Month: March 2012
JIMMY GODDEN HAS DIED
Thanet’s most controversial developer has died.
The story of his life, times and impact on our community is told in the May edition of THANET WATCH magazine: GODDEN: THE BURNING QUESTION.
ASK FOR THANET WATCH IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT, PRICE 60p.
If you have problems finding a copy, ring Thanet Watch on 01843 604 253.
IS BROADSTAIRS POLITICIAN THE CHAMPION FAST TALKER OF THE SOUTH EAST?
CAN YOU SEE HIS LIPS MOVING? NOT AT THIS SPEED YOU CAN’T!
As the Olympics near, there are rumours of a new event designed not to test people’s speed in running or swimming – but in talking.
Aimed specifically at politicians, anyone in local or national government, it seems, will be eligible to take part.
So how would Thanet’s best fare? We visited Broadstairs’ annual assembly the other night to see how the town’s councillors shaped up.
Councillor David Lawson delivered the annual report of the work of the town council at a stately rate of 2 words per second (that’s about an average speaking rate)
Tim Seed, lagged behind a bit at nearer a solid 1 word per second.
Councillor Zeta Wiltshire, came somewhere in between at 1.25 words per second.
But way out in front was champion talker Chris Wells… at an amazing 6.25 words per second!
That’s over three times the speed of normal human beings and at a frequency which has been known to induce spasms of madness in Jack Russell terriers.
We believe he is now one of the fastest speaking politicians in the entire South East of England.
We can’t swear to the quality or truth or sanity of what he says, of course – but that’s not the point. Bring on the Oratorical Olympics. Broadstairs can beat them all.
John Chopping, Margate Freedom Fighter!
I’ve posted this in memory of a good friend who has campaigned on behalf of the downtrodden in Margate for many years. This is extracted from some of our films he’s taken part in.
He’ll be greatly missed.
THANET UNDER THREAT
We made this film in 2008. Here’s a chance to see it again and let us know what you think of the issues raised in it – and what the current issues are.
MESSAGE FOR PAUL CARTER, KCC, FROM THANET COUNCILLOR JOHN WORROW
This is an extract from the next version of Thanet on Film, to be shown around Thanet this summer. Birchington councillor John Worrow challenges the leader of Kent County Council to meet the people of Birchington and explain why the Minnis Day Centre for care of the elderly is under threat of closure.
WHAT’S OCCUPY THANET ALL ABOUT?
Earlier this year a group of people set up camp outside the Turner Contemporary gallery.
Why did they do it?
What’s the Occupy movement all about?
Read the background story in the latest issue of THANET WATCH, available in newsagents across Thanet now.
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE FINDING A COPY OF THANET WATCH, RING US NOW ON 01843 604 253
GANGSTERS IN THANET
Old fashioned gangsters in modern day Thanet? Surely not. But surely yes, says film-maker Norman Thomas
The March edition of THANET WATCH explores the isle’s links with the underworld which go back many years, but are still strong today.
The full story is in the March issue of THANET WATCH.
BACK ISSUES SERVICE
The March issue of Thanet Watch is no longer available in newsagents. If you want a copy sent to you by post, please send us a cheque for £1.50, to cover cost of publication, postage and packing.
Make cheque payable to the Independent Media Society and send to the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BT, remembering to tell us which issue you want and the address you want the publication sent to!
AN OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS OF THANET COUNCIL
In this month’s issue of the new THANET WATCH magazine, a councillor describes a “culture of secrecy” at Thanet District Council.
Has he got it right?
Do you know of examples of secrecy in TDC?
Of important things kept hidden from the people the council is supposed to serve?
Or did he it wrong?
Can you give us examples of how transparent and open the council is?
Of how much it tries to consult with people?
We will be reporting on this topic in a forthcoming issue of THANET WATCH.
If you wish to keep your identity secret, we will respect your wishes.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE OF THANET WATCH:
· GANGSTERS IN THANET
· ALTERNATIVE ARLINGTON PLANS
· RAMSGATE MUSEUM MYSTERY
· WHO ARE “OCCUPY THANET”?
THANET WATCH IS AVAILABLE IN NEWSAGENTS ACROSS THANET NOW.
RING 01843 604 253 IF YOU CAN’T FIND A COPY
ARLINGTON INQUIRY POSTPONED
The planning inquiry into controversial plans to build a Tesco superstore near Margate’s seafront has been postponed.
This looks like a major victory for the Friends of Arlington Margate group who had raised concerns about the legality of the status of the environmental impact analysis statement.
The Friends say: “We will carry on fighting for a sustainable and positive development at Arlington. One that complements our seaside town heritage and not one that crushes it. It is likely to be at least a month, if not more, before anything happens.”
For more news from Friends of Arlington Margate visit arlingtonmargate.com
THE ALTERNATIVE PLAN: Architect Sam Causer has alternative plans for Arlington. What are they? For the full story see the March issue of Thanet Watch
BACK ISSUES SERVICE
The March issue of Thanet Watch is no longer available in newsagents. If you want a copy sent to you by post, please send us a cheque for £1.50, to cover cost of publication, postage and packing.
Make cheque payable to the Independent Media Society and send to the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BT, remembering to tell us which issue you want and the address you want the publication sent to!
the watch 