Medway to welcome one of Britain’s best-known Paralympic medallists

Medway to welcome one of Britain’s best-known Paralympic medallists
Dame Tanni Grey Thompson DBE – the 11 times Paralympic gold medallist – will be giving a lecture in Medway next month.
The Medway Council organised lecture, entitled Seize the Day: The Battle to be the Best will take place on Tuesday, 10 February in the Pilkington Building, University of Kent, Medway Campus.
Tanni is Britain's best-known Paralympics athlete, having performed at world-class level, in distances ranging from 100m to the marathon. Tanni's career has taken her around the world to every major international event. Her 16 Paralympics medals including 11 golds, six times winner of the Women’s London Wheelchair Marathon and her comprehensive set of British and World Records make her achievements second to none in the disability sport arena.
Tanni inspiration lecture with will focus on fighting for equality, the importance of the Paralympics in changing attitudes to disability sport and how Medway can maximize the benefits of the 2012 Games.
The lecture starts at 6pm, with drinks available from 5.30pm onwards.
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe said: “I am confident that Dame Tanni’s lecture will be thought-provoking, inspiring and above all enjoyable. I do hope you can join us on 10 February.”
Tickets are free but there are a limited number available and these will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To be sure of your seat book a place with Emma Spencer by Tuesday, 27 January. Email Emma.spencer@medway.og.uk or phone 01634 331055
When you book your tickets please state if you have any specific access, or other requirements.

posted by Pat

Planning Application

There is just one planning application received by Medway Council involving the Princes Park ward.

Heritage Road

.

posted by matt bright.

Mystery of the missing barriers.

Now you don't see it.

Now you do.

Pat and I had several questions recently asking what happened to the barriers along the pathway from Swallow Rise, due to them being missing for a couple of weeks before Christmas.

Well, we are pleased to say that they didn't get stolen, but they were temporarily removed for some work vans to drive along the path to install some security fencing (previous story on here).

We are pleased to say that they have now been reinstalled to carry on in our constant battle against the unruly motorbikers in Princes Park.

.

posted by matt bright.

Council congratulates children for best ever results

Council congratulates children for best ever results

Cross party support was reached for a Conservative motion congratulating Medway’s young people for achieving the best ever exam results.
Exam results announced on Thursday (15 January) revealed that 66 percent of Medway’s pupils had received five A*-C grades at GCSE compared to 64 percent in 2007. This was above the national average of 65 percent.
Post 16 results also continued to improve across Medway’s schools.
At a meeting of the council on Thursday (15 January) all members voted to commend the tremendous achievement of Medway school children in the GCSE results for this academic year. In doing so, the council also recognised and appreciated the efforts of the teaching and support staff that have worked so hard to achieve these results.
Proposer of the motion Cllr Mike O’Brien said:
“I am proud of our young people for their tremendous efforts in achieving the best results ever in Medway and this motion, which was supported by all councillors, is in recognition of all the hard work of the teachers, support staff and pupils.”
.
posted by pat

Childrens Healthcare Services

New arrangements for children's healthcare services
.
Following the move at short notice of the Sanderson Child Development Centre, NHS Medway, which runs the service, can now confirm that some clinics and appointments are expected to start again by the end of next week.
The centre’s services are going to be provided from: · Rochester Healthy Living Centre, Delce Road, Rochester, ME1 2EL · Rainham Healthy Living Centre, High Street, Rainham, ME8 8AA · A Block, Medway Hospital
Work is getting underway at each base to install equipment and prepare rooms for the clinics and treatments carried out by the Child Development Centre team.
Martin Riley, Director of Provider Services for NHS Medway, said: “I would like to apologise to the parents of children who use the Sanderson Child Development Centre for the unavoidable disruption to our services this week.
“We are now able to confirm that alternative premises have been found, equipment is being moved and fitted, and staff are organising new clinic timetables. We know our service is highly valued by parents and we expect to be running sessions again by the end of next week.”
Parents and carers of all children who attend the centre will be sent their new appointment details shortly. Few, if any, changes are expected to appointments for children seen in their own homes or at their schools.
The Sanderson Child Development Centre moved from its base in a ward at the hospital at short notice on Friday, to allow more inpatients to be treated at a time of exceptional demand.
In a change jointly agreed by NHS Medway and Medway NHS Foundation Trust, the ward is now being refurbished and will reopen before the end of January as a temporary single-sex medical ward for female patients.
Mr Riley said: “I am very proud of the way our staff rose to the challenge of helping out Medway Hospital, when it told us on Friday that it needed to convert the Sanderson Child Development Centre back into a ward to cope with exceptional demand for inpatient beds.
“Many of the centre’s 48 staff worked over the weekend to move out all our equipment and files so we could hand back the space.
“We managed to contact all parents with appointments due at the centre in the next few days, and are now contacting every parent or carer of a child who attends the centre.
“All the equipment that has been donated by the community to the Sanderson Child Development Centre is safe and we can assure people we will get it back into use for the benefit of children in Medway as soon as we can.”
The Sanderson Child Development Centre, which is part of NHS Medway, provides specialist medical and therapeutic services for local children with complex multi disabilities.
.
posted by pat

GP Services

Patients to have say in improving GP services
.
People in Medway have received a new questionnaire asking for their views about family doctor services.
The country-wide survey, which is being carried out for the Department of Health, gives patients registered with a surgery the opportunity to have their say about the services they receive.
Last year’s questionnaire highlighted that patients wanted more appointment slots with GPs at times that suited them.
The NHS listened and acted and as a result of last year’s questionnaire, NHS Medway worked with GPs to increase the number of appointments at convenient times for residents.
Across Medway 81 per cent of practices now offer patients early, late or weekend appointments - well above the national average.
This is the third year running that the Department of Health has organised the survey.
The survey now includes more questions to find out if GP practices are getting the basics right for their patients - whether patients find receptionists helpful, have the option of telephone consultations, feel their problem is understood and how they rate the overall care they receive. Patients are also asked to rate local out-of-hours care to ensure healthcare is easily accessible when patients need it.
To have your say it’s important Ipsos MORI receive the completed questionnaires by Monday, 13 April.
For further information please contact Emma Burns on 01634 332092, 07939 235402 or at emma.burns@nhs.net; or Caroline Chick on 01634 338457 or at caroline.chick@medway.gov.uk.
NHS Medway is the new name for Medway Primary Care Trust.
We pay for all NHS healthcare for everyone who lives in Medway.
We want to make sure the right care is there when you need it, and to help you improve your health.
Did you know that: · Hospital waiting lists are shorter than ever before and still falling? · You now have a choice of hospital and specialist for most conditions? · It is easier to see GPs and NHS dentists in Medway than ever before?
Your views and experiences can help us improve further. If you would like to get involved and work in partnership with us to shape services and be part of the future of your local NHS, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact:
Kim Eaglestone, Head of Patient Carer and Public Involvement NHS Medway, 7–8 Ambley Green, Gillingham Business Park, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ Tel: 01634 382771
.
posted by pat

Cameron Direct Part 2

As part of David Camerons visit to Chatham and Aylesford he also attended a members evening in Lordswood before he made the short journey to Princes Park.
He was unable to speak on the stage for too long due to his voice disappearing, as he wanted to save his best for the general public.
He had a very warm welcome from members and I managed to briefly speak with him. Due to the public event being held in Princes Park he was very curious to what sort of reception he would receive.

posted by matt bright.

Cameron Direct

Cameron In Princes Park

We were very lucky, yesterday evening, to have David Cameron visit us here in Princes Park. He did not come to make speeches or talk to the party faithful. He came to answer questions from the general public.Poor David had a very sore throat but he managed to get his voice to hold out (just) until the end.

There were about 200 people in Christ the King. It consisted of a cross section of the local residents and very much a cross section of age groups. In the audience were a group from Medway Youth Parliament and another group from the local Sixth Form. The questions were very varied and showed the concerns of the individual. This is what makes these sessions so successful. There are no planned responses as David did not know what would be asked.

Cameron Direct Team filmed the whole time and you will be able to view it later. As soon as the video is ready I will put a link on the blog for you.

Also in the audience we had the renowned blogger Iain Dale. He was blogging the whole time. So if you log into Iain Dale's Diary you will be able to follow the evening s questions.

I spoke to quite a few people as they were leaving and the response seemed very positive. I hope it makes people more positive about politics and realise it is not all spin.

I would like to say a big, big thank you to the Vicar Keith Foot and his wife for all the help they gave me. Also the lovely ladies who just stayed behind to help with the washing-up. I had not expected that at all. My husband, Adrian, and I were all prepared to get on with it but there they were these ladies from the church. So a big thank you again.

posted by Pat

Helping the elderly and vulnerable maintain their independence

Helping the elderly and vulnerable maintain their independence
Elderly and vulnerable adults and people with special needs or disabilities can find out to maintain their independence at an event in Strood.
On Wednesday, 14 January, residents and carers can learn about the services available to them at an independence fair at Strood Sports Centre. There are two sessions, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, which must be booked.
Providers of care and information including Age Concern, The Carers’ Centre and Medway Mobility will be among the agencies attending Medway Council’s second community infrastructure fair to showcase the services available to residents.
Medway Council has commissioned a new service, called Living Well in Medway, to help adults maintain their independence and access vital care services. The service is being delivered by Church in Society and Chatham Citizens Advice Bureau in Chatham, Rochester and Strood and by Carers First in the Gillingham and Rainham areas.
People will be able to refer themselves, or be referred by others such as another care provider or social care team. Anyone needing care will be assessed and helped to link up with a suitable provider.
Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Carol Galvin by either email carol.galvin@medway.gov.uk or phone 01634 331232 by 7 with the following information by Wednesday, 7 January 2009.
.
posted by pat

Cameron Direct

David Cameron in Princes Park





We are very lucky that Christ the King in Princes Ave has been chosen for the next Cameron Direct. This is where you ask the questions, on any subject , for David Cameron to answer. This will be the first one in Kent so it will certainly put us on the map.


The event is on 12th January (next Monday) from 6:30 to 7:30. It is an all ticket event and it is for non-members of the Conservative Party. If you are interested and would like to book your place e-mail camerondirect@traceycrouch.co.uk Make sure you reply quickly as the meeting is open to all residents who live in the Chatham and Aylesford constituency.

I am looking forward to meeting you there. Yes, I am allowed in as I will be working.

Posted by Pat

Well done Gillingham F.C.

Well done Gillingham. I watch the game with my mother this afternoon and we were very proud of the way the team played. They were not expected to win, but they got so, so close. I think Aston Villa were getting very worried. As I said before well done boys you can hold you heads high. Now go out and show the league what you are made of.

posted by Pat

MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

DOMESTIC ABUSE ADVOCACY SERVICE

Citizens Advice Medway is delighted to announce its new domestic abuse telephone helpline that will operate on each weekday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. This service covers Medway as well as the whole of Kent. The service offers victims of domestic abuse assistance ranging from help leaving an abusive situation, finding refuge places, advising on housing rights and welfare benefits up to applying to the courts for non-molestation orders. The Service’s own dedicated solicitor can help victims obtain court orders to protect them and their children from harassment, abuse and violence. Victims of Domestic Abuse can access this service by telephoning 01634 576083. The service will allow fast access to other specialist legal services covering welfare benefits, housing and debt/money problems.

Citizens Advice Medway CEO, Peter Stokes, said: We are delighted to have received the backing of the Legal Services Commission in establishing this service. It will not only help women in abusive relationships but also men and people in same sex relationships. Unfortunately we are seeing more and more need for this service as more and more people are faced with abuse. Abuse doesn’t just mean actual violence but threatening behaviour, verbal abuse and control.

The service will be available to everyone who is faced with abuse from within their family or relationship. Not just the stereotypical man on woman but same sex relationships, woman on man and between family members.

January Surgery 2009

There will be no surgery this month due to the church being closed on Saturday 3rd January.

However, if any residents need assistance with any local issue then they can contact myself or Cllr Pat Gulvin direct.

The surgery next month should be running as normal.

posted by matt bright.

New Planning Application

Here is the latest planning application with the Princes Park ward.

Scotby Avenue

.

posted by matt bright.

Remembered Recipe

Katie's Kitchen Scrapbook

I was looking through my old recipe scrapbook the other day. I was looking for things my husband could use the left overs from Christmas. I came across some recipes from about forty years ago. Some of our older residents will probably remember Katie from the OXO advert. Well one of the recipes I found was one of Katie's labelled Money Spinner. Which I will write out at the end.

Well the reason for this blog is that it made me think that there are quite a few residents who may have ideas on how to save money. It could be recipes or how to make cleaning equipment go further or anything. I thought it might be a good idea if we shared this with others. I can see the recession getting a lot worse and may all have to tighten are belts. So if we all started thinking now how to save perhaps we may get through this.

So come on ladies and gents lets have your recession beaters.

My Recipe

Beanfeast Flan

Rub 1 1/2 oz. marg. and 1 1/2 oz lard into 6oz sieved flour.

Add 1 oxo cube dissolved in tablesp. hot water (cooled),

and enough cold water to make a firm dough. Roll out and line 9" flan dish.

Bake blind 15 minutes (gas mark 6) removing baking beans and cook a further 10 minutes.

Fry 2oz chopped bacon, 2oz sliced mushrooms and 1 chopped onion until tender. Add one can of baked beans 1 oxo cube and heat through. Turn into pastry case and top with mashed potato and a knob of butter. Brown under the grill.

posted by Pat

Make Our Roads Safer

Make our roads safer – make walking to school your New Year resolution

In an effort to reduce the number of people parking illegally outside schools, Medway Council’s Road Safety Team suggests a healthy New Year’s resolution for children and parents alike – get walking.


Schools are consistently battling with illegally parked cars on restrictive road markings, such as on yellow single, double and zigzag lines. These lines are designed to allow pedestrians, in particular vulnerable pedestrians such as children, to see clearly and cross the road safely.


The Road Safety Team is asking parents and children to get walking to school, even if it's just for part of the journey. Other than the obvious health benefits, if more schoolchildren walked to school there would be fewer cars parked illegally and dangerously.


Su Negus, Principal Road Safety Officer, said: “Children are a similar height to a car meaning they are completely invisible to drivers until they step out into the road, which is too late.

“Most people who park on the lines think its OK because they are just there for a few minutes. However, when you have dozens of people doing the same thing it means the area is constantly congested with illegally parked cars.”


Medway Council’s Road Safety Team and Parking Services are urging drivers to leave their cars at home or park in an appropriate safe location to make crossing the road safer for all road users, particularly schoolchildren.

.

posted by pat

Free Swimming for Young and Old Alike

Free swimming for young and old alike
Thousands of people aged under 16 and over 60 can now benefit from free swimming at all of Medway Council’s swimming pools.
The move, which is backed by the government and financed until March 2011, aims to keep younger and older people healthy and active.
Free swimming starts on Friday, 2 January at the following pools: · Black Lion Leisure Centre, Gillingham · Strood Sports Centre · Splashes Leisure Centre, Rainham · Hundred of Hoo swimming pool, Hoo · The Strand leisure pool, Gillingham
The Black Lion pool is only open after 4pm until the end of March due to the refurbishment programme.
Free swimming was due to start in Medway this April (2009), but extra finance from NHS Medway meant the council could introduce it at the beginning of the year.
Cllr Howard Doe, the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “Swimming is one of the best ways for people to keep fit, active and healthy.
“I am pleased that thanks to the support of NHS Medway we are able to introduce free swimming from January for the under 16s and over 60s, so that the people of Medway can benefit from this scheme from the beginning of 2009.”
Marion Dinwoodie, Chief Executive of NHS Medway, said: “I’m pleased that NHS Medway is supporting Medway Council with this initiative and has enabled the council to introduce free swimming ahead of schedule. Swimming is great fun and an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. I hope Medway residents will take up this free offer.”
Free swimming will be available during normal public swimming times at all council pools.

.

posted by pat

MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

Citizens Advice Medway and Jobsmatch Medway are announcing the launch of a new service for those residents of Medway who are most at risk from losing their jobs as a result of the recession and credit crunch. From today Citizens Advice Medway is operating a redundancy helpline whereby people faced with redundancy can seek help and assistance on:

Their employment rights
Qualifying and applying for benefits
Maximising their income
Getting the right redundancy payment
Paying their bills
Financial management
Finding another job

People can access this new service by telephoning 01634 888182 between 9.00am and 4.30pm each weekday.

Citizens Advice Medway and Jobsmatch are providing two seminars for people threatened with or made redundant on 6th and 8th January 2009 at under1roof, 5A New Road Avenue, Chatham ME4 6BB. The seminars start at 9.30am and will last about 2½ hours. They will cover all aspects of benefits, managing bills, financial management, redundancy payments/employment law and finding another job. We have capacity for 60+ people so there is no need to book a place.

Citizens Advice Medway CEO, Peter Stokes, said: We are delighted to join up with Jobsmatch Medway in providing this service but are deeply saddened by the need to do so. Being made redundant happens to so many people during their working life and it can cause deep disruption and loss of esteem. We need to support people in making sure that they are best equipped to face the difficult times ahead and help them keep their homes. This new collaboration will provide much-needed additional support to all those facing redundancy. A lot of people will be affected by the credit crunch and this service will help to ensure that people will get the help and assistance they need.

Peter Stokes added: Hopefully this will be a short term service but who knows what the future holds in these uncertain times. This service will allow us to refer people to other agencies if we are unable to help them fully. It will also allow people access to the other services that we operate on behalf of the Legal Services Commission, such as welfare benefits, debt/money, employment and housing,

Cathy Le-Page, Project Co-ordinator at Jobsmatch Medway said: Sadly "The wonder of Woolworth's will be no more" what a great shame. It would be great if any employers looking to recruit retail staff would look favourable on those being made redundant from Woolworth's, MFI and Fads, as well as others. We are hoping to register staff with us so that we can provide FREE information on employment opportunities within Medway.
.
posted by pat

Medway Council and Recycling

Medway Council and Recycling

Medway residents continue to support recycling. Cllr Phil Filmer portfolio member for front line services said: “We do not send recyclable material to landfill sites. The only material that is sent to landfill is non-recyclable or contaminated material.

“In the last four years, Medway has doubled the amount of waste it recycles and now recycles or composts more than 30 per cent of all the waste it collects.

“Waste collected for recycling by the council is collected in three ways. These are a fortnightly collection from people’s home, neighbourhood bring sites (such as bottle, textile and paper banks) and household waste recycling centres (there are three in Medway and these are where residents can bring a wider range of material such as electrical items, batteries, chemicals and other material which it is not possible to collect from people’s homes). Unlike 9million people in the UK who now only get their waste collected every two weeks, Medway continues to be committed to a weekly collection of household waste.

“An article in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph stated that Medway sent more than 10 per cent of its recyclable waste or compost to landfill. This is not the case. In fact, only five per cent of material initially collected for recycling or for composting is sent to landfill as it is contaminated in some way and cannot therefore be recycled.

“Medway Council recycles more than 30 per cent of the total household waste it collects. This figure does not include any contaminated material, which has had to be sent to landfill, as this cannot be recycled.

“The council’s recycling is not affected by the economic downturn and we have not changed our recyling policy, except to increase the range of material we can recycle, since it was introduced in 2002. We now collect glass from households – a new service introduced in the last few months in reaction to demand from residents.

“Medway residents do a great job separating recycling from their normal household waste to help protect the environment.

“At Christmas time, we all receive a great deal of wrapping paper and food and drinks packaging that can be recycled.

“If residents are in any doubt about how to recycle the right materials they should visit the council website – www.medway.gov.uk/recyclenow -, look at their recyling calendar (which was sent to every home over the last couple of months), or call the council’s contact centre on 01634 333333 for more information.”


The material that Medway Council can recycle includes:

- Kerbside recyling (material that residents leave outside their homes in blue boxes or blue bags). Newspapers and magazines, all phone books, junk mail, card and cardboard, envelopes, all types of metal food and drinks cans, aerosols, foil, plastic bottles, carrier bags and glass bottles and jars.
- Bring Sites (Bottle banks etc.). Glass bottles and jars, all types of metal cans, paper and cardboard, textiles and shoes and five sites with liquid beverage cartons (Tetrapaks).
- Household waste recycling sites (there are three in Medway). All the materials above as well as electrical items, fridges and freezers, garden waste, metal, engine oil, car and household batteries, gas bottles, fluorescent light tubes and wood.

.

posted by pat

Funding for food lessons

Funding for food lessons
Six Medway schools are celebrating after it was announced that they will receive £300,000 funding each for food technology lessons. The money is targeted on schools where current facilities need improvement.
The DCSF funding amounts to £1.5million for Medway.
The funding is for practical cooking spaces and to support the introduction of compulsory food technology lessons for pupils in the early years of secondary education. The Government decided to make the money available after it became concerned that some children and young people are leaving school without having gained basic cookery skills.
The six schools are Chatham Grammar School for Boys, Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School, The Howard School, Greenacre School and The Rochester Grammar School.
Cllr Les Wicks, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services said: “I welcome the news of this funding. It’s great news for students. Learning to cook and understand how to handle food is a great life skill and one which will enable our young people to be more independent.”
Rose Collinson, Director of Children and Adult Services, said: “Increasingly. Government is realising that it is essential to help young people gain practical and work-related skills at home and at school. In Medway, we are leading the way in offering these skills alongside more traditional academic studies. Introducing this kind of learning allows more young people to achieve in different ways, as well as ensuring that they have the ability to earn a living and look after themselves and their families as they grow into adulthood.”
[Ends]

.

posted by pat

Dartford Crossing

Dartford Crossing


I have just been catching up with Tracey’s blog. She has a very good article about the Dartford Crossing. It is something that affects a lot of us. If you need to go almost anywhere in the UK you have to use the crossing. So please use our link and read Tracey’s article.
Posted by Pat

Exciting changes at a library near you

Exciting changes at a library near you
Calling all library users - if you haven’t re-registered your details at Medway libraries, it’s not too late to do so.
A new computer system, which will be installed in Spring 2009 will provide a speedier and more efficient service and we need residents help to make that happen.
While everyone needs to re-register, this is a good opportunity for residents who have moved or changed names to make sure all contact details are correct. Parents can update children’s details.
As part of this IT upgrade, from 21 January four-week loans will change to three weeks loans. Current customers should note that the due dates of items they currently have on loan will not change.
Re-registering is easy and takes just five minutes. Residents can either phone 337799 or by pop into their local library.
Residents who haven’t visited a library recently should come and take a look at what’s available. Libraries have changed and offer more than just books. With music, DVDs, free internet use, book clubs for all ages and monthly music and reading events - there’s something for everyone.
[Ends] Exciting changes at a library near you
Calling all library users - if you haven’t re-registered your details at Medway libraries, it’s not too late to do so.
A new computer system, which will be installed in Spring 2009 will provide a speedier and more efficient service and we need residents help to make that happen.
While everyone needs to re-register, this is a good opportunity for residents who have moved or changed names to make sure all contact details are correct. Parents can update children’s details.
As part of this IT upgrade, from 21 January four-week loans will change to three weeks loans. Current customers should note that the due dates of items they currently have on loan will not change.
Re-registering is easy and takes just five minutes. Residents can either phone 337799 or by pop into their local library.
Residents who haven’t visited a library recently should come and take a look at what’s available. Libraries have changed and offer more than just books. With music, DVDs, free internet use, book clubs for all ages and monthly music and reading events - there’s something for everyone.

.

posted by pat

New Planning Application

This is the latest planning application for Princes Park.

.

Hopwell Drive

.

posted by matt bright.

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

This December two markets will help with all your Christmas shopping needs.
For fresh fruit, vegetables and all things Christmassy, shoppers will find it hard to beat the Farmers' Market in Corporation Street, Rochester on Sunday, 21 December.
Festive goodies for sale include cooked turkeys, Christmas cakes and puddings, mince pies and festive gifts.
All the regular goods will also be available including award winning pies, sausages, fudge and cakes, apple juice, cider, wine, beer, jams, olives, vegetables, bread, soups, cheese, plants, soaps and handmade jewellery.
Shoppers with a last minute approach to buying gifts will be pleased to hear that Gillingham Market is open on Christmas Eve from 9am to 4pm. All the usual stalls will be there.

Something For the Children

At last Pat and I were able to install some football goals in Princes Park. It has been a project we have been trying to fulfill for a few months but finally after cutting through some of the red tape (to do with Health and Safety) we managed to have them installed a few weeks ago. Both goals were funded through the Princes Park 'ward improvement funds'.

The first goal (bottom picture) has been installed next to the park on Princes Avenue and due to the central location this has become very popular with the local children.

The second goal has been placed on a small piece of land in Spitfire Close which is used quite frequently by the local residents. However, instead of the goal being the side of someones house they can now use this new equipment which has been positioned in a certain way to stop any nuisance balls drifting into peoples gardens.

.

posted by matt bright.

Wishing You A Safe Christmas

Wishing you a safe Christmas
Christmas is coming, your guests are demanding to be fed, but how do you ensure you don’t accidentally give your relatives food poisoning during the festive season?
Medway Council’s Environmental Health team has drawn up a top tips list to ensure everyone knows when their turkey’s cooked and avoid hazards in the kitchen.
1. Clean your fridge and freezer with an antibacterial cleaner before stocking up for Christmas. This will get rid of any nasty bugs and spores.
2. Don't overstock your fridge or freezer as it will make it difficult to maintain the right temperature. Food should be stored separately in covered containers and properly wrapped.
3. Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands after touching or preparing food, and after touching raw meat, coughing, sneezing or touching pets.
4. Frozen turkeys or other poultry must always be thawed thoroughly and fully before cooking. A 15lb turkey will take 24 to 28 hours to thaw in the fridge; allow two days to defrost a 25lb bird.
5. There’s no need to rinse your turkey under the tap as this may splash harmful bacteria that’s already on the bird around the kitchen and lead to the cross-contamination of other foods. Cooking will kill any bacteria present.
6. Use separate chopping boards and utensils or wash them thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat, and any cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Use different boards for vegetables, raw and cooked meats.
7. Cook your stuffing separately. If you do stuff your uncooked bird, make sure you take the stuffing weight into account when calculating your cooking time.
8. Poultry, sausages and chopped and minced meat must always be thoroughly cooked. Check there are no pink bits in the middle, that the juices run clear and that they are piping hot throughout.
9. Don’t use raw eggs in food that will not be cooked. Use pasteurised egg if you are making chocolate mousse or homemade mayonnaise.
10. Always serve hot food piping hot and as soon as it is ready. If there is a delay between heating and eating then keep the food covered and at no less than 63°C.
11. Don’t leave leftovers lying around and make sure hot food cools quickly before putting it in the fridge. To speed cooling: divide into smaller portions, place in shallow containers or stand in a tray of cold water.
11. When you're serving cold turkey, try to take out only as much as you're going to use and leave the rest in the fridge. Don't leave a plate of turkey or cold meats out all day, on a buffet for example. Put it back in the fridge as soon as you can, ideally within an hour.
12. Avoid reheating food more than once - if you reheat leftovers make sure they’re piping hot throughout and don’t keep leftovers for more than two days.
For more tips visit www.eatwell.gov.uk

.

posted by pat

A Greener Christmas

Help make this Christmas a green one.
.

As Christmas approaches and the fridge gets fuller, now is the time to start thinking about what to do with all the rubbish, used wrapping paper and Christmas cards once the festive season is over.
With Medway’s recycling efforts going from strength to strength, the council is keen to see as many local people doing their bit for recycling when the holiday comes to an end.
Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Cllr Phil Filmer explained: “There are many simple and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of the holiday rubbish. Residents can easily recycle all their wine bottles and glass this year too.”
Here are some top tips to help make this a greener Christmas:
• Recycle as much as possible, greetings cards and wrapping paper can be put in your blue box or sack. Try to remove as much sticky tape as possible as it is not recyclable;
• Christmas trees can be recycled by cutting them up and putting them in a brown bin. They will not be collected if they are loose or if the branches are greater than three inches in diameter;
• Recycle paper-based milk, juice and liquid food cartons at selected recycling points;
• Take the stress out of driving to the shops by using environmentally-friendly public transport instead;
• Try to buy locally-produced food that won’t have travelled unnecessarily. Imported food adds substantially to carbon emissions.
.

Here are the dates for the Christmas and New Year recycling and rubbish collections:
If it is normally collected on: It will be collected on:

Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December Monday 29 Monday 29 Tuesday 30 Tuesday 30 Wednesday 31 Wednesday 31 Thursday 1 Friday 2 Friday 2 Saturday 3
Medway’s civic amenity site opening hours are as follows: Christmas Day and Boxing Day - closed. New Year’s Day – closed. Saturday, 27 December - 8am to 4.30pm Sunday 29 October - 9am to 4pm
For more tips on how to be environmentally friendly, visit www.medwayourplanet.net
To find your nearest recycling site or for more recycling information visit www.medway.gov.uk/recyclenow or phone 333333.

posted by Pat

Plea To All Cats

Plea From Molly


This is a plea to all fellow cats. I am very disappointed with a few of you. It is about time you had your human staff better trained. I have seen some of you out in this really cold weather. It is so silly of you. Train your staff to open the door for you so you can get into the warm.

I have not managed to train my staff to the standard I would like. In fact I think they are quite lazy. Instead of being by the door when I want to come in or out they have built a cat flap. Well I suppose it is better than nothing
Posted by Molly

New PCSO in Princes Park

We are now lucky enough to have a new PCSO in Princes Park. Her name is Nicola Simmons. So are line up now from left to right:-

PCSO Nicola Simmons, PC Dave Saunders, and PCSO Jessica Read.

We all welcome Nicola and hopes she enjoys working in Princes Park

Posted by Pat

“WALK IN OUR SHOES”

“WALK IN OUR SHOES”

If you have read Tracey’s blog this week you will know a little about this subject. I was lucky to be invited to take part. The idea was to gain an understanding and awareness of autism.

I was like Tracey I knew nothing about autism. Unlike Tracey I was invited to join a family for a few hours to see the day-to-day problems. I went along to see them Friday afternoon and instead of the shopping trip we had planned we had a nice chat over a cup of tea.

The family I joined have three lovely children the two youngest are autistic. As well as talking to mum I had chance to talk to their eldest child about living with autistic siblings. She explained how it impinges on her life. But in no way did I see any bitterness she obviously loved the two younger members of the family and though there are many things she would like to do, but cannot, she understood. One of the things she said was that she would love to go to Lapland with the family, but this is impossible, as her brother could not cope with the travelling.

I would like to relay what their mother wrote to me before we met
“Before I had children I had a good job, well paid etc. but having children with these kinds of disabilities has involved a huge sacrifice. I have had to give up my job to become a full time carer so relying on one income means we live life on a tight budget. It was only recently that I discovered there are allowances available for families whose children are disabled. There is no ready available information for families in situations like ours. The local authorities, government and education bodies need to make support and information more ready available. It would be so helpful and supportive to parents who, upon diagnoses of these disabilities to be provided with details about allowances, including disability, carer etc. information about parent support group and a general extended hand that helps parents feel supported and are offered some direction and reassurance.”

Please do not get the wrong idea. Mum is not one for crying in her tea. She is a strong person who is the nucleus of a very loving family. It was a privilege to meet her and the children and I am looking forward to meeting up with them again. We agreed to meet up again when I can meet Dad.

posted by Pat

New Fencing

This may look like a piece of fencing that has no relevance but to the residents of Redwing Road and especially Dove Close this will potentially improve their quality of life.

The reason for the installation of the fence was the anti social problems and Health and Safety risks first brought to our attention from local residents during one of our monthly surgeries a few months ago.

Youths during the past few months were congregating above the embankment/chalk cliffe face and causing a general nuisance to the residents below by throwing objects and hanging over the edge to the annoyance of local residence.

Hopefully this fence will have curtailed that problem whilst potentially saving a youth from serious injury or death due to the 50 foot drop to the rear of peoples gardens.

The project was joint funded by Greenspaces (Medway Council Department), ward funds from Princes Park and the Lease holder of the roads (London and Quadrant).

Thanks also go to the Princes Park warden Brian (who carried out all the 'legwork' between the council and the Leaseholders) and the local Police who have been patrolling that part of the embankment more frequently.

This was another good example of different departments working together within the Council, involving the local Police and persuading an outside company to part with some funds.

.

posted by matt bright.

The Brenchley Unit

The Brenchley Unit

I have spent today with a group of dedicated people. They run a centre for people with a Personality Disorder. Actually I will rephrase that, I spent the day with dedicated people who run the centre, and just as dedicated people who use the centre. My mind is in a complete whirl after spending time there. The patients have suffered badly in life, but there they are not only trying to turn their own lives around but helping others to do the same. I went there after reading many articles and came to the conclusion that “ these people” should be in residential accommodation. It took less than fifty minutes to realize I was so, so wrong. They are not “these people”, they are you and me, our next door neighbours our family. We all have problems in life but I wonder how many of us would have coped without mum and dad, big brothers or sisters husbands and wives. Just someone, at the ends of the day, that gives us a lot of unconditional love. I can honestly say the people at Brenchley gave me so much.

The Community at Brenchley has capacity for up to 24 members for twelve months, bringing in new members from a preparatory group as others leave the programme. The latter are encouraged to join a weekly “leavers” group, while every effort is made to monitor those who drop out prematurely. It is the case that a significant number of dropouts return to complete their 12 months.

I could write pages of my feelings about today. But I think I should stop here. The one thing I will leave you all with. Mental health is not a “sexy” subject but it is important. With luck you may never need it but if you do, it needs to be there. It should not be the poor cousin of the NHS.

.
posted by Pat

Surgery December 2008

It is surgery time again this week and it will be held on Saturday 6th December 2008.

It is open to any local residents from Princes Park who feel they have a local issue and no appointment is necessary.

Cllr Pat Gulvin will be in attendance to answer any questions between 10-11am in Christ the King church, Dove Close.

posted by matt bright.

New Planning Applications

Here are the latest planning applications for Princes Park.

Barleymow Close
.
Thrush Close
.
Hopewell Drive
.
posted by matt bright.

Whatever Happened to "No More Boom & Bust" ?

Tea

You may remember that Tracey and I went along to Princes Park parish church. We went to have tea with other local people to raise money for SSAFA. That is the charity that helps our servicemen and women and their families. I am pleased to say they raised over £150. Well done. Also a big thank you to all who went along.

Posted by Pat

This may look like a bit of fun. In truth it is not. Matt and I spent ward funds on barriers to safe guard the residents walking through Princes Park. What has happened? Mindless thugs who just think of their own fun have removed them. So I am sorry to say some of the projects we had planned will have to be put on hold while we get these replaced. If you know the culprits and you hear them complaining about things not getting done by this council tell them from me that it is people like them that cost the honest hard working tax payer money. It is not fair that others, and that is the silent majority suffers because of them.

posted by Pat

Dinner With Fellow Conservatives

I have just returned from a very enjoyable dinner. It was the Chatham and Aylesford Conservative Association annual dinner. We were very lucky to have as our guset speaker the Hon Nicholas Soames MP. He made a wonderful speach and said also how very lucky we were in our candidate (Tracey Crouch). We all know how hard working she is,but it is nice to know that people higher up the party appreciate her as well.

posted by Pat

November Surgery 2008

Thanks to the one resident who braved the rain and attended the Princes Park surgery a couple of weeks ago.

He arrived to thank us for re-installing some barriers there were destroyed a few weeks previous. It was nice to receive some positive feedback.

We had Tracey Crouch and the local PC (Dave Saunders) co-hosting the surgery with Cllr Gulvin but it was a quiet morning all round.

.

posted by matt bright.

New Planning Application

Here is the latest planning appilcation for Princes Park. This was posted a couple of weeks ago and there are no other applications to date.

.

.

Ryegrass Close

.

posted by matt bright.

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND – 8 AND 9 NOVEMBER 2008

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND – 8 AND 9 NOVEMBER 2008


Saturday 8 November

10:45 hrs The Royal Marines Association: Annual Remembrance Service and Turning the Page Ceremony at Rochester Cathedral. Attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.


Sunday 9 November

09:00 hrs Royal Naval Service at the War Memorial, Great Lines, Gillingham: Mayor and the Chief Executive will attend a short service and wreath laying ceremony. Attended by the Mayor.


09:55 hrs Black Lion War Memorial: Act of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony followed by a procession to St Mark’s Church for a service of remembrance. Attended by the Deputy Mayor.


10:15 hrs St Margaret’s Church / Rainham War Memorial: Remembrance Service and wreath laying ceremony.



10:45 hrs Victoria Gardens, Chatham: Act of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony.


10:40 hrs Rochester Cathedral: Mayor, Leader, Chief Executive and Members to process from the Guildhall Museum to Rochester Cathedral to arrive at 10:45 for a Service of Remembrance followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Rochester War Memorial. Salute and march past will take place in the High Street (at Precinct near City Wall Wine Bar, High Street, Rochester).

Remembrance Sunday in Princes Park
Princes Park parish church (Church of Christ the King) will have their normal monthly Holy Communion Service starting at 10am. The service will be organised so that at 11am there will be the 'Act of Remembrance' including some prayers and the "They grow not old ...' speech, with two minutes silence followed by the National Anthem.

I hope you will be able to make one of these.

Posted by Pat

Help others this Christmas with the shoebox appeal

Help others this Christmas with the shoebox appeal
Bring joy to others this Christmas. That was the message today when Tracey Crouch, Matt Bright and myself joined in with the church’s shoebox appeal. We joined the local vicar Rev Keith Foot to give our donations.

The annual shoebox appeal, organised by Blythswood Care, sends thousands of donated shoe boxes filled with gifts to people around the world who are less fortunate then ourselves. Since 1993, the scheme has delivered over 500,000 boxes to countries such as India, Romania and Albania.

The Church of Christ the King in Princes Avenue is one of many churches and charities that collect shoe boxes which have been kindly donated by local people.
Details on how to organise and get involved in the shoebox campaign can be found on their website at http://www.shoeboxappeal.org/.

The shoebox appeal is a great way to give to others who cannot afford a Christmas. I would urge local residents to fill their own shoebox or donate to the appeal on their website www.shoeboxappeal.org/donate.

Parliamentary Candidate for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch said:
“At Christmas we should remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves and we should do what we can to help them. The shoebox appeal is an excellent way for local people in Medway to bring joy to others this Christmas.”
Posted by Pat

Planning Applications

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Medway Council from the Princes Park ward.

Sundridge Drive

Swallow Rise

.

posted by matt bright.

Oh! Where,Oh! Where Have They Gone

Chatham & Aylesford MP Loses 20,000 Cows!

.

Government officials have been forced to admit that they have lost more than 20,000 cows.

Officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) admitted in Parliamentary questions that 20,979 of the animals had been mislaid. The livestock should have been logged on Defra's Cattle Tracing System, devised to protect public and animal health after the BSE and foot and mouth epidemics. However the cattle have disappeared from the system, while another 1,039 are believed to have been loaded onto cattle trucks and never heard of again. Jonathan Shaw, Defra minister, was forced to admit the embarrassing blunder in response to a Parliamentary question. Peter Ainsworth, the Shadow Environment secretary, said he was astonished at the loss. "Laptops, data, and now cows, is there anything this Government can not misplace?" he told the Daily Star. "Defra's performance would do credit to Little Bo Peep."

PS. Jonathan Shaw has been reshuffled and is no longer Defra minister.

Posted by Pat

SSAFA

Tracey Crouch, the Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, went along this morning to Christ the King to have a cup of tea. As I put on the Blog the other day the church was raising money for SSAFA which is the charity for our service men and their families. It was lovely to see a really good turn out.

Tracey spoke to a few people from the church who informed her about some of the projects they are working on. I will try to let you know more about those another day.

Posted by Pat

More Motorbike Prevention (Hopefully)!

Here are the latest barriers to be installed in our fight against the motorbikes and mini motorbikes across Princes Park.
These have been installed in the alleyway at the rear of Highgrove Road which is a common cut through for the motorbike menaces from Princes Avenue to Walderslade Road.
There are some more older barriers placed at certain points along the alleyway due to the length of the pathway.
The problem with Princes Park is the amount of alley paths cutting across the ward, however we are tackling the problem head on and we and other people have noticed it being significantly quieter from the motorbike pests.
Hopefully they will start to get the message and stop acting anti socially and dangerous towards pedestrians who use these paths often..
.
posted by matt bright.

A Morning Stroll

This morning had a run round Princes Park. The idea was to clean up the graffiti on some of the street signs. While I was cleaning the signs my poor long suffering husband thought he would use the time to do some litter picking. Even though there are still some very bad areas we were really pleasantly surprised some areas have improved. So a big thank you to those unsung hero's who have been doing their own clean ups. I know you will probably not get any personal thanks but it is appreciated and Princes Park is looking better for it.

Posted by Pat

SUPPORTING OUR ARMED FORCES

This Saturday coming 11th October our local Princes Park church Christ our King is running their usual morning tea morning. This time though it is special it is in aid of SSAFA, that is the charity that looks after are armed forces and their families. It is a very good cause so I hope to see you all there.

Posted by Pat

Difficulties of Blogging

Difficulties of Blogging

If you wander why some weeks I do not do a lot on the blog this picture may explain it. But joking aside I cannot always come up with local news so please if there is a news item from Princes Park or something that may interest the residents please let Matt or I have it and we will try and run it.

Posted by Pat

Mystery in Princes Park

Mystery in Princes Park

At the councillor’s surgery, yesterday, a gentleman came in about the safety barriers outside Morrisons. Brian, our Safety Community Officer was able to let him know that they had been reported and would be replaced. The mystery is we know about one barrier that was damaged, as there was a collision with a car. But it is the safety barriers around the pedestrian island coming out of Morrisons car park. That is a puzzle. If a car had hit it would still be there and those barriers are bit on the tough side for your average vandal. So detectives what are your views? Did you see it happen?

Posted by Pat

October Surgery 2008

The next surgery will be held this Saturday (4th October) in the usual place.

.

Christ the King Church

Dove Close

Princes Park.

.

I will be there between 10-11am to deal with any local issues, no appointment is necessary.

.

posted by matt bright.

Latest Planning Application

This is the latest planning application being considered in Princes Park by Medway Council.

.

Shanklin Close

.

posted by matt bright.

Success at Last

At last, we have had some alleygates installed between Coverdale Close and Freshwater Road.
.
There have been problems in the alleyway for several months and despite the good work the local Community Safety Officer and the Police do it was obvious the alley was a problem area.
After several months of hard work with the Council Officers we managed to obtain a closure notice from the local courts and the gates were installed within days.
Gates have been installed at either end of the alley with keys left with just the two neighbouring properties.
This is a good example of local issues getting dealt with, the residents spoke and we (Pat and I) listened, responded and have hopefully resolved the issue.
.
Top photo - me and Pat
.
Middle photo - Brian Mooney (Local Safer Communities Officer), me, Roger Emmerson (Council Officer)
.
Bottom photo - gate just before it will be locked shut!
.
posted by matt bright.

September Surgery

Thanks to the residents that attended the surgery a couple of weeks ago.
Your queries are being dealt with and if you have not had the answers you require then they will be with you very shortly.
.
posted by matt bright.