MAY ISSUE

The New Issue of Thanet Watch Magazine is Out Now

In this issue…

 

JIMMY GODDEN: THE BURNING QUESTION

Thanet’s most controversial developer is dead. What’s his legacy for the area?

THANET COUNCIL VOTES FOR EQUAL MARRIAGE
A young Birchington woman explains why she wants the freedom to marry the person she loves.

“ROGER GALE SHOULD STAND DOWN”
Why does Councillor Ian Driver think Thanet North’s MP Roger Gale should consider his position?

SUPERMARKETS: DO WE HAVE TOO MANY?
Will the Isle of Thanet sink under the weight of its superstores?

UKIP BOSS COMES TO THANET
Nigel Farage, boss of the UK Independence Party, has some strange ideas about Broadstairs…

NEW PLAY “STRONG STUFF” FOR LOCAL AUDIENCE?
A play with “adult content” comes to the Sarah Thorne Theatre.

THANET’S HEALTH SERVICES – UNDER THREAT?
There are worries about the hospital – but what about our GPs, too? An emergency meeting has been called.

And OLD MOLE is back, looking for the sunnier, funnier side of life in Thanet.

PLUS A FULL GUIDE TO EVENTS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENTS IN MAY

Thanet Watch is stocked by newsagents across the area. If you have problems getting hold of a copy ring us on 01843 604 253

THANET WATCH: EVERYTHING THAT’S GOING ON (AND SHOULDN’T BE GOING ON) IN THANET, PRICE: 60p

THANET COUNCIL VOTES ON EQUAL MARRIAGE

This is the film of the lobby of Thanet Council before the vote on equal marriage on April 19th 2012. After a heated discussion, the council voted to support equal marriage.

This makes Thanet Council one of the first councils in England to vote in favour of equal marriage rights for all.

The council voted by an overwhelming majority in support of allowing same sex partners to marry.

Most Tory councillors abstained.

The vote, said Ian Driver, the councillor who moved the motion, was a “slap in the teeth” for Thanet North MP Roger Gale.

Said Driver: “I believe he should now consider his position as the area’s Member of Parliament and stand down.”

In the past Gale has publicly attacked equal marriage, questioning whether it might lead to the rewriting of the Shakespeare and the Bible.

Driver said that the vote, which was in answer to a government consultation, shows that Thanet is becoming more progressive.

Driver said: “This vote sends a mention to other authorities, including KCC, that there is no place for homophobic attitudes and bigotry in Kent “

The vote was submitted by Driver and John Worrow, who are independent councillors in Thanet.

“If we hadn’t done it, I don’t believe either of the big parties would have touched it,” said Driver.

Driver believes this shows the new importance of independent councillors.

“I hope we will become the conscience of the council. We will go on raising the uncomfortable issues that otherwise wouldn’t be debated.”

See the MAY issue of THANET WATCH magazine: “I Want to be Free to Marry the Person I Love” – a young woman from Birchington speaks out.

ASK FOR THANET WATCH MAGAZINE IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT, PRICE 60p.

 

EQUAL MARRIAGE IN THANET

This an extract from the meeting on April12th with John Worrow, Ian Driver and Sheree Bell, to discuss the upcoming Thanet Council vote on equal marriage.  MP Roger Gale’s column, which is commented on during the meeting, is reproduced in full on this site

The full story is in the May edition of THANET WATCH magazine.

ASK FOR THANET WATCH IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT, PRICE 60p.

If you have problems finding a copy, ring Thanet Watch on 01843 604 253.

 

THANET COUNCILLOR TAKES ON NIGEL FARAGE

 

This is a clip from a meeting held by UKIP leader Nigel Farage in Broadstairs.

He was confronted by Thanet independent councillor John Worrow over the question of equal marriage rights for same sex partners, and comments made by Thanet North MP Roger Gale.

The full story is in the May edition of THANET WATCH magazine.

ASK FOR THANET WATCH IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT, PRICE 60p.

If you have problems finding a copy, ring Thanet Watch on 01843 604 253.

 

CLIVE HART SPEAKS ABOUT THE AIRPORT, THE HOSPITAL AND TESCO

We filmed Thanet Council leader Clive Hart – plus charming child – on Saturday and he spoke frankly about his hopes and fears for the Isle.

Clive said his biggest fear was for the future of the QEQM hospital. He was worried that a loss of services might lead to a downgrading of the hospital, and he said the council would fight to stop this happening.

An emergency public meeting has since been called to discuss threats to Thanet’s health services including the hospital, mental services and GP practices.

The meeting will be at 7pm on Wednesday May 23rd at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. All welcome.