Around A magazine for the people of Kent Spring/Summer 10

The knight, the dame and the judge ...their part in Kent life www.kent.gov.uk [email protected] contact us anytime on 08458 247 247 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010

Council services in Kent Shared services: We share responsibility with Kent County Council provides a range of services for district councils for the residents, visitors and people working in Kent. following services: We work closely with district, town and parish councils to provide you with the best services possible. We each have specific Art galleries responsibilities, but some are shared. Coastal protection Emergency planning To contact KCC call the contact centre on Museums Tourism promotion and 08458 247247 development It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Economic development Gypsy sites There is also a Minicom service which is available on Regeneration 08458 247 905 for deaf, deafblind, deafened, hard of hearing and Town centre management speech-impaired people. You can also email [email protected] with queries or questions about our services.

Kent County Council services: Adult education Public rights of way District council contact Adult social care and health Public transport numbers: Children and social services Recycling Ashford Borough Council Community safety Registration of births, deaths 01233 331111 Coroners and marriages City Council Countryside access Road safety 01227 862 000 Disabilities Schools Borough Council Environmental health Sports development 01322 343434 Highway maintenance Street lighting District Council Planning and land use Trading standards 01304 821199 Kent Film Office Traffic and parking Borough Council Libraries Transport planning and policy 01474 56 44 22 Pavements Youth services Borough Council Protecting the environment 01622 602 000 District Council District council services: 01732 227000 Leisure and sports facilities Electoral register Shepway District Council Council tax collection and Housing 01303 853000 administration Licensing of local markets Swale Borough Council Local planning and building Environmental health 01795 424341 regulation Local land searches Council Food hygiene Pollution control 01843 577 000 Concessionary travel Allotments and Malling Borough (bus passes etc) Road/pavement cleaning Council - 01732 844 522 Cemeteries Clearing fly tipping Tunbridge Wells Borough Rubbish collection Park & Ride Council - 01892 526121

2 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent Welcome to Contents Around Kent

Kent is inspiring. Whether it comes from its people, history or buildings, an Page 4 All politics is local injection of inspiration is making a difference to life in Page 5 What the inspectors say the county. Page 6-7 A different class altogether This edition of Around Kent shows how Kent is offering, and benefiting from, Page 8-9 Find it and fix it exciting new opportunities. Page 10-11 A vision for 21st century Kent In the magazine, you can see how high speed trains are at the heart of a vision for Kent’s future. Page 12-13 What’s on this spring A new, inspiring approach to school buildings is Page 14 The largest school games in Europe enhancing teaching and learning and, with the help Page 15 Exclusive: The first steps of a dancing star of Dame Kelly Holmes, thousands of schoolchildren are being inspired by the Kent School Games. Page 16 Kent’s lowest council tax increase ever There is also the story of the dance teacher who Page 17 Walks and walking helped the BBC’s dancing judge, Len Goodman, to take the first steps in his enormously Page 18 Why listening to patients is so important successful career. Page 19 Care and support your way This winter has been tough on our roads – freezing temperatures and higher rainfall. Road Page 20 A new way to save and borrow - safely maintenance in the spring is a top priority. The Page 21 Buried treasure pothole and road defects blitz is explained on pages eight and nine. Page 22 Live it well We are proud of the Audit Commission Page 23 Sheep ahoy inspection of Kent County Council, putting Kent at Page 23 Kent souvenirs the top of the premier league table. You will also find the readers’ favourite recommended walk and popular events section. Around Kent is available in Throw in the pub project that led to the uncovering of Saxon archaeology and I hope you alternative formats and can be enjoy what I believe is an inspiring read throughout. explained in a range of languages. Mike Sherburn Please call 01622 694044 for details.

Around Kent is written, designed and published by Kent County Delivered door-to-door throughout Kent by Royal Mail. Council’s Communication and Media Centre, Sessions House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ email: [email protected] While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, neither Around Kent nor Kent Printed by County Council can accept responsibility for any subsequent County Print alterations or for any error, omission or mis-statement in any & Design on material published herein.

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 3 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 My opinion By Paul Carter, Leader, Kent County Council “All politics is local” said ‘Bold Steps for Radical Reform’ is respected American politician Tip about radical devolution to local O’Neill – and he is right! With communities and local government the General Election approaching, at every level, removing the vast we should be putting all parties majority of unelected quangos under the localist microscope. and regional bureaucracy. Schools, health, policing, roads; It shows how real devolution these are all vital public services and empowerment can deliver to local residents and services delivered locally. National substantial savings to the public users, families and local policies need to purse and drive up standards communities. reflect this of public service for us all. In short, we must look at how and put local The General Election many bold steps each of the people and offers a choice and we parties are prepared to take communities in should all take it. towards radical reform. much greater The national economy, the By doing so, we will get a much control. expenses scandal and the clearer idea of how seriously they Earlier this year, squeeze on public funds will intend to save money and how they I launched a all feature prominently in the will improve the vital, local public discussion paper national debate. services on which we all depend. called ‘Bold Steps But, in tackling the budget for Radical situation and the crisis of What do you think? Reform’. It’s been well received by confidence in national politics, we Email Paul with your views all political parties and calls for need to look at what the parties to [email protected] or greater local powers to improve are offering for local communities write to him at Leader’s local services and save a lot of and local government that will put Office, Sessions House, public money – your money and them in control, shifting power Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ. my money – in the process. from the corridors of Whitehall Chief executive to step down

In May, Peter Gilroy will step Mr Gilroy said: “My time at Kent social services in the county of down as Chief Executive of Kent has been an incredible journey and Kent, empowering elderly and County Council as he moves into has been both inspiring and vulnerable people to take back as his sixth year in the job. He was rewarding. I will always have a much control as possible over their previously Director of Social fondness for the place and its own lives. As Chief Executive he Services and, in both roles, has people and hope that the council has always challenged orthodoxy helped the council develop its continues to go from strength and been a champion of innovation reputation for innovation and high to strength.” in the way public services are quality services. The last five years Paul Carter, Leader of the delivered. It has been a privilege have been Kent’s most successful council, said: “Peter Gilroy has to work with him and I wish him in terms of performance. been instrumental in transforming all the very best for the future.”

4 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent What the inspectors say - Kent top of the premier league

“Innovative” and “farsighted” - Kent is England’s top performing county council Kent is the only county council to be “performing excellently” and to win RE two green flags for exceptional POR Name: T C performance or innovation that Kent ARD Date County others can learn from, in the Audit : 200 Counc Ins 9/2010 il pecto Commission’s new Comprehensive r: Th e Audi Area Assessment. t Comm How h ission The assessment is the league as Ke Ken nt pe t Coun rfor table for the performance of all ty Cou med: resid ncil cl ents an early u local authorities in England and d targe ndersta ts thes nds wh T e with g at ma was published in December. This he coun reat ef tters to cil dem fect. Kent is the eighth year in a row that a n onstra umber tes clea of its r inno Kent County Council has got man key pri vation y case ority a and si s. reas, ex gnifica the top possible overall rating. ceedin nt out g chall comes Import enging in The report was in two parts: ant ser target e vices s s in ducati uch as one covering Kent County on are adult good. social c are, saf Council as an organisation Le eguard adershi ing ch p is far ildren and the other covering Kent sighted and and st as a county, looking at The cou rong. ncil ha co s an ex partnership working across nfiden cellent ce for f track Si urther record i the public sector, and with gnifica improv n deliv nt num ements ery, pro supp bers of . viding other sectors. orted to youn impro g peopl The green flags were worki ve their e, adul ng. A w skills ts and ide ra throug famili won for the way Kent learnin nge of h very es are b g are succes effecti eing availab sful pr ve part County Council and its le acro ogramm nershi In ss this es for p novati large c traini partners work together ve work ounty. ng and tran ing be sform tween t in “improving and ing how he coun welco local ty and ming G people a distri developing skills to atewa ccess p ct coun bring y shops ublic s cils in access found ervices Kent i meet the economic i to mos in sev . The br s nclude t publi en tow ight a needs in the county” the se c servic n cent nd or rvices o es toge res acr ganisa f a wid ther un oss Ken and for “Gateways”. tions. e variet der one t y of vo roof. Th luntar ese als Visit y and o commu www.direct.gov.uk/ nity oneplace Detailed assessments of social care and education can be found on the websites of Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, which is also introducing a new system of regulation, called essential standards of quality and safety. Visit www.cqc.org.uk for more information.

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 5 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 A different class altogether…

What are your memories of schools? Blackboards and board rubbers? Row after row of desks? Long, dark, narrow corridors?

A revolution in education is The days of traditional, stand at the way children learn. coming to Kent, thanks to a “once the front and give ‘em the The changes are designed to in a generation opportunity” for knowledge teaching are now create schools that relate to life Kent’s secondary schools – and it long gone. in the 21st century and represent, will leave today’s pupils with some or even mirror, the world outside What happens when? very different memories. – to give children an insight into Take a step into one of the Areas of higher deprivation and higher education and the world county’s 21st century schools and lower educational attainment will of work. you would hardly recognise it as a see the benefit first. New teaching spaces, which school at all. In fact, these new Schools in Thanet and Gravesham look a bit like plazas, are being cathedrals of learning have more are first in the programme, along created and they are very in common with a modern office with Swale, and are due to be different from traditional than their Victorian predecessors finished in 2014. classrooms. They are open, – with wide open spaces, Next will be Dover and Shepway, flexible spaces where students plenty of computers, and light, followed by Canterbury and then can gather in groups and work airy rooms. Ashford, to finish in 2015. together. There are comfy chairs Radical change is coming in the After that, Dartford and Sevenoaks and computers as well as tables way schools are built, thanks to will be followed by Maidstone and and chairs. significant investment from Kent then Tonbridge and Tunbridge This more open plan County Council and central Wells, finishing in 2017. environment suits project work government in the Building Across the county,134 schools and encourages children have to Schools for the Future will benefit. be more independent in their programme. learning, organising themselves Variation, diversity and choice In their place is a different and having more choice over how are at the heart of the new approach, built around teaching working and learning is done. buildings, with pupils, parents and through project work and giving The approach also helps teachers all having been asked pupils the chance to work on children see the relevance about how the space for learning those projects in different ways. of education in every should be designed. And it’s having a huge impact on subject.

6 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent

New Line Learning is Maidstone’s first Academy and was built in a similar way to the new schools.

Teachers there said: “The critical thing is that “This is a once in a generation “They look after the building engagement levels go up. opportunity to transform Kent’s and respect it. The freedom it The children have choices schools,” said Sarah Hohler, Kent gives also helps to support more that they don’t have in County Council’s Cabinet academic and vocational choice. conventional classrooms.” member for Children, Families The whole of this programme has and Education. “These new a transformational effect on young “Old fashioned classrooms schools are completely different people and on how well they do encourage children to be from the old ones. in school.” spoon fed and haven’t Talking to children about how helped with independent New schools opening in 2010 new buildings are put together thought. The plaza Ifield Special School is already open has been an important part of environment inspires Technology College will the process. children to think about open in summer 2010 Rebecca Spore, programme things in a different way.” St John’s Catholic Comprehensive manager for the project, said: School will open in summer 2010 “Students are turning around to “Teachers are facilitators us and saying they’re really rather than following the Thamesview School will open in summer 2010 pleased that the features they more static approach to wanted are in the plans.” teaching.” St George’s Church of England The new buildings are also School will open in summer 2010 designed to be accessible and Pupils said: approachable so that local “They’re much better “No more narrow corridors communities can feel comfortable than normal classrooms. and small classrooms – and young with them too. Parents are Normal classrooms have people have really responded to encouraged to take part in out of got tables and chairs. These the new spaces. school hours activities and the have got… computers, “They are really proud to be a schools will act as a hub for they’re comfortable.” member of one of these schools. the community. “Different schools don’t have this. We’re lucky to have it – it’s just better.”

Visit www.kent.gov.uk and search for ‘Building Schools for the Future’.

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 7 Pothole bonanza: Find it and fix it

The rash of potholes caused by severe winter conditions in December, January and February have left Kent’s road repair crews with a lot to do. The coldest and wettest winter periods of sub-zero temperatures spent (and more if necessary) on for years caused huge damage to experienced in Kent and other a major pothole repair blitz when Kent’s roads. parts of the country, combined the weather conditions improved. Potholes and broken road with the constant freezing, It has not been possible to do surfaces are the unavoidable thawing, refreezing and very permanent repairs while road result of the exceptionally long heavy rainfall. structures have remained affected But we have been preparing for by frost and a very high water action, and the arrival of spring will table. However, more than 60 see an army of road maintenance maintenance crews did work right crews on the county’s roads through the winter carrying out carrying out a comprehensive thousands of emergency repair programme. temporary repairs, particularly for Plans for this were laid right at safety reasons. the start of the year when Kent Mr Carter said: “I want to see County Council Leader, Paul real quality workmanship on Carter, announced an extra Kent’s roads. I want to see the £1million to £2million would be extra money we are making

8 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent available delivered as far as 55 60 possible by local small and 50 5 A one-minute medium-sized firms who have given us competitive 45 10 prices. The work will be on guide to potholes 40 a ‘find and fix’ traditional 15 piece-work basis to agreed 35 20 and repairs quality standards, providing 30 25 real incentives to hard-working, properly-equipped crews to You can report a pothole by visiting maximise the jobs they can finish www.kent.gov.uk/highways or calling 08458 247 800 in a day. “I also want to see a return to p Most potholes are caused by p Kent Highway Services fixes more localism where local what is known as freeze-thaw. faults that have been found companies take pride in how they Water gets into small cracks by a highway inspector or look after their area. That is why I in the road’s surface caused have been reported by a am re-introducing the ‘pride in by normal traffic. When this member of the public, parish your patch’ approach to our winter water freezes it expands, council or district council. road repair initiative, with firms which can cause damage Reporting a pothole helps tasked to focus on local areas.” under the surface of the identify where they are. The successful firms for this road. When the ice melts, it p In general, potholes are given spring pothole blitz will be leaves an empty space and a particular priority announced at the start of April. each time the cycle is depending on how severe Very quickly after this, people repeated, that space gets they are. A dangerous will start seeing the results on bigger. Traffic driving over this problem will be repaired the ground. weak spot can make the more rapidly. When there is surface cave in, creating a lot of damage to the roads, a pothole. crews will concentrate on an p Kent Highway Services fixes area, rather than individual potholes by filling them in so faults, to make the roads and that the road surface is level. pavements safe. The aim is to make the It’s not all about size either. repairs permanent. A The priority is making the temporary repair will be road safe, so a small, more made to make the road safe dangerous hole will be if a permanent repair can’t repaired before a large, less be carried out at that time. dangerous one. This might happen if the p During the winter, potholes location is somewhere the are filled to make them safe. repair crew can’t carry out However, at the end of the work safely and further winter, the roads are traffic control is needed. If reviewed to find out if a the road is wet or icy, a section of road needs to be permanent repair might resurfaced completely. be unsuccessful. p Resurfacing starts in the spring.

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 9 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 Unveiling a vision for

The day starts at London St Pancras The terminus at St Pancras

Sir Terry Farrell and Paul Carter discuss the vision with a 200-strong audience at the Quarterhouse, World-renowned architect and Kent resident Sir Terry Farrell – who created the famous MI6 building in London – and Kent County Council Leader Paul Guests arrive for the first presentation On to High Speed 1 for Ebbsfleet Carter have launched ‘21st Century Kent’ and ‘Unlocking Kent’s Potential’ ,setting out how the county will look in 20 to 30 years’ time. You can visit www.kent.gov.uk/21stcenturykent s e i t i to find out more. r u c e

S The ground-breaking promotion

d n a

L followed the High Speed 1 route

: t i d e

r from St Pancras to Ebbsfleet, C Discussing the vision at Ebbsfleet How Ebbsfleet Valley may look in 25 years Ashford and Folkestone to help illustrate the transformation this – the UK’s only high speed rail service – will have on the county. Members of Parliament, local politicians, community representatives, tourist chiefs and business leaders were told that 21st Century Kent displayed the same vision shown by the www.kent.gov.uk/ Paul Carter explains his vision Kevin Lynes, KCC Cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development 10 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent 21st century Kent z i b . e k r a l c s e m a j . w w w

e k r a l C

s e m a J

y b High quality housing Sir Terry Farrell and Paul Carter y h p a r g o t o h p

t n e v E Victorians, whose far-reaching approach to development saw vast infrastructure projects like the Underground completed before a single house had been built. They prepared for the massive housing The audience came from all sectors The journey continues on High Speed 1 boom that followed. Mr Carter said: “Visionary forward planning is exactly what Kent needs now. What the m o c . y

Victorians started in the 19th h p a r g

Century, we need again in Kent.” o t o h p

Sir Terry, who lives in , l a r t n

said: “Kent is the UK’s front door e c

: t i d

– it has the UK’s only high speed e r rail line, two international rail C Next stop Ashford On to the Quaterhouse, Folkestone stations and a major regional airport. It also has the UK’s most diverse and thriving coastline and is perfectly placed for growth.” p Find out more about the county council’s plans for housing and the ‘Growth without Gridlock’ transport plan in the next edition of Around Kent. /21stcenturykent Sir Terry Farrell Paul Carter describes how the vision will improve our quality of life

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 11 your guide on where to go and what to see this spring and summer

Dancing round the maypole Seal and Wildlife Watching Trips including a jeweller, leatherworker Hever Castle and Gardens Royal Harbour, and fletcher. Call 01732 865224 1 to 3 May Wednesday 12 May, 10am or visit www.hevercastle.co.uk Welcome in the spring with Cruise at your leisure to see these traditional maypole dancing and beautiful creatures in the River Operation Dynamo Dunkirk morris men. Call 01732 865224 or Stour. You will never forget the Anniversary Weekend visit www.hevercastle.co.uk excitement when you spot your first wild seal. Don’t forget your 29 to 31 May ‘I Never Stopped Loving You’ binoculars! Call 07837 562076 or To mark the 70th anniversary of Droit House, visit www.seasearcher.co.uk the evacuation of troops from From 1 May France, visit Dover Castle to Part of Turner Contemporary. 1940s weekend commemorate the ‘Miracle of A neon installation by acclaimed Kent and East Sussex Railway Dunkirk’. Call 0870 333 1181 or artist Tracey Emin. Visit 15 and 16 May visit www.english-heritage.org.uk www.turnercontemporary.org Step back in time to the 1940s with a trip on the Kent and East Have a go archery Kent County Fair Sussex Railway. Call 01580 Powell-Cotton Museum House The Hop Farm, 765155 or visit www.kesr.org.uk and Gardens Saturday 1 May Monday 31 May Enjoy a great value weekend package Macmillan sponsored walk Point and shoot archery in the or a fun-packed family day out Penshurst Place and Gardens garden with Thanet Archery Club. with undercover entertainment! Sunday 16 May, 11am Call 01843 842168 or visit Call 01622 872068 or visit Join a sponsored walk for www.quexmuseum.org www.thehopfarm.co.uk Macmillan Cancer Support to help people affected by cancer. To Jousting at the field of the Plant Fair Weekend register call 01252 714818, email cloth of gold [email protected]. Leeds Castle 8 and 9 May, 10am - 4pm uk or visit 1 to 6 June Visit the marquee with thousands www.macmillan.org.uk/walking Fearless knights on horseback of plants to tempt your green performing daredevil stunts, fights fingers. Call 01304 202756 or visit King Henry VIII and his and falls in an authentic jousting www.nationaltrust.org.uk Courtiers arena against the historic Hever Castle and Gardens backdrop of the medieval castle. 29 to 31 May Call 01622 880008 or visit Join the lively hustle and bustle of www.leeds-castle.com the King’s visit with craftsmen

12 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent

Dickens Festival Rochester A selection of Creative Foundation 4 to 6 June events in Folkestone Join thousands of visitors and soak up the Victorian atmosphere, Sacconi Chamber Music Festival while parades make their way 14 - 16 May through central Rochester each The Sacconi String Quartet are joined by day. Call 01634 843666 or visit eminent guest performers for their third www.whatsonmedway.co.uk annual series of concerts at St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church. www.sacconi.com Summer Concerts Bedgebury National Pinetum Quarterhouse and Forest Tontine Street, Folkestone 11 and 12 June Box office 01303 858500 www.quarterhouse.co.uk Keane and Simply Red will perform as part of the Forestry Commission Boogie Pete’s Partytime Stand Up! Folkestone Live Music series. For full details Sunday 16 May, 2.30pm Comedy Festival call 01580 879842 or visit Pete Hillier, from the BAFTA 28 - 31 May www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk award-winning Cbeebies TV Featuring a show Boogie Beebies, brings a great line- Margate’s Big Event fun-filled party to the stage with up of Kent’s Leading Air and fantastic songs and dances for headliners, Land Festival children and families. including Saturday 19 June Chris A full flying display each day Eric Knowles Antiques Antics Addison, alongside some of the country’s Saturday 22 May late night top street entertainers. Live music 2.30pm valuations / 3.30pm show comedy and much more, makes Margate’s Antiques Roadshow favourite clubs and Big Event a great family day out. Eric Knowles talks about life free events Call 01843 577167 or visit in the antiques business and for families. www.thanet.gov.uk/margatesbigevent values items brought in by audience members. The Coal Porters Dockyard celebration plus support from Blue Town, Cocos Lovers 26 and 27 June Friday 11 June, 8pm Fifty years after the dockyard’s The Coal Porters bring their hugely closure, celebrate with costumed popular blend of bluegrass folk storytellers as they take you and country to Quarterhouse, through the ages, from 1660 to joined by Deal-based folk 1960, with tales of its rich musicians Cocos Lovers. heritage. Call 01795 662981 or visit www.bluetownheritagecentre.com The information listed opposite was supplied by Visit Kent. For more information about tourism in Kent, ideas for days out or more events information go to www.visitkent.co.uk

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 13 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010

Kent School Games 2010

The largest school games in Europe For inform ation o the g n ames o go to o Three cheers for sport: Sean Chaffey P&O Ferries, John Davies KCC Chairman, Dame Kelly Holmes, fficial m ur edia KCC Leader Paul Carter and Hugh Robertson MP. ww partne w.ken r: tonline Unique and exciting – sport games. The double Olympic gold .co.uk for Kent’s schoolchildren has medalist has based her clarion call experience never been so big. for more competitive sport in of a major The 2010 Kent School Games is schools on the Kent model. sporting competition taking place believed to be the biggest school Dame Kelly said: “We have to at venues across Kent.” sports event in Europe with more make sports available for everyone, All the competitors are than 30,000 children competing in make people feel part of between four and 16 years old almost 40 different sporting something special and make sport and the finals will take place in disciplines. And more than 1,000 an integral part of life.” June and July, bringing together of those taking part will take She added that the 2008 games more than 6,000 children. home medals. had been an inspiration. This year’s event is just the Now the pioneering event, “It was the mass participation second time the games have been funded and organised by Kent and how so many people and contested. The number of sports County Council, could be copied agencies were running the events: has jumped from 23 to 38 with right across the country. the council, schools, teachers and new disciplines including Boccia (a Dame Kelly Holmes drove young people that came on board. bit like bowls), Futsal (like indoor home the importance of Kent’s I thought it was absolutely brilliant football with a heavier ball), groundbreaking work in putting and a great model to replicate trampolining and table cricket (a on this landmark of sporting around the country. They didn’t have version of cricket for disabled development when she launched this when I was at school.” people). Beach volleyball has been this year’s “This is much more than a included too, alongside gymnastics sports day,” said Mike Hill, and Tri-Golf, which is designed for Cabinet member for children. There will also be Community Services. “The aim demonstrations of cheerleading is to encourage as many young and rock climbing to help people as possible to get students learn about new involved as an athlete, volunteer activities they might like to try for or supporter – to enjoy the the first time.

14 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 “Without Pauline I would not have Ex clusive to A round danced at all” Kent

Best foot forward, quickstep this way – it’s time to meet the dance teacher who helped a national favourite on his way. Len Goodman, the charming, different life paths since that first perfectionist head judge from the meeting. Just a couple of weeks BBC’s hugely popular Strictly ago, Len started work on the 10th Come Dancing, started his dancing series of life thanks to a kind-hearted in Hollywood, California. Before woman who now lives in one of Christmas, he finished the seventh Kent’s new extra care apartments. series of . B allroom an It was 45 years ago when Pauline, who started dancing e in her d Latin Paulin , Tango er days Salsa , Pauline Wells met a 21-year-old when she was 15, also worked at young and S da treet Len Goodman. He had been the BBC but left when she was 19 nce cla sses ar ava e all injured playing football and his to start teaching dance. She married and ilable t hrough doctor told him that dancing Leslie Wells when she was 33 and evenings www.k entadu ed lt would help his foot recover. His he was 37. They went on their first and ucatio n.co.uk parents danced at the school date in January and were married someone stays where Mrs Wells was a teacher in September 1967. Mr Wells was with her husband and so he came along – bringing never a dancer and before they when she has to go shopping. his girlfriend with him. When they got married, Mrs Wells had to King Edward Court is part of split up later, he paired up with teach him how to waltz for the the £72million Better Homes the dance school owner’s first dance at their wedding. Active Lives project, a partnership daughter to take his exams. The couple moved in to King between Kent County Council From there, he never looked Edward Court extra care scheme and 10 of the county’s district back, going from strength to in last summer. Pauline, councils that has built 340 strength and starting a career as a now 76, is the main carer for her homes across the county. All the professional dancer. husband Leslie. She gets help housing schemes are managed by Pauline and Len have had very caring for him in the mornings Housing 21.

“I have Pauline to thank for getting me started with learning to dance. Without Pauline I would not have danced at all, as I did not enjoy my first dance lesson experience and had no intentions of returning the following week. However it was Pauline who pulled me to one side when leaving and her kind words persuaded me to have another go the following week and it was her words of encouragement that brought me back each week” Len Goodman

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 15 m o c . s e g a m i e r a c

f o

y s e t r u o c

o t o h Kent’s loP west council

www. tax increase ever k ent.g ov.uk/ cou Kent County Council increased council tax by 2.1% this year – nciltax the lowest ever rise in the 17 years since council tax was introduced. This is equivalent to a 41 pence KCC Leader Paul Carter said: “Tough decisions have had to be made a week rise for a Band D to deliver our budget, but with our residents facing the impact of the property – from £1,026.27 to recession, it is more essential than ever to spend public money £1,047.78 – and has given Kent wisely and deliver good value for every pound spent.” the ninth lowest Band D rate of any comparable authority. Kent is what it is all about. years by making services more Kent residents were consulted It is also important to keep efficient. An extra £26million on what they considered to be Kent moving. For a second year should be saved next year, the most important priorities running, an extra £10million has making KCC the top performing and this has had a major influence gone towards maintaining the council for achieving efficiency on KCC’s budget considerations more than 5,000 miles of roads savings. A further £200million of for the year ahead. and 4,000 miles of pavements that savings will need to be made over An additional £6.5million will be we are responsible for. This is on the next three years to balance spent by Kent Adult Social top of the already announced the books. Services to support vulnerable additional £1million to carry John Simmonds, KCC Cabinet adults. Following the tragic events out a pothole bonanza (see pages member for Finance, said: “If I had at Haringey with Baby Peter, and 8 and 9). to choose a theme for this budget elsewhere, an additional An extra £10million has been I would say it is ‘difficult decisions £5.3million has been found to found to meet the additional in difficult times’. I believe we have strengthen children’s social costs of supporting a £1.5billion got the right priorities in this services as they face a 21.2% capital programme. It is hoped budget, as evidenced by our increase in referrals. that Kent businesses will benefit additonal support for vulnerable As Kent’s population continues substantially from this ambitious adults and children. To continue to to grow, demand for many council programme. This will improve suport our crucial frontline services is rising. The council schools, highways and public services we know we have got to supports around 250,000 children buildings such as museums, make economies and to achieve of school age and 30,000 people galleries and libraries. this we will have to do things who receive care in their own Kent County Council has saved differently, and that’s what we’ve homes. Serving the people of £110million over the last three done with this budget.”

16 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent

Explore Kent Walking Festival Free Family 24 April - 31 July 2010 Fun Day Enjoy the majesty of Kent’s The Festival will offer easy access Help get the festival started beautiful countryside and coast walks that are ideal for families with a free Family Fun Day this summer with the Explore with young children and people on Saturday 24 April at Kent Walking Festival. There with disabilities. Special interest Road Community Park, are more than 1,000 walks to walks such as wartime, woodland, Canterbury, CT2 0AA. choose from. vineyard, food and photography Enjoy free guided walks, family Highlights include guided walks will also be available. entertainment and much more. exploring hidden gems in North Find and book your perfect walk Bring a picnic or sample some of Kent, heritage in Gravesham and with the new easy-to-use Explore the tasty food on offer. A great the spectacular coast of Thanet. Kent Guided Walks website. family day out! For more walks like this or for information about the Explore Kent Walking Festival, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent or call 08458 247600. Kingsdown and Circular Walk

If guided walks are not for you, why not walk at your leisure? Enjoy the sea air and discover a wealth of history on an easily accessible coastal walk through Kingsdown and Walmer. This short coastal walk, just a grassland of special importance to the Channel to France. The site stone’s throw from the villages local wildlife. was also a World War I of Kingsdown and Walmer, offers On a clear day it provides aerodrome, now housing a excellent views from Hawkshill wonderful views across the memorial to the pilots who flew Freedown, a piece of chalky surrounding countryside and over from here and never returned.

Location: Kingsdown and The walk passes by Walmer, CT14 7LJ Walmer Castle, which is Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5km), open to the public all allow 1 hour 30 minutes Explorer Map: 138 year round. Originally Terrain: field paths and surfaced built during the reign of paths with some gentle slopes Henry VIII, the castle Parking: there is parking was part of a chain of available near the castle on coastal artillery defences. Kingsdown Road Refreshments & facilities: there Walmer was also once are shops and a pub in Walmer the official residence of Public Transport: Walmer is the the Lord Warden of the nearest train station (1.5miles) Cinque Ports. Along with Step Count: approx 4,375 the castle and the beautiful surrounding gardens, visitors can take advantage of the tea rooms.

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 17 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 Why listening to patients is so important

Recent national media stories have highlighted some tragic incidents and appalling treatment in health and hospitals. These stories, such as accounts nurse. She believes the service is from Mid Staffordshire Hospital, an effective way of talking to show how vital it is that patients’ patients. With support from the voices are heard. Patients Association, the Health Kent Health Watch is doing just Watch approach could be copied that – listening to complaints and across the country after the compliments about health and General Election. social care in the county. Where Claire Rayner said: “Any council there are clusters of complaints, that is trying to listen to concerns Calls to Kent Health Watch these can act as an early warning from patients and carers gets the from patients across the system for professionals. thumbs up in my book.” county have shown some of Kent County Council Cabinet Mr Marsh added: “The the major concerns. member for Public Health, Alan probability of this scheme being These include: Marsh, said: “Kent Health Watch is rolled out across the country is p not being able to find an more than a number, it’s a catalyst important news because it shows NHS dentist for change. The focus is on getting the service we are providing is p appointments with GPs it right for the people of Kent.” absolutely required.” and consultants Kent Health Watch has now Kent Health Watch is also p establishing and maintaining joined forces with the Patients working with the NHS, helping high standards of cleanliness Association and its president them raise awareness of organ p getting an infection while Claire Rayner, a passionate donation to bring down in hospital campaigner for quality care and the current two-year waiting p getting rid of hospital patients’ rights – and a former list time. infections.

Talk to us about your experiences of health and social care 08458 247 103 [email protected] www.kent.gov.uk/healthwatch textphone 08458 247 905 we’re here to listen

There is a person at the end of the line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, waiting to listen to your complaints or compliments on health and social care Run by Kent County Council, in partnership with the NHS, it provides an effective way to make everyone’s voice heard

18 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Around Kent Care and support - your way

People have told us they want more say in how their care and support is organised so social care for adults is changing in a big way in Kent. People Fo can now get a personal budget. r more inform This is money from Kent Adult Social Services that people use to arrange their ation a dire bout s cted s elf care and support in ways that suit them. This new way of doing things is called upport oppo and th self directed support and is for those who need assistance with the day to day rtuniti e es that w come things that many people don’t think twice about, such as getting up and ready ith it, ww visit for the day or leaving home to go to work or visit friends. w.ken t.gov.u ca k/sds o Self directed support means individuals can be more involved than before in how ll 0845 r 8 247 care is provided. Some people will want to do this for themselves or with their 100. family. For others, independent advisors/brokers or Kent Adult Social Services can help.

Kent resident Ian Devereux talks with someone in my condition? straight forward Visa debit card. about his experience of receiving My case manager looked at me You can’t get into debt using it self directed support through and the family as a whole and that and you can do telephone Kent Adult Social Services. was when we started talking banking so it’s just like every In April 2007, I married about self directed support. Quite other account – you just manage Denise. We had a big early on, it became clear that the money that’s in that account f“amily wedding, a big organising my own support and record where it’s all going. celebration. While and using the Kent Card to I use my direct payment to pay we were organising do this was probably going to a self employed personal the wedding I felt be the way to go. assistant who helps me with fairly rough and Instead of Kent Adult Social some of the everyday tasks that pretty run down, Services organising, supplying I can no longer do myself. I call but we put that and directly paying for my her in when I need her and pay down to support, I decided to do this for her time and mileage. I also everything that was going on myself. I wanted more control use a local care agency. with the wedding. and flexibility over the support Having access to A week after our wedding, I I get and when I get it. very simple ended up in hospital with an I chose to take my things can make illness that has left me unable personal budget as a direct a huge to walk. payment, so I get the difference to the I was discharged from hospital money for my way you live your in mid November. About a week support paid life. The beauty of later a case manager from Kent directly to me, and this system is it Adult Social Services came to can organise things helped us get back see me. He realised very quickly myself. some kind of normal routine, that my condition meant we My direct or as normal as you can now had major problems and payment is paid make it. My support, in this the biggest problem was for my onto my Kent way, helped me to get wife. How was she going to cope Card, which is a my family life back. ” www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 19 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 Borrow safely, save with confidence A new way to save and sharks, Kent Savers has a range of using the Pay borrow money is up and ways for people to borrow – Point network. running in Kent. from £200 to £5,000. A typical £500 Tough times can leave people Kent Savers approaches every loan will cost with big challenges when it comes customer as an individual with £10 per week to money and there have been specific needs. Because of that, for 57 weeks. some horror stories of people staff will work hard to find the The total falling prey to loan sharks and right loan offer for each person repaid is £570 ending up paying thousands of and family. This can mean weekly, (APR of 26.8%). pounds just in interest. fortnightly, four-weekly or monthly There are also save-as-you- Kent Savers has been set up to repayments as well as repayments borrow loans, which clear the help people find extra cash when to suit your budget, repayment loan and leave you with a pot of they need it most – even when holidays and no early redemption savings, and flexi-loans where the the bank says no. It is penalties. All borrowers are also amount you pay back can vary. independently run and was set up automatically given a savings Visit www.kentsavers.co.uk or using money from a range of account, so they can save money call 0300 456 9990 for more investors, including £350,000 from as they repay their loans. information. Kent Savers is run by Kent County Council. A poor credit history will not an independent board and is Helping people to avoid the necessarily affect your application authorised by the Financial anguish of borrowing from loan and you will be able to pay weekly Services Authority. Kent County Council is helping people to fight back against illegal money lenders with the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ initiative. Visit www.kent.gov.uk and search for ‘loan sharks’ to find more information. Could you give a child a home? KCC is looking for people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supporting family home. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community but we are particularly interested to hear from prospective adopters for children with complex needs, black and minority ethnic children, disabled children and sibling groups of two, three or more.

For an information pack, phone 0845 330 2968, check out our website www.kent.gov.uk/adoption

20 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Around Kent Just popping to the shops for some buried treasure… A dazzling array of hidden gems has gone on show in a shopping centre – from 1,400 years Visit w ago when the kingdom of Kent was emerging. ww.can terbur trust. y co.uk/m eads0 The haul includes more than made the finds at The Meads, said: “The fo 1 r more 2,500 objects, including weapons, , while the site was presence info rmatio brooches, dress accessories, being cleared in May 2008 to of some n. decorative coloured “I found this really build houses and a pub. very rich glass beads and interesting - I would One of the volunteers graves suggested that the area vessels. They were never have gone to a was Emma Maria Payne, was important at the time the recovered from museum to see this who got involved ahead kingdom of Kent was emerging.” 229 graves from sort of thing. Very of her conservators’ The Conservation Science intriguing, be nice if a prehistoric and study course. She said the Investigation at The Forum in it stayed.” Visitor Anglo-Saxon project had helped Sittingbourne town centre burial ground. inexperienced graduates and had opened last year, organised by Local volunteers have helped been “accessible to anybody with Canterbury Archaeological Trust, bring the buried treasure to life, a reasonably steady conservator Dana “It was really cool, I’m meticulously cleaning and hand”. Goodburn-Brown starting A-level history preparing the finds under a “I was let loose on because of things like and Sittingbourne microscope. And more than 7,000 the proper Anglo- this” Visitor Heritage Museum. shoppers have taken the chance Saxon finds and, over Funding came from to watch volunteers at work. the following weeks, worked on a Marston’s Inns and Taverns and a Most precious is a perfectly variety of objects including shield grant from Kent County Council. preserved pair of glass drinking bosses, knives, spear heads and a cups from a Saxon warrior’s cremation urn,” she said. grave, placed either side of his The dig also unearthed evidence forehead. The cups were round- of insects, grave packing materials, bottomed and textiles, wood and “What a fantastic thing would have been to come shopping and to intricate decorations, passed around at be able to find out what such as a tiny inlaid feasts. A warrior’s the Sittingbourne area gold arrow on an sword, shield and was like in Saxon times iron spearhead. spear were found and to be close to the KCC County in the same grave. finds. We need more Archaeologist, exhibits like this.” Archaeologists Visitor Lis Dyson,

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 21 Around Kent Spring/Summer 2010 Live it Well – have your say When people are stressed, anxious or depressed, they don’t feel at their best.

Now, for the first time ever, The strategy includes a vision there is going to be a local for a mental health system that strategy for promoting mental promotes positive mental health and wellbeing – and making health and wellbeing, intervenes sure people with mental health early, provides personal care and needs get the care they need. It is focuses on helping people called Live it Well. recover. Health and social care The draft strategy and a survey commitments. Any changes professionals have got together to about it are available through that people suggest will be write a first draft of this strategy www.kent.gov.uk or the websites considered for the final version. – with input from people who use of NHS West Kent and Eastern I would urge everyone to take services and their carers. and Coastal Kent. a look and let us know what Now everyone can have a Lauretta Kavanagh, Director you think.” say. From 2 April until 7 May, of Commissioning for Mental Live it Well ties in with New there is an opportunity to Health for Kent and , said: Horizons, the new national comment on the draft of Live “We hope people will let us know strategy for mental health. it Well and to influence the whether they think the strategy Visit www.liveitwell.org.uk for final version, which will be covers the right things in the tips on promoting your mental published in the summer. right way and makes the right health and wellbeing. Wanted! KCC needs foster carers to help children from Kent who need time away from their families. We offer a range of benefits including a significant financial reward and comprehensive training, along with supervision and professional support from a specialist social worker. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community but you will need to have a spare bedroom, patience and the flexibility needed to support children and young people. To find out more phone 0845 330 2968, visit www.kent.gov.uk/fostering or visit one of our information sessions which run from 7pm to 8.30pm: Thursday 15 April - Pfizers Sports & Social Club, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich CT13 9QL Wednesday 19 May - St. Paul’s Church Hall, Road, Maidstone ME14 2AL Tuesday 15 June - Alexander Centre, Preston Street, ME13 8NY Tuesday 13 July - Cecil Road Primary School, Cecil Road, DA11 7BT

22 www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 Spring/Summer 2010 Kent souvenirs Sheep Ahoy!

Produced in Kent, the champions of local food and drink producers, will have the county leaping into action this y spring with the re-launch of its fascinating ‘Sheep Ahoy!’ t i t l n e a c Order form a i t u r

Pop down to your local tourist most notably in New Zealand. o T P Q visitor centre to pick up your free Then it’s time to saddle up and Tie - navy silk with white Invicta £12 copy or visit the get on your bike and ride, as the horse emblems Produced in trail takes the visitor Baseball cap - red/blue £3 Keyring - metal with Invicta £5 Kent website to on a stunning bike ride horse emblem download a that begins at New Whisky glass or wine glass * £10 copy of the A5 Romney, meanders - cut crystal Lapel pin - enamel Invicta £3 colour guide, through farmland and horse emblem which will grazing sheep, past nine Mug - white with horse £4 provide lots ancient churches – each Brooch - solid silver Invicta £42 horse emblem of family fun with a fascinating history Visor * - (Garden of England) £3 for the – and numerous historic White/navy trim or perfect inns for a well earned Stone/navy trim Baseball cap * - (Garden of England) £3 ‘Staycation’ rest and hearty lunch. Navy/red trim or this Easter Produced in Kent has Stone/green trim holiday. also included all the finest Women’s long sleeved t-shirt * £5 White or navy S M L ‘Sheep lamb producers and Short sleeved t-shirt * £5 Ahoy!’ charts the butchers in the surrounding Navy or olive S L XL rich history of the Romney area. And if you fancy a little Polo shirt * £8 Marsh, with its hugely successful home cooking over the Easter Navy/stone trim or sheep farming and wool industry, break there’s a delicious recipe Stone/navy trim SML XL over many centuries. The guide for ‘Lamb Rump with Jerusalem Sweatshirt * £8 takes the visitor through the tale Artichoke Puree and Redcurrant Navy or stone SMLXL of the great storms of the 13th Gravy’, devised by Woods Microfleece * 2 NPlaeavsye oadrd s t£o3n pe& p onSML all XL for century, the activities of the Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. orders except the lapel pin Romans and Saxons and the Visit www.producedinkent.co.uk *Please circle size/colour emergence of a very special breed Please send completed order of sheep – the ‘Romney’ form, enclosing cheque made payable to Kent County Council, – which has to Communication and Media influenced the global Centre, Sessions House, County sheep industry, Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XQ. If you have any queries please call 01622 694016 (please note that orders cannot be taken over the telephone) Name Address

Tel number

www.kent.gov.uk 08458 247 247 23