferers
Two Medway mothers have set up their own
magazine for parents in an effort to help
other mums and dads find things for their
children to do.
Lara Slavin and Kyra De Coninck, both of
Rochester, set up Medway Mama magazine
earlier this year. It’s a free community magazine,
published three times a year. It includes
information on support services for parents,
local businesses that may be of interest to
families and suggestions of places to go and
things to do. Lara said: “When you become a
parent you suddenly need a whole new set of
information. Instead of train timetables you
need to know where the good parks are or
which gyms have crèches.
“There are some great things in Medway for
families - baby bounce at the libraries,
parenting support groups, family centres such
as the Sunlight and Sure Start centres.
“We wanted to provide information about free
things to do with your kids, support services
and voluntary organisations. We’re a not-forprofit company and so any excess goes back
into growing the magazine.’’
Find out more by phoning Lara on 814364 or
email info@medwaymama.co.uk
Serving You
Some older people, or families involved in
caring for elderly relatives who have
problems with memory loss, or who have
Alzheimer’s or dementia, struggle on for
months and sometimes years alone.
There are support organisations that can
help. One of these organisations is
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support,
which is based in The Historic Dockyard,
Chatham. It is a voluntary sector organisation
supported by Medway Council and managed
by the Council for Voluntary Service Medway
(CVS). Phone 840866 or write to ADFS, Old
School House, The Historic Dockyard,
Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TY.
● Two hundred years of
the Royal Engineers being
stationed at Brompton
Barracks was celebrated
at the Royal School of
Military Engineering in
Brompton. The day included
re-enactments, gym displays,
a parachute team jump
and displays.
● Help and advice is available
for people affected by
adoption through advice and
counselling sessions offered
by the Post-Adoption Centre.
It holds monthly surgeries at
The Brook Theatre, Chatham.
Phone 0870 777 2197.
www.medway.gov.uk
19
It was a mad year for Matthew Crane after he
won the 2005 Star 4 Medway competition.
Now Matthew has handed his crown over to
a new singing sensation.
In the past year Matthew has sung for Jordan and Peter Andre,
performed alongside G4 and appeared on BBC’s talent show
Let Me Entertain You.
The 2006 Star 4 Medway winner was Alana Hook, 15,
from Rochester. She scooped first prize with a stunning
rendition of Where Do Broken Hearts Go. Alana will get the
chance to record at a professional studio, as well as a 12-month
scholarship with Star Quest.
Joint third place was awarded to Amy Dennington, 14 and the
night’s youngest performer, Katie Philips, 10. The only male
finalist, Damon Proyer, 15, came second, and received a grant
for Star Quest. The other finalists were Charlotte Crittenden, 14;
Rachel Beattie, 15; Nikki Hopkins, 18; Cheryl Underhill, 17 and
Sharnie Harden and Kaylee Dean, both 16.
The 10 finalists, chosen after a lengthy audition process,
performed at the final in the Legends Room, King Charles Hotel,
Gillingham. The evening was hosted by Pete Wicker and
managed by the Young People’s Events Team.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
WIN! A fab karaoke microphone
Want to practise for next year’s
Star 4 Medway competition?
Now’s your chance.
Mixit SHOUTbOX has a great
Karaoke Groove Station to give
away to one lucky winner. Whether
you’re serious about singing or
you’re totally tone deaf, the karaoke
microphone is perfect for you.
With seven different functions for
correcting or corrupting your voice
you’re sure to have fun. Just plug
the microphone into any TV to
display lyrics so you can sing
along to your favourites. To be in
with a chance of winning, answer
this question:
Who won Star 4 Medway 2006?
You can text your answer to 07739
657073, starting your message MM
Karaoke. Email medway.matters
@medway.gov.uk marking your
entry Karaoke Competition or write
to Karaoke Competition,
Corporate Communications,
Medway Council, Civic Centre,
Strood, Kent, ME2 4AU.
Whatever way you enter please
make sure you include your answer,
name, age, full address and a
phone number. Deadline for entries 5pm on Friday, 8 December.
For competition rules visit
www.medway.gov.uk/rules
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
20
www.mixitonline.co.uk
Serving You
Christmas: It’s weird and wonderful!
by Lisa Ellison
Do you think your family is
weird for religiously watching
the Queen’s speech at 3pm on
Christmas Day?
Or are they strange for insisting
you can’t open your presents
until everyone is awake?
(Ok. That one is just mean!)
But maybe when you look at
some other Christmas traditions
you might just see your family in
a whole new light!
❄ In Portugal, the ‘consoda’ feast takes
place on the morning of Christmas
Day. Here, extra places are set at the
table for the souls of the dead and
they are offered food to bring luck to
the family during the coming year.
❄ In Caracas, the capital city of
Venezuela, it is customary for the
streets to be blocked off on
Christmas Eve so people can rollerskate to church!
❄ In Norway on Christmas Eve, all the
brooms in the house are hidden
because long ago it was believed that
witches and mischievous spirits came
out on Christmas Eve and would steal
the brooms for riding.
❄ It is a British Christmas tradition that
a wish made while mixing the
Christmas pudding will only come true
if the ingredients are stirred in a
clockwise direction.
❄ All these are really something, but
what would you do if Christmas was
cancelled this year?
❄ No more traditions, no more nights
praying your mum won’t ask you to take
your little sister carol singing and no
more warm feeling you get inside when
all the family is together and smiling.
❄ Well, in 1647 Christmas was cancelled!
The English Parliament passed a law
that made Christmas illegal, all festivals
were banned by Oliver Cromwell
because he considered feasting and
revelry on a holy day immoral.
Don’t panic though! The ban was lifted
in 1660 when Cromwell lost power.
Merry Christmas!!!
Your website needs
you and your ideas
Serving You
DO YOU KNOW WHAT MIXITONLINE IS? NO, WELL YOU
SHOULD DO BECAUSE YOU COULD BE MISSING OUT.
MixitOnline is a website dedicated to young people in
Medway. Its aim is to keep you informed and entertained and
best of all you can contribute so you can have a say in what
goes on the site - www.mixitonline.co.uk
Why do we want to tell you about MixitOnline? Well, it is
improving and now’s your chance to get involved and make a
difference. As a young person in Medway you have a chance
to join the team, shape the way the site looks, have your say
and learn new skills in a fun and rewarding environment.
It needs your enthusiasm, talent, energy and drive.
By working with the council’s Communications Team you can
help MixitOnline become something truly brilliant.
We - the young people’s editorial team - helped develop these
Mixit SHOUTbOX pages in Medway Matters. The council is not
just about “don’t”; it’s about “can do”.
INTERESTED?? - If you are aged between 12 and 25, live or
work in Medway, come and join the team. Help other young
people learn more about the things Medway offers, including
free events, leisure centres, sports activities, advice on health
and lifestyle, plus travel incentives.
Find out more by phoning 332449, emailing
marketing@medway.gov.uk or visiting www.mixitonline.co.uk
www.mixitonline.co.uk
21
Medway M ATT E R S
New PCT trust
chief has one
place, one
purpose and
one future
■ Marion Dinwoodie from Medway PCT launches the organisation’s new website.
It was her first day on the job and for Marion Dinwoodie the new Chief Executive of Medway Primary Care Trust
(PCT) - it was a busy one.
She launched the new primary care trust website by uploading
her welcome newsletter on to www.medwaypct.nhs.uk
The website has a number of new features. This makes it
quicker for users to find out what the PCT does and make
contact with the right people, as well as find out more about
the services on offer for residents.
Before joining Medway PCT in October, Marion was Chief
Executive at primary care trusts in Swale, Ashford and
Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley. They were roles that meant
commuting between three offices and juggling the demands of
three very different PCTs. Now Marion is based at one location
at Medway PCT’s head office in Ambley Green, Gillingham
Business Park. She said: “I am delighted to be at Medway PCT it feels good to have one place, one purpose and one future.”
Marion is passionate about her job and the NHS. She said:
“The people who work for the NHS are committed and caring
people and I’ve heard of so many good things happening in
Medway - there’s lots to look forward to.”
The website now includes the following sections:
Your care
■ Provides contact information about GPs, pharmacists,
opticians and community dentists and direct services provided
by the PCT
■ Includes links to services from Medway Maritime Hospital.
Lifestyle
■ Provides information from the Public Health Team on issues
such as stopping smoking, obesity and sexual health.
Get involved
■ Explains how to become a volunteer; join the Patient, Carer
and Public Involvement Steering Group or Patient and Public
Forum and other ways to have your say.
Information
■ Provides information about the PCT, including: Contact
details; board meeting agendas and minutes; PCT news;
Freedom Of Information requests; complaints; public advice
and liaison service and careers.
■ Marion Dinwoodie is the subject of the next ‘On the spot’ feature in the January/February issue of Medway Matters.
You choose when and where to be treated A fit NHS for all
A new referral system is helping
Medway patients take control of their
healthcare needs. Almost 2,500
referrals to hospitals and clinics have
been made using the NHS Choose
and Book system.
Amanda Kenney, Medway Primary Care
Trust’s Electronic Booking Project
Manager said: “Patients now have the
right to choose where and when they
have their consultation and treatment.
Most patients will probably choose to be
treated locally, but GPs now need to let
patients know about the other choices
that exist when they are discussing
treatment options with them.
“GPs can make referrals for their
patients online during the surgery
appointment. Or patients can make their
own booking by phone or online if they
want time to consider or discuss the
options with other family members.’’
Anyone wanting more information
should contact their GP practice or
Medway PCT, Patient Advice and Liaison
Service on 382792.
Medway Primary Care Trust, Unit 7-8, Ambley Green, Bailey Drive,
Gillingham Business Park, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
22
www.medway.gov.uk
Image courtesy of Medway News/Standard
ADVERTISEMENT
Medway PCT has started discussing
creating an NHS that is Fit for the
Future. A full consultation will be
developed in the New Year.
With people living longer and more
having to manage long-term health
conditions, the NHS is looking at how
best to deliver services in the future.
Medway PCT’s Fit for the Future
programme will make a significant
improvement to the support and
service the NHS can offer its patients.
If you want to have your say about
Medway PCT visit our website
www.medwaypct.nhs.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Medway Council is developing a Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan. This is in response
to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
What is a public right of way?
A public right of way is a route where the public has a right to cross private land. They have three classifications:
• Footpath - on foot only
• Bridleway - horse, cycle and on foot
• Byway - motorised vehicles, horse, cycle and on foot
To help us get a better idea of how Medway’s rights of way network can be improved, we are consulting with residents and
interest groups.
If you want to help us do this, please complete this survey and send it to:
Neil Vincent, Regeneration and Development, Medway Council, Compass Centre, Chatham, Kent ME4 4YH by 31 January 2007.
You can find this questionnaire and other surveys about access, recreation and landowner issues on the council’s website at
www.medway.gov.uk/prowsurvey. Or you can phone Neil Vincent on 331060 or email transport.planning@medway.gov.uk
❑
❑
❑
Q1: Have you used any of these in the last year? Please tick all the boxes that apply:
Footpath
Bridleway
Byway
❑
None of these
If you answered none of these, please go to Q2, otherwise, please go to Q3
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Q2: If you have not used the public rights of way network, can you tell us why? Please tick all that apply:
Don’t know where public rights of way are
Don’t like walking
Don’t like cycling
Don’t like horse riding
Mobility difficulties
Feel unsafe
Insufficient information
Please go to About you
No time
Doesn’t interest me
Q3: How often do you use public rights of way in Medway? Please tick all that apply:
More than
once a day
Footpaths
Bridleways
Byways
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Every day
❑
❑
Once a
week
Two to three
times a week
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Once a
month
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Less often
❑
❑
❑
Never
Q4: What is your main reason for using Medway’s public rights of way? Please tick one only:
❑
As a route to work
As a route to the shops
❑
Leisure and recreation
Walking the dog
As a route to school
To improve my health
Other, please state .........................................................................
Q5: Are you aware that the council provides information about walking and cycling routes?
❑
Yes - Please go to Q6
❑
No - Please go to Q7
❑
Q6: Have you used any of the following to find out about these routes? Please tick any:
Council’s website
Cards
❑
Books
✁
Leaflets
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
23
Medway M ATT E R S
❑
❑
❑
❑
Q7: What type of route do you mostly use? Please tick one of these statements:
I use a route that brings me back to where I started (a circular route)
I just want to get from A to B in a roughly straight line (a linear route)
I tend to use a mixture of both types of route
I use the route that is closest to where I live
Q8: How would you like us to improve Medway Council’s public rights of way? Please tick the three most important issues
to you and what priority you think they should be given:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Issue
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
High priority
Better maintenance eg looking after what is there
Better signage and waymarking
More promotion of the network
New footpaths
New bridleways
Surface improvements eg change from mud to tarmac
Removal of stiles
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Moderate priority
Low priority
Q9: What is your favourite route or area on the public right of way network?
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Q10: How much money do you usually spend in local shops and businesses when using Medway’s public right of way network?
Nothing
£41-59
£0-5
£6-10
£11-20
£21-40
£60 or more
About you
So that we can make sure everyone in the community has an opportunity of taking part in this consultation, we need to find out
more about you. What you tell us will remain private and confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.
Are you:
❑
❑
❑
Male
❑
❑
Female
How old are you? Please tick one:
under 16
16-18
19-24
❑
Your postcode: .......................................................
25-34
❑
35-44
❑
45-54
❑
55-64
❑
65-74
❑
75+
❑ British ❑ Irish ❑ Any other white background (please write in)......................................................................
B. MIXED – ❑ White and Black Caribbean
❑ White and Black African ❑ White and Asian
❑ Any other Mixed background (please write in)................................................................................................................
C. ASIAN OR ASIAN BRITISH – ❑ Indian
❑ Pakistani ❑ Bangladeshi
❑ Any other Asian background (please write in)..................................................................................
D. BLACK OR BLACK BRITISH – ❑ African
❑ Caribbean
❑ Any other Black background (please write in).............................................................................
E. CHINESE OR OTHER ETHNIC GROUP – ❑ Chinese
❑ Any other (please write in).................................................................
What is your ethnic group?
A. WHITE –
❑
❑
Do you have any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits your daily activities or the work you can do?
Yes
No
Thank you for completing this survey and sending it back to Medway Council.
The results will be used to inform our Improvement Plan that will be available next year.
Once completed, please send this survey to:
Neil Vincent, Regeneration and Development, Medway Council, Compass Centre, Chatham, Kent ME4 4YH by 31 January 2007.
24
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
ADVERTISEMENT
Medway Council’s website is becoming more and
more interactive, latest additions include:
• Online school admission forms
• Online theatre booking
• Online leisure bookings. e.g squash courts
Visit www.medway.gov.uk
Information available
on Sky and Telewest
digital television
via the “looking local” service
Serving You
Information
available on
mobile phones at
www.medway.gov.uk/mobile
www.medway.gov.uk
25
Medway M ATT E R S
ADVERTISEMENT
New nurses
for Medway
Fifteen newly registered nurses joined Medway NHS Trust in
September, as part of an initiative which endeavours to place
locally trained nurses in our local hospital.
This scheme came about because the trust had filled all the
posts available to newly registered nurses, but 15 Medway
trainees remained without jobs. The senior nursing team
wanted to ensure that Medway NHS Trust continued to
demonstrate its commitment to employ the nurses it trains.
The nurses have been appointed to a special team on a sixmonth fixed-term contract. They have a named
matron to mentor and support them
throughout the process and by the end of
six months they will be able to practise
as competent registered nurses.
The students can apply for posts
as they become available and
hopefully by the end of six months
they will all have established posts.
Foundation Tru
In the last issue of Medway Matters, we told you briefly that
Medway NHS Trust was in the process of applying for
Foundation Trust Status.
Here's some more information, as promised, about this new
status and what it will mean for your local hospital:
What is a Foundation Trust?
NHS Foundation Trusts are a new type of NHS organisation,
established as independent, not for profit public corporations.
They are accountable to local communities and aren't controlled
by central Government. NHS Foundation Trusts remain part of
the NHS. They provide and develop healthcare services for NHS
patients in line with NHS standards and principles.
What are the benefits of Foundation Trusts?
These trusts have greater freedoms and
flexibilities than traditional NHS trusts to
manage their own affairs.
For example they are:
● Not controlled by the Government and do
not have their performance managed by
strategic health authorities
● Free to get to money for investment.
Traditional NHS trusts have their
money allocated by
central Government
● Free to develop new
services for local people by
investing any surplus cash
News from Medway NHS Trust
26
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
usts - the way forward Carbon Clean Up
What does this mean for local people?
Foundation Trusts give more power to
local communities and frontline staff
about local healthcare.
NHS Foundation Trusts have members
from patients, the public and staff. They
are managed by a board of governors
made up of people elected from and by
the membership base.
Healthcare Commission has shown that
NHS Foundation Trusts are making good
progress in providing better healthcare
for NHS patients and are improving
accountability to their local populations.
The Government is committed to
allowing all NHS trusts the opportunity
to apply to become NHS Foundation
Trusts by 2008.
How is the performance of Foundation
Trusts monitored?
NHS Foundation Trusts are inspected
by the Healthcare Commission to make
sure they comply with healthcare
standards and targets in the same way
as all other NHS trusts. NHS Foundation
Trusts are also overseen by an
independent regulator.
An independent review by the
What is the latest on the application
by Medway NHS Trust?
In Medway we are preparing our
application for Foundation Trust Status
and hope to become an NHS Foundation
Trust by October 2007.
Public and local stakeholder
involvement is key, so look out in the
local press for more information about
how you can get involved.
Medway NHS Trust buildings and grounds became a
smoke free environment this autumn, ahead of
Government requirements for all NHS organisations
to be smoke free by January 2007.
Smoking is now not allowed on any part of the
premises, grounds and vehicles managed, leased or
owned by the trust.
Stamp it out
Second-hand smoke has been linked to lung and
respiratory problems and illnesses. The trust takes its
duty of care to staff and patients to protect them from
these ill effects very seriously. We thank people for their
support and co-operation in making this change, which
is ensuring the trust's buildings are a healthier and
more pleasant environment for all those who work at
or visit them.
There is help available for anyone wishing to give up
smoking. Phone the Medway and Swale Stop Smoking
Service on 01795 433785 or the NHS Smoking Helpline
on 0800 1690169.
Or visit www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
Medway NHS Trust, Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road, Gillingham.
www.medway.nhs.uk
This year Medway NHS Trust
is proud to have been part of
the 100 Days of Carbon Clean
Up Campaign.
The campaign's aim is to help
reduce carbon emissions and to
provide ways and information to
continue reducing emissions long
after the exercise ends.
To take part we had to establish
energy benchmarks so that our
success could be measured. Our
results had to be sent to the
Chartered Institution of Building
Service Engineers (CIBSE) at the
end of the campaign.
The 100-day campaign is a great
incentive for the hospital and can
help in achieving our energy
reduction targets. The hospital is
being used as a case study for the
CIBSE campaign.
During the campaign, we
organised an Energy Week to raise
energy awareness and get everyone
including staff and patients,
involved in energy reduction.
Organisations involved included
Medway Council, Carbon Trust,
Environment Agency, Southern
Water, Edmundson Electrical and
Polkacrest with displays and
competitions running in the hospital
atrium and dining room.
Stories highlighting the hospital's
energy reduction schemes were
advertised in the local press and on
the radio. At the hospital, posters
were designed by 'Energy
Champions' and placed throughout
the site.
When Energy Week finished,
Medway Maritime Hospital
submitted its carbon emissions
report over the duration of the
100-day campaign to the CIBSE,
and managed a two per cent saving.
The 100 Days of Carbon Clean Up
Campaign is run by the Chartered
Institution of Building Service
Engineers, with support from the
Carbon Trust.
Telephone: 830000
News from Medway NHS Trust
Serving You
www.medway.gov.uk
27
Medway M ATT E R S
Off the shelf
Welcome to Off the shelf, the section that brings you reviews of the latest
great books, DVDs, CDs and games - all available in Medway’s libraries.
Visit www.medway.gov.uk/libraries
Libraries for Life
These reviews were written by members of readers’ groups based in Medway. Why not join one? Phone 337799
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Other Side of You
Salley Vickers
I enjoyed Adichie’s first novel, Purple Hibiscus, so
much I couldn’t wait to try this one and I wasn’t
disappointed. It’s set during the Nigeria-Biafra war of
1967-70 and recalls some of the horrors of the time
including the ethnic cleansing and mass starvation
that took place as the infant Republic of Biafra tried
to separate itself from Nigeria. One of the pivotal characters is Olanna,
the daughter of an African chief from the Ogbi tribe; Olanna is well
educated and wealthy. For a while, she is able to protect her family and
their young houseboy from the worst of the tragedy that is going on
around them. Eventually, however, her money runs out and she becomes
desperate as she sees her daughter showing signs of starvation. The
two other main voices in the book are Ugwu, the houseboy and Richard,
an Englishman. Richard sees himself as Biafran and cannot understand
people who look at his white skin and equate him with their old colonial
masters. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although it is shocking, it gives
a fascinating insight into modern Africa and the horrors that people
faced then, are still relevant to Africans today. ISBN: 0007200277
I thoroughly enjoyed Miss Garnet’s Angel and Mr
Golightly’s Holiday and so I was delighted when I saw
that Salley Vickers had published a new novel. Set in
England and Rome it tells the story of a relationship
that had such depth and breadth that the telling of it
causes psychiatrist, David McBride, to rethink his
own life. One of his patients, Elizabeth Cruikshank, is referred to him
after a failed suicide attempt and he is finding it impossible to get
through to her. One day during their conversation he mentions a painting
by Caravaggio. This causes a breakthrough as Caravaggio’s paintings
have had a profound influence on Elizabeth’s life. Slowly and haltingly
the story of her life and the one great love in it is revealed. David realises
the burden of guilt he has carried over the death of his brother and the
shallowness of his relationship with his wife. The conversation between
David and Elizabeth becomes the catalyst for change in both their lives.
This is another delightful novel from Salley Vickers. I loved her
descriptions of Rome and thought she brought real depth and interest to
the characters that she has created. ISBN: 0007165447
The beauty of Christmas past
Snap up a film
Savour Christmas as it
used to be during the 2006
Dickensian Christmas
celebration. This year the fun
takes place on Saturday, 2
and Sunday, 3 December and
you’re sure to be in for a treat
as Medway celebrates its
eternal connection to author
Charles Dickens.
Rochester’s Dickensian
Christmas is a celebration of
times gone by with street
entertainment, daily parades,
carol singing, readings, a
grand ball, Christmas market
and guaranteed snowfall (with
the help of a snow machine).
The Mayor of Medway Cllr
Angela Prodger will lead the
12noon parade on Saturday
and the 4.45pm parade on
Sunday. Portfolio Holder for
Strategic Development and
Economic Growth Cllr Jane
Chitty said: “The event
promises to be a fantastic
experience for everyone as
it is year after year.’’
Town centre parking is
limited in Rochester during the
festival and visitors are
advised to use the park and
ride service, which is free. It
will operate from 9am-7pm on
Saturday and from 9am-6pm
on Sunday from Mid-Kent
College, Rochester and
Chapter School, Strood.
Find out more about at
www.medway.gov.uk/events
or phone 843666.
Tel: 0871 2244007
www.odeon.co.uk
It’s here. After months of eager
anticipation the Odeon cinema at
Dickens World in Chatham
Maritime is open for business.
The nine-screen cinema features:
• Stadium seating in each auditorium
• 1,900 seat capacity
• Dolby Digital sound
• Refreshment area
• Wheelchair access into all screens
The cinema opened at the end
of October and there is a 50-strong
team working at the Odeon to
make sure everyone has a good
time. The Odeon cinema is
alongside Dickens World, due to
open in the spring next year.
Dickens World is a Dickensianthemed attraction.
★★ WIN TICKETS TO THE NEW ODEON CINEMA ★★
Answer this question to be in with a chance of winning one of five
pairs of tickets to the Odeon at Chatham Maritime.
How many screens does the Odeon cinema have?
Please make sure you include your answer, full name, address
and daytime phone number. Entries should be received no later
than 5pm on Friday, 8 December.
Post: Odeon Competition, Corporate Communications,
Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Kent, ME2 4AU.
Email: medway.matters@medway.gov.uk, marking your entry
Odeon Competition.
Text: 07739 657073, starting your text MM Odeon.
For competition rules visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules
28
www.medway.gov.uk
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ?
Medway Matters tries to reflect the range of activities in the area.
Space is limited so we can’t include every event that is taking
place in Medway.
Find out more at www.medway.gov.uk/communityevents
Please send information for the next edition, to cover events
up to the end of March 2007. Details should be sent to
Medway Matters What’s On?, Communications Team,
Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, ME2 4AU.
Listings should be received by no later than Friday, 8 December.
Countryside
Saturday, 9 and
Sunday, 10 December
11am-3pm
Christmas Fair
Riverside Country Park,
Gillingham (378987)
Saturday, 2 December Sunday, 14 January
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 10.30am-5pm
The Lie of the Land Lise Bech
Rochester Art Gallery,
Medway Visitor Information
Centre, Rochester (843666)
Tuesday, 19 December
10am-2pm
Christmas card workshop
Capstone Farm Country
Park, Chatham (812196)
Friday, 22 December
11am-12.30pm
Children's Christmas
Crafts
Gillingham (378987)
Monday, 27 November
8.45pm
Medway Comedy Club
The Brook Theatre,
Chatham (338338)
From 10 December
The Sword in the Stone
Kings Theatre, Chatham
(829468)
Tuesday, 28 November
8pm
The Gilad Atzmon
Quartet
The Brook Theatre,
Chatham (338338)
History
Thursday, 7 December Sunday, 7 January
Peter Pan
The Central Theatre,
Chatham (338338)
Thursday, 7 Sunday, 24 December
Wind in the Willows
The Brook Theatre,
Chatham (338338)
Saturday, 2 December Sunday, 14 January
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 10.30am-5pm
Scottish Jewellers Elemental Abstractions
Rochester Craft Case,
Medway Visitor Information
Centre, Rochester (843666)
W H AT ’ S O N ?
8pm
Actors Studio Production
Medway Little Theatre,
Rochester (400322)
2pm
Christmas Truce 1914
Royal Engineers' Museum,
Brompton (822839)
Wednesday, 6 December
10am-12noon
Mince Pie Day
Medway Archives and
Local Studies Centre,
Strood (332714)
2.30pm
Edwin Harris:
A Man of Many Parts
Talk
Medway Archives and
Local Studies Centre,
Strood (332714)
ADVERTISEMENT
Community
10am-2pm
Christmas Bazaar
St Nicholas Church, Strood
Exhibitions
Until Tuesday, 30 January
10am-4pm
Edwin Harris:
A Man of Many Parts
Medway Local Studies and
Archives Centre, Strood
(332714)
Saturday, 2 Saturday, 16 December
10am-4pm
Watercolours by Ann Cole
Gillingham (378987)
Serving You
7.30pm
Programme of
Secular Music
Gillingham Methodist
Church, Gillingham (861484)
Theatre
3pm and 7pm
The Salvation Army
The Central Theatre,
Chatham (338338)
www.medway.gov.uk
29
Medway M ATT E R S
Wards in focus
ADVERTISEMENT
Use your spare
time wisely
Get to know the area with the last of our special features
Become a governor - it’s worth it
Dargets Wood
Will Adams Memorial
Walderslade
Watling Street
Population: 9,280.
Population: 9,044.
Ward councillors: Ian Burt
and Kieran Magee.
Ward councillors: Tony
Luckhurst and Wendy Purdy.
Schools: Oaklands Infant;
Oaklands Junior; St Thomas
More Primary and
Walderslade Primary.
Schools: Barnsole Junior and
Robert Napier.
Open spaces: Hook Meadow
Recreation ground; Princess
Avenue Recreation ground;
Dargets Wood and Chestnut
Recreation Ground.
Warden: Barry Kinnersley.
Historical fact: |t is part of
the historic parish of Chatham.
It was sparsely populated,
wooded and agricultural. In the
Second World War Walderslade
was home to a German
prisoner of war camp. In the
1950s the admiralty established
a naval housing estate at
Dargets Wood for dockyard
workers and sailors.
Open spaces: Gillingham
Park and Watling Street
Playing Field.
Warden: Christopher Kirwan.
Historical fact: Gillingham
Park celebrates its centenary
in 2007. Although less happily
in 1929, 15 people died when
a firefighting demonstration
that was part of the annual fete
went wrong. It is known as the
Fireman’s Wedding Tragedy.
A memorial clocktower to
Will Adams stands on the A2.
Several street names in the
ward bear testimony to
Brasenose College,
Oxford - once the area’s
main landowner.
Meetings calendar
JANUARY 2007
3 Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny
Committee
3 Standards Committee
4 Regeneration and Development Overview and Scrutiny
Committee
www.medway.gov.uk
You can help develop:
●
your school and its children
●
a better environment for your community
●
your own communication skills and abilities
i
Phone: 01634 331052 or 331027
Email: governor.services@medway.gov.uk
Visit: www.medway.gov.uk
5
DECEMBER
7 Council
MB
12 Cabinet
CC
12 Licensing and Safety Committee
CC
13 School Transport and Curriculum Appeals Committee
CC
14 Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny
Committee
CC
15 Licensing Hearing Panel - Sub Committee of Licensing and
Safety Committee
MB
Safety Committee
CC
20 Development Control Committee
MB
30
Being a school governor takes up less time
than you think. The rewards are endless.
Take a positive interest in a local school and
make a difference for the children and you.
CC
CC
Licensing Sub Committee of Licensing and Safety
Committee
CC
Safety Committee
MB
9 Cabinet
CC
9 Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee
CC
10 School Transport and Curriculum Appeals Committee
CC
10 Development Control Committee
MB
11 Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee
CC
16 Employment Matters Committee
CC
18 Council
MB
Safety Committee
CC
Safety Committee
CC
CC = Civic Centre MB = Municipal Buildings
The dates or venues for the meetings could change. To check phone
332011 or visit www.medway.gov.uk
CC
Serving You
Medway M ATT E R S
Contact your
councillor
Please note:
e
The make-up of the council is:
Conservative
Labour
Liberal Democrat
Independent
On this page you will find contact
details for the 55 councillors who
were elected in May 2003.
lf you want more information phone
member services on 332732 or email
members@medway.gov.uk
31
16
6
2
– denotes that the councillor is contactable by email. In these instance email them using firstname.secondname@medway.gov.uk
LUTON AND WAYFIELD
CHATHAM CENTRAL
PAUL GODWIN Lab
c/o PA to the Labour Group,
Civic Centre, Strood, ME2 4AU
Tel: 865944
JULIE SHAW Lab
79 Downsview, Chatham, ME5 0AL
Tel: 813647 e
JAMES WYPER Lab
27 Westmount Avenue, Chatham,
ME4 6DA Tel: 306315
GILLINGHAM NORTH
REHMAN CHISHTI Con
30 Shakespeare Road, Gillingham
ME7 5QN Tel: 324849
HOWARD DOE Con
The Warren, 21 Style Close,
Rainham, ME8 9LS Tel: 366419
TONY GOULDEN Lab
37 Raleigh Close, Chatham,
ME5 7SB Tel: 302538 e
ROY HUNTER Con
358 Hempstead Road, Hempstead,
Gillingham, ME7 3QJ Tel: 364767 e
KEN BAMBER Con
5 Aveling Close, Hoo, Rochester,
ME3 9BZ Tel: 252394 e
VAL GOULDEN Lab
37 Raleigh Close, Chatham,
ME5 7SB Tel: 302538 e
DAVID ROYLE Con
7 Watermeadow Close, Hempstead,
Gillingham, ME7 3QF
Tel: 377254 e
TOM MASON Con
1 Leeds House, Cypress Court,
Frindsbury Extra, Rochester,
ME2 4PU Tel: 727301 e
PENINSULA
JANICE BAMBER Con
5 Aveling Close, Hoo, Rochester,
ME3 9BZ Tel: 252394 e
CHRIS BUCKWELL Con
6 Rivendell Close, Isle of Grain,
Rochester, ME3 0HG
Tel: 270774 e
PHIL FILMER Con
Bridgewater House,
MARK LAST Lab
Parbrook Road, High Halstow,
26 Milner Road, Gillingham, ME7 1RB Rochester, ME3 8QG
Tel: 582847
Tel: 254196
ADAM PRICE Lab
13 Clifton Road, Gillingham,
ME7 1NA Tel: 571426 e
GILLINGHAM SOUTH
KAREN GRIFFIN Lib Dem
27 Stafford Street, Gillingham,
ME7 5EJ Tel: 325025
GEOFF JUBY Lib Dem
16 Franklin Road, Gillingham,
ME7 4DF Tel: 576675 e
STEPHEN KEARNEY Lib Dem
112 Nelson Road, Gillingham,
ME7 4LL Tel: 576838 e
HEMPSTEAD AND WIGMORE
DIANE CHAMBERS Con
6 Mansion Row, Brompton,
Gillingham, ME7 5SE Tel: 842913
RODNEY CHAMBERS Con
6 Mansion Row, Brompton,
Gillingham, ME7 5SE Tel: 842913
PRINCES PARK
CHRISTINE CRANE Con
303 Wigmore Road, Wigmore,
Gillingham, ME8 0LY
Tel: 239555
ANGELA PRODGER Con
17 Prince Charles Avenue,
Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 8EX
Tel: 309633 e
RAINHAM CENTRAL
MATTHEW FEARN Con
12 Chesham Drive, Rainham,
Gillingham ME8 9LY
Tel: 370397 e
PAUL FOSTER Con
224 Lonsdale Drive, Rainham,
ME8 9JN Tel: 370397 e
JOHN MAGEE Con
c/o Member Services
Tel: 07967 828714 e
RAINHAM NORTH
LORDSWOOD AND CAPSTONE
ALAN JARRETT Con
43 Ballens Road, Lordswood,
Chatham, ME5 8NT
Tel: 684640 e
DAVID WILDEY Con
627 Lordswood Lane, Lordswood,
Chatham, ME5 8QY
Tel: 863416
JANE ETHERIDGE Con
48 Watling Street, Strood, ME2 3NY
Tel: 711003 e
BILL DAVIS Lab
23 Crestway, Chatham, ME5 0BB
Tel: 841629
CUXTON AND HALLING
RAYMOND MAISEY Con
106 Charles Drive, Cuxton,
ME2 1DU Tel: 727126
RAINHAM SOUTH
RICHARD GUICHARD Lib Dem
31 Bedson Walk, Rainham,
ME8 8NN Tel: 374878 e
KEN WEBBER Lib Dem
313 Woodlands Road,
Gillingham, ME7 2TA
Tel: 571770 e
Serving You
RIVER
BILL ESTERSON Lab
3 Phalarope Way, St Mary’s Island,
Chatham, ME4 3JJ Tel: 892779 e
MARK JONES Lab
99 Lancer House, Princes St.
Rochester, ME1 2HF
Tel: 843598 e
STROOD RURAL
LES WICKS Con
Westcourt Farm, Salt Lane, Cliffe,
Rochester, ME3 7ST Tel: 220347
STROOD SOUTH
FRED BACON Lab
23 The Shades, Knights Place,
Strood, ME2 2UD Tel: 718201
ROCHESTER EAST
NICK BOWLER Lab
c/o Member Services
Tel: 07793 806011 e
TERESA MURRAY Lab
318 City Way, Rochester,
ME1 2BL Tel: 409486 e
PETER HICKS Con
14 High Street, Upper Upnor,
Rochester, ME2 4XG
Tel: 715097
WES HOLLANDS Con
Cannon House, 2 Bellwood Court,
St Mary Hoo, Rochester, ME3 8RT
Tel: 272133
TWYDALL
DORTE GILRY Lab
26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham,
ME8 6HX Tel: 386662 e
ROCHESTER SOUTH AND
HORSTED
NICHOLAS BRICE Con
146a Maidstone Road, Rochester,
ME1 3ED Tel: 406185
RONALD HEWETT Con
2 Park Crescent, Chatham,
ME4 6NR Tel: 07894 130140
GLYN GRIFFITHS Lab
105 First Avenue, Gillingham,
ME7 2LF Tel: 352734 e
PAUL HARRIOTT Lab
26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham,
ME8 6HX Tel: 233833
JOHN WARD Con
45 Madden Avenue, Chatham,
ME5 9TH Tel: 318422 e
WALDERSLADE
IAN BURT Ind
13 Oakhurst Close, Walderslade,
Chatham, ME5 9AN
Tel: 863760 e
ROCHESTER WEST
TED BAKER Con
11 Watts Avenue, Rochetser,
ME1 1RX Tel: 847415 e
SUSAN HAYDOCK Con
46 Trevale Road, Rochester, ME1
3PA Tel: 811172
KIERAN MAGEE Ind
11 Slade Close, Lordswood,
Chatham, ME5 8RD
Tel: 308290
WATLING
STROOD NORTH
RICHARD ANDREWS Con
27 Hoo Common, Chattenden,
Rochester, ME3 8LT Tel: 252892
JANE CHITTY Con
185 Allington Drive, Strood,
ME2 3TD Tel: 07814 482173 e
TONY LUCKHURST Lib Dem
34 Audley Avenue, Gillingham,
ME7 3AY Tel: 573872 e
WENDY PURDY Con
4 Nore Close, Gillingham,
ME7 3DG Tel: 578669
www.medway.gov.uk
31
Medway M ATT E R S
Your council
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
333333
8am-8pm Monday to Friday 9am-1pm Saturday
website: www.medway.gov.uk
email: customer.first@medway.gov.uk
Our main address is Civic Centre, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 4AU.
Dates for Christmas and New Year
holiday rubbish and recycling collections
Medway Matters is printed on
100 per cent recycled paper.
Once you have finished with this
magazine please recycle it.
For more information about
recycling in Medway visit
www.medway.gov.uk/recyclenow
What can I recycle?
You can use your blue bags or boxes for:
● Drinks cans
● Catalogues
If it is normally collected on:
It will be collected on:
Monday, 25 December
●
Foil
●
Cardboard
Tuesday, 26 December
●
Plastic bottles*
●
Phone books
●
Empty aerosols
●
Envelopes
Friday, 29 December
●
Paper/junk mail
●
Carrier bags
Friday, 29 December
Monday, 1 January
Tuesday, 2 January
Tuesday, 2 January
Wednesday, 3 January
Wednesday, 3 January
Thursday, 4 January
Thursday, 4 January
Friday, 5 January
Friday, 5 January
Saturday, 6 January
*Only plastic bottles that have a screw or
flip top lid can be recycled. Remove lids
before putting them into your blue bag or
box. Yoghurt pots, plastic trays, margarine
tubs, milk cartons etc can not be recycled.
For more information on recycling please
visit www.medway.gov.uk/recyclingcollection
There will be no garden waste collection service between
Saturday, 23 December and Friday, 5 January.
Win a bag of GREEN goodies
Blue or black - what do you think?
Medway residents are already doing a great job in the amount
they recycle and we are receiving many requests for more blue
bags. At the moment 30 per cent of the household rubbish in
Medway is recycled. The blue sacks have proved very popular
with many residents stating they would prefer more blue sacks
for recycling as recycling bags are hard to get hold of from
other sources, rather then the black bags for rubbish which can
be easily purchased from local shops. What do you think?
To encourage even more recycling the council is keen to hear
your views on a proposal that would see every household in
Medway receiving more blue recycling bags instead of the black
sacks. You can phone 333333 or email
wasteminimisation@medway.gov.uk or write to Customer
First, Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Kent ME2 4AU.
Please let us have your comments by 31 December.
Christmas trees
After Christmas you can take your real
Christmas tree to any one of our household
waste sites to be recycled. Alternatively you can
cut it up and put it in your brown garden waste
bin ready for your next garden refuse collection.
In your
next
issue....
32
New year resolutions what you can do to be
healthy in 2007
www.medway.gov.uk
Ever thought about buying recycled Christmas presents? Now
you can win a goodie bag of recycled items that would make an
ideal festive gift for a child. All you have to do to be in
with a chance of winning is answer this question:
Name two items that can be recycled in
Medway in blue boxes or bags.
We have three eco-friendly designer bags filled
with goodies including a pencil case made from
recycled car tyres; mouse mat, note book and
ring binder all made from old circuit boards and
an Astonishing Art with Recycled Rubbish book
(tips on how to create art from junk).
Whatever way you enter include your answer,
full name, address and daytime phone number. Entries
should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 8 December.
Post: Recycling Competition, Corporate Communications,
Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Kent, ME2 4AU.
Email: medway.matters@medway.gov.uk, marking your entry
Recycling Competition.
Text: 07739 657073, starting your text MM Recycling.
For competition rules visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules
Medway Community Plan progress being made by our
local strategic partnership
Outdoor education find out what activities are
available for people locally
Serving You

Issue 7 - Medway Council

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