Medway Matters - June/July 2009 by Medway Council

ISSUE 22 June/July 2009 Circulation: 111,978

Fuse Medway Festival page 13

www.medway.gov.uk

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Contacting Medway Council On the internet: Visit www.medway.gov.uk By phone: Call 333333 for enquiries about waste, recycling, roads, traffic management, public transport, green spaces and environmental health (Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm). Phone 332222 for council tax and benefit enquiries. Phone 306000 for all other services. By letter: Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR We have Contact Points providing local access to council services: ● Chatham Riverside One, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4SL Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.15pm, Friday: 8.30am to 4.45pm ●

Gillingham Gillingham Library, High Street, Gillingham, ME7 1BG

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am to 5pm, Tuesday: 10am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm ●

Rainham 1 - 3 Station Road, Rainham, ME8 7RS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9am to 5pm, Wednesday: 9am to 7.30pm Friday: 9am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm ●

Rochester Rochester Library, Eastgate, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EW

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm, Saturday: 10am to 1pm ●

Strood Clocktower, Civic Centre, Strood, ME2 4AU

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.15pm, Friday: 8.30am to 4.45pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Rainham and Strood Contact Points also include Kent Police services ADVERTISEMENT

A SPACE FOR YOU.

www.gre.ac.uk 2

www.medway.gov.uk

0800 005 006 Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

A summer of fun festivals INSIDE Well it’s just about summer and hopefully, as you read this, the sun is out and shining. Roll on those long hazy days and blisteringly hot weekends eating barbecued food with your family and friends. And, of course, don’t forget that summer means one other thing as well. Fun festivals and days out in Medway. For a start there is the Dickens’ Festival, which is held on 29, 30 and 31 May. This annual event has been entertaining us for more than 30 years and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see colourful characters take to the streets of Rochester in a spectacular Victorian celebration of the great writer’s times and work. After that, there is the Fuse Medway Festival. And this year the whole festival is free and open to all as it takes to the streets across Medway. It starts with a bright and brash Bollywood style carnival on 6 June. Then there is a series of weird, wonderful and avante-garde events before the skies are lit up with a fantastic fiery finale on 20 June. To read more about this event, one of the largest free arts festivals in the south east, turn to page 13. After this, Chatham has been given the honour of hosting Britain’s first national Armed Forces’ Day, which will be on Saturday, 27 June. The illustrious military history of Medway, and in particular Chatham dockyard, makes it the obvious choice to hold an event that pays tribute to all servicemen and women past and present that have served their country.The day will be a major spectacle with visiting naval ships, aerial fly-pasts – including the Red Arrows – and marching bands. To find out more about this important day turn to page 7. Following this there are, of course, the Castle Concerts in July with Jools Holland, McFly, the Counterfeit Stones, supported by Hell’s Kitchen finalist Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. In this edition, Medway Matters has five pairs of tickets to give away for these in a competition on page 18. After the concerts there will be a number of small events throughout the holidays which will be rounded off by the Will Adams Festival on 12 September. So, as you can see there is plenty going on throughout Medway John Staples, this summer. Please feel free to use this Medway Matters as a Editor helpful guide about some of the great things happening.

Get running at two Medway races this summer: June sees the first Medway Town & Gown 10k Road Race, followed in July by the third Medway Mile race starting at its new venue of Rochester Castle Gardens. Page 5

A river runs through it Chatham Dockyard’s World Heritage site now includes the River Medway Page 6 Chatham’s future together Find out the latest news about Chatham’s road improvement scheme Page 14-15 Community news Events and news from around Medway. Page 25 What’s on? Find out what’s happening in Medway. Page 28 Spotlight on... Mandy Dike, Associate Director of The World Famous, talks about her work on this year’s Fuse Medway Festival. Page 29 Cover picture: Akademi dance group – Fuse Medway Festival

Mixit SHOUTbOX: Find out how to join Kicks Soccer Centre’s street league and more. Pages 20 and 21

Council Plan 2009: See what the council has planned for this year and its priorities for residents. Pages 16 and 17

National Armed Forces’ Day: The UK’s first ever national Armed Forces’ Day is held at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard in June. Page 7

Medway Youth Parliament: A decade of giving young people a say in their futures Pages 8

Serving You

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S Swine flu facts In recent weeks, we have heard about swine flu and the dangers of it spreading in Britain. The best way to protect yourself and others is to follow good hygiene practice such as always carrying tissues, covering your mouth and nose with tissues when sneezing, binning these tissues after use and washing your hands regularly and thoroughly. Swine flu symptoms are pretty similar to other flu symptoms – fevers, headaches, coughing, sore throat, aches etc. If your are concerned you should look at the NHS website – www.nhs.uk, or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513. If you have taken these steps and are still concerned then call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. You shouldn’t visit your GP because of the danger of passing the illness to others.

Can you choose The Governor? Do you know a school governor who has gone that extra mile to improve a Medway school? The search is on to find the 2009 Medway Governor of the Year. Parents, pupils and teaching staff have been asked to nominate the school governor they believe has done the most to raise standards and aspirations at their school in the past year. The winner of the prestigious title will receive a weekend trip for two people to Paris. Their school will also receive £100 of books for their library. To nominate a governor email info@medwaygovernors.org.uk stating their name, which school they represent and why you are nominating them. The closing date is 17 July.

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Shower to the people A couple is enjoying the benefits of a newly re-fitted bathroom as part of work by Medway Council to improve properties for people with medical needs. Pensioners William and Mary had the improvements made to their council property following medical advice. Their bath was replaced with a wet room shower, slip resistant flooring and a drop down seat being added to the new shower area. In addition, a grab rail was added and the whole area was tiled. A vapour-proof light fitting and a fan have also been installed. William, who has asked for his surname not to be used, said: “I am delighted this has happened. I fall quite a lot. If that happens, Mary can’t help me. I could get stuck in the bath, and I could drown if I had a seizure. “This new bathroom and shower is wonderful. I’m delighted. It will change my life for the better because it will be safer and easier for me to use.” Medway Council’s Housing Team has released an additional £600,000 to pay for work to adapt and improve the council houses of people with health needs. This has enabled the team to work towards improving all council properties that need adaptations to make them useable by disabled people. Half of those waiting have had their grants approved while the rest are being given help obtaining estimates and completing application forms. An additional £50,000 each year will also be released to the team to help keep up with demand. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “This extra money will make a real difference.”

BEFORE

AFTER

Medway Council gives a rundown rented house in Strood a new lease of life A house taken over by Medway Council due to its dilapidated state has been brought back up to scratch. The council began the improvements after becoming the first local authority in the country to be given permission by a residential property tribunal to take over the privately-let property from its landlord. The council was granted an interim management order (IMO) on the six-bedroomed terraced house after the residential property tribunal accepted there was a need to protect the health, safety and welfare

www.medway.gov.uk

of the people living there. The order gave the council four months to bring the four-storey Victorian townhouse in St Mary's Road, Strood, up to a good condition. Private contractor mhs commercial has rewired the house and light fittings have been replaced throughout. A hot water supply has been provided, windows and doors that were frequently smashed by thieves have been replaced with secure double glazing, rooms have been repainted and carpets thick with dirt and grime have

been ripped up and replaced. Environmental health officers also dealt with a rodent problem that had led to one tenant sleeping with rattraps in his bedroom. The order means that the cost of the work will be charged back to the landlord. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “Medway Council is serious about targeting private landlords who openly flout housing regulations and show little or no regard for their tenants' health, safety and well-being.”

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

A helping hand for businesses

Take a run for fun this summer Has the sun inspired you to dig out your trainers and running shorts? If so, then why not sign up for one of two major events taking place in Medway this summer – the Medway Town and Gown and the Medway Mile. The Town and Gown is a new 10 kilometre run organised by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, the leading UK charity focusing on all muscle diseases. More than 2,000 competitors are expected to take part in the event on Sunday, 21 June. The run will start at the Great Lines Heritage Park and loop around Chatham Maritime and St Mary’s Island, providing stunning views of the historic naval landmarks that a week later will host the national Armed Forces’ Day celebrations. There will also be a three kilometre young athletes' race for 11 to 14-year-olds - with prizes in both runs. The Medway Town and Gown 10k is only the second event of its kind run by the charity in the country, joining its counterpart in Oxford, which has been run for 27 years. For more information and details on how to enter, visit the Get Involved section of the campaign website, www.muscular-dystrophy.org. If 10 kilometre is a challenge too far, though, why not sign up for this year’s Medway Mile and be part of Medway’s countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The third annual fun run takes place on Monday, 27 July, the day the Games will begin in three years’ time. The 2009 event is moving to a new and iconic location in the heart of historic Rochester. The Medway Mile, which is the culmination of a week of celebrations, is free to enter and is open to runners and walkers of any age or ability. Participants in previous Medway Miles have included people of all ages including pensioners in their nineties. For more information and to register online, visit www.medway.gov.uk/london2012.

Medway opens up for the 2012 countdown Medway will join the whole country this summer in marking the annual countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Everyone is invited to join in the Open Up weekend of sporting and cultural events across Medway from Friday, 24 to Monday, 27 July, as part of nationwide celebrations to mark three years until the start of London 2012. The celebrations in Medway will include family sports sessions at some of the venues hoping to host Olympic and Paralympic teams as they prepare for the London games. For full details of the Open Up weekend events in Medway and to register for the Medway Mile visit www.medway.gov.uk/london2012.

Serving You

Medway companies can access a package of grants and free expert advice thanks to the council’s Partners for Growth (PFG) scheme. The PFG scheme helps a wide variety of businesses in all sectors. And now the rules about how to apply have been relaxed to help out Medway firms during the nationwide recession. The scheme is available to businesses employing less than 50 people, ideally with two years successful trading and a business plan. Until now, businesses wanting to apply for the scheme had to have a bank loan in place to be eligible. However, many small and medium-sized companies in Medway have found it difficult getting extra finance from banks due to the current financial climate. So Medway Council has relaxed the criteria and companies no longer need to have a bank loan to apply. Cllr Jane Chitty, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, said: “This is a real example of the council positively reacting to the needs of local business. During the current financial climate it is important that there is real action to help local firms.” One firm that has benefited from the Partners for Growth scheme is Normas Catering, based in The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, which received a £10,000 PFG grant to update IT software and provide training for staff. For more details on Partners for Growth phone 338138 or email business.support @medway.gov.uk.

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

World Heritage bid now includes River Medway The bid to get World Heritage Site status for Chatham Dockyard and its defences now includes the River Medway. The boundary has been redrawn to link historic Upnor Castle with the main proposed World Heritage Site. Now the Chatham World Heritage Partnership is holding a meeting on 9 June to get more local people involved in the

bid. The move to include the river follows a public consultation held last year. The aim is to reflect the significance of Chatham’s location on the River Medway – resulting in the surrounding area playing a pivotal part in centuries of distinguished British naval history. Medway Council Leader Cllr Rodney Chambers said: “The River Medway has for centuries been the lifeblood of this

area and I am pleased that it is now included in the bid for World Heritage Site status.” The dockyard and its defences are on the UK shortlist of potential World Heritage Site nominations. To achieve World Heritage Site status, nomination sites are asked to demonstrate how they are involving local people in protecting and promoting their heritage. Chatham World Heritage Manager Joanne Cable said: “The partnership already has more than 500 members, which gives us a real advantage. “But we want to involve as many local people as possible and anyone with an interest is welcome.” The 9 June meeting is at No 3 Slip at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham at 6pm. If you want to come along to the meeting you need to register in advance either by email chathamworldheritage @medway.gov.uk or by phoning 331176. For full details and to be kept up-to-date with plans, join the Chatham World Heritage Partnership at www.chathamworldheritage.co.uk, or on 31176. Membership is free.

Students voted us number 1 in London and the south-east! Come and see why at our Open Day • Take a tour of the award-winning campus • Talk to lecturers and students • Get advice on the right course for you

0800 975 3777 E: recruitment@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

www.medway.gov.uk

Open Day Medway campus, Chatham Maritime Saturday 20 June 10am-3pm

If you can't come along to our Open Day, why not make an informal visit to our Medway campus instead? See the Kent website for details.

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

UK’s first Armed Forces’ Day A fantastic packed day of ceremony, excitement and adventure is planned for Britain’s very first Armed Forces’ Day. Military vehicles, Royal Naval ships and aerial flypasts will mark the event which The Historic Dockyard Chatham, is hosting on Saturday, 27 June. Thousands of people are expected to join veterans, serving members of the armed forces and cadets in an amazing tribute to Britain’s armed servicemen and women. They will be able to watch a series of stunning displays and events including flypasts from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Here are some of the main events on the day: 10.30am Tri-Service Celebration Parade through Chatham centre featuring contingents from the three armed forces and veterans led by the Band of HM Royal Marines, Portsmouth. 10.50am Civic Salute at Gun Wharf by the Mayor of Medway

Serving You

10.55am Royal Salute in The Historic Dockyard 11am Drumhead service Throughout the day displays, have-ago activities and entertainment on land, water and in the air as some of the best of the Armed Forces swing into action. Entry to The Historic Dockyard for Armed Forces’ day is FREE. All tickets must be obtained in advance on a first-come firstserved basis. To apply for tickets go to www.thedockyard.co.uk or collect a form from The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, admissions. There will be no ‘on the day’ entry. 6pm to 7pm Beating Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset The traditional end of day ceremony led by the Band of HM Royal Marines with finalé muster and standards. This is a separately ticketed fundraising event in aid of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Help for Heroes and SSAFA. Tickets £12 tiered grandstand seating and £8 ‘stalls’ (non-tiered) seating. Ticket information from www.thedockyard.co.uk, The Historic Dockyard admissions or phone 01634 823826 (Beating Retreat tickets only).

Medway Armed Forces’ Week Medway is holding a week of events to mark the occasion including museum exhibitions, river cruises, films and theatre shows: ‘Be the Best’ Royal Engineers Museum Saturday, 20 to Sunday, 21 June, 10am to 4pm Stories and displays from 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, just back from Afghanistan. Admission charges apply. www.remuseum.org.uk Phone: 822839 Indoor street market Dickens World Saturday, 27 June, 10am to 5.30pm The courtyard will be transformed into an indoor street market. Enjoy browsing the stalls, hog roast and mead. Admission free. www.dickensworld.co.uk Service of Thanksgiving for the Armed Forces Rochester Cathedral Sunday, 28 June, 3.15pm www.rochestercathedral.org

More information Details correct at time of going to press, but are subject to change. For updates visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Medway Youth Parliament: a voice for young people Medway Youth Parliament has been giving young people a voice on the issues that matter to them for 10 years. In April, the parliament celebrated a decade of youth democracy with a party for members past and present. Here, three members speak to Medway Matters about how the parliament has helped them champion youth issues while a person who was there at the start reveals what she gained from it. Claire Curran was the first Medway Youth Parliament Vice-Chairman 10 years ago. She now lives in Maidenhead with her three children, where she writes poetry and is currently working on a series of children’s short stories. She said: “My proudest moment as part of the Parliament was the year we all won a Try Angle Award for services to young people in Medway. “I think we became such a fixture in the local newspaper that my parents had the photography department’s number on speed dial to get copies. “I loved everything about the group the fun, the friendship and especially the licence to really tell the adults what we thought without being told off. “The experience I gained from my time with the youth parliament has taught me to always have confidence and to never give up on what you believe in.”

Salamaan Khan, 15, joined the Medway Youth Parliament last November after one of his friends invited him to a meeting. He said: “Since joining, I have gained so much confidence and I have made some great friends. I can now talk in front of large groups and know that it’s not just my voice I am projecting but the voices of the young people across Medway. “Being a member of the parliament means I now plan events and get to meet new people - it’s always nice to be recognised.” Matthew Tutt, 18, has been a member of Medway Youth Parliament for nearly five years and is Chairman of the Environment and Global sub-committee. He said: “It has been such a joy to be allowed to represent young people in Medway. The way I can connect with other young people on topics like the environment is amazing. The youth parliament has made me so much more confident.” Anyone aged 13 to 19 can be a member and have a say on issues that affect all young people in Medway at local, national and international level. Email Medway_Youth_Parliament @hotmail.com for details on how to become a member or visit www.medwayparliament.ik.com

■ Youth Parliament members relaxing at a social event at the end of a year’s hard work.

www.medway.gov.uk

COMPETITIONCOMPETITIONCOM

Capture your Medway moments Are you a budding snapper with a burning ambition to be recognised? Medway Council is running a competition for its first ever Medway calendar. The calendar will be available for 2010 and Medway Matters readers will have a chance to get their photographs used in it. The person who submits the best picture will receive £250 worth of vouchers from a photography shop and 12 runners up will receive five free copies of the calendar – which will go on sale this September. Cllr Alan Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “Medway is rich in history and diversity. It has modern urban places, such as Chatham Maritime, picturesque countryside parks, such as Capstone and Ranscombe Farm, and, of course, the river which has played such an important part in Medway’s history. “We are challenging people to capture images that really show what makes Medway special.” Entrants can submit up to 12 photographs (digital format and file sizes of between 2mb and 4mb) – one for each month of the year - and the best ones will be put forward as potential images for the Medway 2012 calendar. To enter please send images on separate emails to medway.matters@ medway.gov.uk or on a CD to Medway Matters Calendar Competition, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR. You can also enter by uploading pictures to the image sharing website Flickr – just add it to the group www.flickr.com/ groups/medwaycalendar All entries must be submitted by 17 July 2009 by 5pm. For competiiton rules visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules. The editor’s decision is final. Winning pictures will be shown in the October/November edition of Medway Matters.

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

New plans to transform Temple Waterfront

Medway’s multi-billion-pound regeneration programme has taken another major step forward with the submission of a planning application for Temple Waterfront. Lafarge Cement UK, which jointly owns the 69-acre site with Medway Council and timber merchant Morgan and Company, are seeking outline planning permission for up to 620 homes and up to 12,300 sq metres of mixed-use employment and retail floorspace - creating up to 250 jobs. The scheme would mean £100million of private sector investment and includes shops, community facilities and access to public transport. In addition, it earmarks investment for paths and open spaces and schemes to protect wildlife habitats. The planning application follows Lafarge Cement UK and Medway Council signing a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA), a new system designed to streamline the planning

process for large-scale development proposals. This PPA - the first to be used in the Thames Gateway regeneration area - does not affect residents’ right to be consulted and public consultation will be carried out in the normal way. The council will also have time to consider all views before reporting to the planning committee. Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: “This application is another milestone for our 20-year regeneration programme. Our ambition is to transform Medway into a successful riverside city through the re-development of town centre and waterfront sites along seven miles of the river.” David Simms, Land and Planning Director at Lafarge Cement, added: “Temple Waterfront, with its links to the M2 and superb views across the river to Rochester’s castle and cathedral, is one of our most important sites. It has massive potential.”

Make your wedding a day to remember in Medway As settings for weddings go, Medway Register Office, in Rochester, has a lot to offer. Nestled just off the historic High Street near the grand Corn Exchange, the recently refurbished building is a moment’s walk from the castle and cathedral, which both offer great backdrops for those afterceremony photographs. And as it is a register office, it is easily within most people’s price range. The register office is one of a number of venues featured in a new brochure, Your day, your ceremony – a guide to ceremonies in Medway. James Brown, Medway’s Superintendent Registrar, said: “The ceremony, legal preliminaries and certificate at Medway Register Office can cost as little as £103.50 in total – so there’s no excuse not to get married this summer. “If you want to see what else is available then by all means pick up a copy of our helpful guide.

Serving You

“There are nearly 20 venues listed in the brochure, giving Medway couples a great choice for their special day. “A wedding checklist and map of venue locations are also useful additions to any wedding planner.” Your day, your ceremony – a guide to ceremonies in Medway brochure is

available to pick up at Medway Register Office, Northgate, Rochester. For more information phone 338899.

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

Money well spent Play areas will be made even safer for children in Medway, under new plans announced by the council. Various play areas will be given new hydraulic selfclosing gates, making them more secure and safer for smaller children. And stronger seats will also be fitted to toddlers’ swings in some parks. The move, which will cost £36,000, is part of a raft of initiatives announced as part of the council’s spending on councillor’s priorities on improvements throughout Medway. Other new initiatives include spending £25,000 a year during the next three years improving security, water supply and storage facilities on allotment sites. This will include installing a solar pump on the recently

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

expanded Bloors Lane allotment site, which will source water from a local borehole. In other initiatives across Medway, there will be new investment in the library service. This includes upgrading PCs in all libraries to provide highspeed free access to the internet and other digital resources. And a newer, more reliable and greener mobile library will be bought to replace Medway’s existing one. Elsewhere, £100,000 will be used for repairs to the Old Brook Pumping Station, in Chatham. This will help conserve this important Scheduled Ancient Monument and prevent subsidence which is causing part of the

building to detach from the main body of the station. The aim is to carry out the repair work in the summer and open the station for heritage open days in September. Cllr Alan Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “We have announced a whole

series of small schemes to improve things that really matter to people in Medway. “These initiatives are important because they are really geared towards providing safe, fun and exciting facilities for all people young and old.”

■ The Old Brook Pumping Station will receive £100,000 to help conserve this important ancient monument.

Crime rates continue to fall Recorded crime across Medway has dropped dramatically – with nearly 10 per cent fewer offences committed compared to the previous year. Burglary has gone down by one fifth, criminal damage has dropped by 12 per cent and there have been 15 per cent less incidents of vehicle crime in the 11 months to March this year compared to the same period in the previous 12 months. This means that between April 2008 and March this year there was a total of 19,560 offences in Medway – a drop of 2,079 compared to April 2007 and March last year. While these figures underline the fact that crime is continuing to fall in Medway this message has not got through to everyone. Now Medway Council, Kent Police in Medway and other organisations are working to change

inaccurate perceptions of the situation. A recent conference aimed at changing how people feel about living in Medway saw Kent Police in Medway, Medway Council, key figures from local businesses and media representatives getting together to discuss how to improve the public’s perception of crime. Now they aim to work together to increase public confidence by portraying crime issues in a true and accurate way. Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Cllr Rehman Chishti said: “I am very pleased that crime figures are continuing to fall and it is our aim, working with the police and other partners, to reduce crime even further and let people who live, work and socialise in Medway know how safe it really is.”

Medway Council and the police work hard to make Medway safe. Since April last year, 2,096 graffiti sites have been cleaned, 1,783 noise nuisances tackled, 1,019 fly tips cleared and 418 CCTV cameras installed. Kent Police in Medway’s Superintendent Des Keers said: “Medway has so much to offer. It is hard to understand why our confidence levels are not going up as crime drops. We have to have a complete cultural change in Medway.”

www.medway.gov.uk/communitysafety

www.medway.gov.uk

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

EMPLOY MEDWAY - giving people the skills they need A new service has been launched to combat the effects of the recession by giving unemployed people in Medway the support they need to get back into work.

difficult time. “I urge anyone who has been made redundant to visit Employ Medway and take a look at the opportunities available. Similarly, local businesses should be using this scheme to make sure they have a strong workforce.

“Medway Council, Job Centre Plus and all the other services involved have worked hard to make sure that Medway is ready to fight this recession – Employ Medway is a fine example of the work we are doing.”

The Medway Council scheme - called Employ Medway aims to help people get back on their feet if they have lost their job. And it aims to keep the area's firms competitive by giving businesses access to the type of training their employees need. As well as on-site training courses, the guidance and support on offer includes advice on training and qualifications, help with starting businesses and financial and debt management advice. It also offers access to advice about housing issues, social care dependency, personal development, how to improve your self-esteem and career development. The scheme is part of a north Kent-wide programme

of employment support and skills development, which will run from April 2009 to the end of March 2011. Medway Council secured the largest share of South East of England Development Agency funding available for north Kent - £204,683 out of a total of £580,000. The advice centre, which can be found at 99 to 101 High Street, Chatham, allows the council to work very closely with local partner organisations, in particular Job Centre Plus and other local employment support services. Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth Cllr Jane Chitty said: “This is an excellent scheme that will offer Medway’s residents and businesses optimism during this

Improved centre for Medway carers

Shaping our schools’ futures

Carers will have an internet café and private meeting rooms by mid June following a makeover at Medway Carers’ Centre. The centre has been spruced up following consultation with its users organised by Medway Council and NHS Medway. The improved centre, in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, provides carers with advice and training. In addition, it will offer carers aged under-18 drop-in sessions, mentoring, days out and homework clubs. The service will be provided by Carers First and Medway Carers’ Centre. The Carers’ Centre will be officially re-opened during national Carers’ Week 8 to 14 June. For information visit www.medwaycarerscentre .org.uk or phone 577340.

Serving You

Proposals for a major reorganisation aimed at improving and investing in primary school education have been unveiled. a real impact on each school’s Under the proposals, 16 infant ability to make sure pupils gain and junior schools would be the skills they need for later life. amalgamated into eight single To avoid this, Medway Council primary schools and three is making these proposals, other schools will close. which include investing more While the council appreciates than £11million of government this will cause concern for money in primary schools. some parents, pupils and Subject to consultation, teachers, it is important that it the council plans to spend acts to ensure a good and this money on major improving standard of school building projects in education for all children. Strood, Gillingham, Luton In the last few years, the and Walderslade. number of pupils going to Other school buildings would these schools has dropped, be upgraded, providing with some now only two better teaching resources thirds full. and computing and other Under government terms, this ICT equipment. leads to these schools At the time of going to press, receiving less money and, as Medway Council’s Cabinet their rolls continue to fall, they was due to be asked to start will be unable to invest in new consultation on these plans – equipment such as computers, called Medway Primary books and other equipment. Strategy for Change. Parents, Understandably, this will have

teachers and residents will be able to take part. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services Cllr Les Wicks said: “This gives us the chance to make sure every primary school provides a firstclass education. “This is an opportunity to create the very best learning environments. We believe our proposals will benefit all our children, now and in the future.” Medway Council’s Director of Children and Adults Services Rose Collinson added: “We will make sure we use every opportunity to transform our schools by raising standards and investing in them.” For more details on the schools involved and the consultation process visit www.medway.gov.uk/mpsc

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June / July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Medway schools singled out for Olympic praise Medway has become the first council in the country to receive a London 2012 Inspire mark for education. The Our Medway project has been singled out for its innovative and exceptional projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games. Our Medway is a four-year schools programme developed by Medway Council’s education advisers and 2012 Team. It aims to inspire young people from Medway’s 87 primary schools to live fit and active lives and value their local community. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “This award recognises the great efforts we are making to use the 2012 games to really involve our young people and inspire some to become the champions of tomorrow.” For more information on Our Medway visit www.medway.gov.uk/london2012

Untidy garden makes a fine mess A resident who turned his garden into a tip and made it an unpleasant eyesore for neighbours and passers-by has been prosecuted. Bhupinder Singh’s overgrown garden was full of rubbish - including a rotting bath, old tyres, a rusty fridge and an armchair. And it wasn't even fenced off, leaving the mess on show for everyone to see when they passed the property in Natal Road, Chatham. Medway Council's Environmental Enforcement Team had tried since January 2008 to persuade Singh, 52, to clear his garden of rubbish and fence it off. When it became clear Singh was not going to take any action, he was served with a notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. However, Singh failed to comply with this and was brought before Medway Magistrates' Court on 26 March, where he pleaded guilty and was given a £250 fine. He was also ordered to pay £120 costs and a £15 surcharge. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Cllr Rehman Chishti said: “Untidy land

has a negative effect on the quality of life of residents in Medway. “As well as being an eyesore, it can attract further fly-tipping and lead to feelings of insecurity for residents and visitors to the area. “Mr Singh was given a number of opportunities to rectify the problem but chose not to. “This case sends a strong message to those who think we will not take action against them. We will.”

www.medway.gov.uk

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June / July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

lights Medway’s creative spark This summer Medway’s streets and open spaces will come alive with some of the most unusual arts performances from around the world – and it’s all free. Thanks to generous funding by Arts Council England, this year’s Fuse Medway Festival will offer residents and visitors

three consecutive weekends of cutting-edge arts events in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham from Saturday, 6 to Saturday, 20 June. It starts with a fantastic Bollywood carnival and finishes with a fun-filled fiery finale at Rochester Castle Gardens. Here are some of the highlights.

High Jinx in Chatham High Street

tips its cap to Monty Python and takes in the area's finest historic locations. Friday, 12 June, 7pm, (phone 01634 338338 to reserve place); starts at Eastgate House, Rochester High Street.

Celebrate the start of Fuse 2009 with four hours of mischievous and mindblowing street arts, from the adrenalin rush of pillow fighting to acrobatic magic. Saturday, 6 June, from 12noon; Chatham High Street.

Bollywood Imaginations A riot of carnival colour, music and fireworks based on Herman Hesse’s story of enlightenment, Siddhartha. Includes an amazing carnival parade, family workshops, performances from professional and community artists and an explosive pyrotechnic finale from The World Famous. Saturday, 6 June, 6 to 10.45pm; Chatham High Street and Chatham Riverside.

Serving You

Panjabi by Nature One of the UK’s most successful bhangra musicians will headline the opening night. Saturday, 6 June, 9.45pm

Rotozaza’s Etiquette Etiquette is a half-hour experience for two people in a public space. There is no-one watching - other people are not aware of it, so sit back and enter a private, parallel world of communication. Various cafés in Strood, Chatham and Rainham. Saturday, 6, from 12noon.

Medway Mystery Safari A one-off commission from Play on Words Theatre Company. Step on the bus and become part of a magical mystery tour of Medway that

Dancing in The Streets Four hours of fantastic dance, including hands-on workshops. Featuring Bicycle Ballet, the grace of Capoeira, free running and the spirit of Indian culture with Akademi. Saturday, 13 June, from 12noon; Rochester High Street.

spectacular fire effects. Saturday, 13 June, 9.30pm; Rochester Castle Gardens.

From the Inky Deep Tight wire and aerial circus with dance and physical theatre. Saturday, 20 June, 9.30pm; Rochester Castle Gardens.

Fiery Fuse Finale French artist Denis Tricot transforms spaces with elegant wooden structures before setting them alight to the haunting strains of live music. Additional fire effects provided by Walk The Plank. Saturday, 20 June, 10.30pm; Rochester Castle Gardens.

A Night at the Castle Upswing and Scarabeus will delight audiences with their double bill of stilt dancing, bungee aerial and

For information on all Fuse events, visit www.fusefestival.org.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June / July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Chatham’s road improvements on schedule

Major road improvements in central Chatham are on schedule and the demolition of the Sir John Hawkins Way flyover is just weeks away. Throughout March and April contractor Breheny Civil Engineering prepared the ground for the construction of a temporary bus, taxi and cycle route. This is due to open soon and will be followed by the demolition of the flyover, which is expected to take two to three months. Once the flyover is down, a permanent new bus, taxi and cycle route will be constructed. This will open later this year. The changes will: • give Chatham improved traffic flow for years to come; • free up key sites for redevelopment;

• open up Chatham’s waterfront. The work is being paid for by the Homes and Communities Agency as part of the government funding Medway receives as a key region of the Thames Gateway regeneration zone. The Sir John Hawkins Way works - together with improvements to The Brook and Union Street and the building of a modern new bus station – are being carried out as part of a regeneration programme that will see major private and public sector investment in Chatham.

www.medway.gov.uk

Residents can keep up-todate with the developing roads programme by visiting the project’s dedicated web pages at www.medway.gov.uk/ chathamfuture

In addition, information is available from Medway Council’s Customer First. The team can be contacted by phoning 334567 or by emailing customer.first@ medway.gov.uk

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June / July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Win £100 of Pentagon vouchers regeneration@medway.gov.uk or by post to Medway Renaissance, FREEPOST FPN 1671 or by mobile phone text message to: text Medway Roads followed by your suggested name to 88802 by a closing date of 31 July. The editor’s decision is final. For competition terms and conditions please visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules

We need a name for the the bus, taxi and cycle route that will be in place once the Sir John Hawkins Way flyover comes down. Medway Matters readers have the chance to win £100 of Pentagon Shopping Centre vouchers if they can come up with the one we use. Send your suggestions by email to

Through March and April more than 1,700 people visited a mobile exhibition on Chatham's road improvement and regeneration scheme. The exhibition visited Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Gillingham, Hoo, Rainham and Hempstead Valley. There will be further exhibitions later in the year

Making it all happen

Gillingham, St Mary’s Island

Dock Road

How the temporary road system will work Fort Amherst

P Whiffen’s Avenue car park

P Chatham library

Keeping people up-to-date

Brook Theatre

P P P

Tesco

THE BROOK

REET

HIGH ST

Pentagon Shopping Centre

P REET

Debenhams

P BEST STREET

Access for local traffic only

New Road

Temporary bus route

Wickes

ne Road

Gibraltar Garage

Chatham railway station

HIGH ST

FLYOVER

Rochester, Strood

w Med

reet ay St

Maidsto

Staples

Globe Lane

Hill Chatham Lut P on Roa d

Car route

P P

New pedestrian crossing No entry - except buses, taxis and cycles

Current car parking

Maidstone

For information visit www.medway.gov.uk/chathamfuture

Serving You

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Planning for our future According to the famous architect Sir Terry Farrell: ‘Medway has the potential to become a world leading example of something really special’ Sir Terry – who designed Seoul’s international airport in Korea, the masterplan for the Greenwich peninsula in London and MI6’s headquarters, made this comment in his recent publication about Medway – ‘Five Towns Make a City’. And the council has now published the first of its three-year plans – a document that shows just how Medway will move towards fulfilling its potential. This includes making sure that the regeneration of our area continues and that transport improvements go ahead so that everyone benefits from this. It ties the council into making sure that the environment we live in is clean and green, while all decisions it takes are made with residents in mind. And it commits the council to keeping its communities safe, looking after vulnerable people and ensuring that children and young people have the best start in life. To play its part in fulfilling this vision, Medway has agreed six priorities that we want to achieve. We also have two core values, which define how we will go about achieving these priorities. On these two pages, Medway Matters looks at some of these priorities and explains what they will mean to you.

www.medway.gov.uk

Priorities A clean and green environment The council is committed to keeping the streets clean, recycling more rubbish and reducing carbon emissions. It will protect green spaces and invest in new parks, which will help provide an environment where people can improve their health and wellbeing. What the council will do: ● Manage, protect and invest in open spaces by further improving play areas and retain or achieve green flag status for three of Medway’s parks. ● Manage Medway’s waste sustainably and reduce landfill by increasing recycling levels which are currently at nearly 35 per cent. ● Improve the way Medway’s streets look by continuing to raise street cleansing standards and by actively enforcing against owners of privately controlled land that is littered. ● Reduce the carbon footprint in Medway by nearly 14 per cent in two years.

Safer communities The council wants people to be safe in Medway and to feel safe. It will continue to work in partnership with the police to tackle serious violence, reduce antisocial behaviour and reduce repeat incidences of violent crime - including domestic abuse. What the council will do: ● Build strong communities by improving community cohesion by working with young people and new arrivals. ● Reduce antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and youth crime through partnership working with the police and others. ● Reduce the fear of crime through schemes such as Partners and Communities Together (PACT), which involve residents, and maintain a safer communities officer in each ward.

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S ●

●

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Reduce repeat occurrences of violent crime though partnership working Reduce substance misuse including alcohol

Children and young people having the best start in life The council wants Medway’s children and young people to be safe and cared for, to succeed in learning and to thrive. It will put arrangements in place to ensure children are well protected, that the services they need are integrated and that if the council needs to get involved in a child’s welfare these interventions are timely and targeted. What will the council do: ● Ensure child protection practices exceed national requirements. ● Improve outcomes for disabled children. ● Create six additional Sure Start children’s centres bringing the total to 20. ● Raise educational attainment, especially at Key Stage 2. ● Improve outcomes for children with special educational needs and for children in care. ● Reduce teenage conception rates. ● Increase the number of things to do for young people by using the youth opportunity fund and youth capital fund, allowing young people to have an input on this. ● Promote healthy lifestyles and reduce obesity levels in year 6 children to 18.5 per cent by 2011.

Older and vulnerable people maintaining their independence The council aims to encourage and support healthy lifestyles and choice for all and improve the quality of life of residents. What the council will do: ● Give people a real say in the support they receive with all people receiving support that is under their control by 2010/11. ● Work with NHS Medway to provide an effective joined-up service to meet older people’s needs. ● Increase employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. ● Promote healthy lifestyles. People travelling easily and safely in Medway Developing a transport system that underpins the regeneration of Medway is

Serving You

June/July 2009

important. In order to do this, the council is committed to improving public transport services, tackling congestion and encouraging alternatives to the car. What will the council do: ● Limit the growth of traffic and tackle congestion through initiatives that include improving bus services and the cycle network as well as cycle parking. ● Keep people safe on our roads through education and enforcement.

Everyone benefiting from the area’s regeneration The council is committed to developing the area in a way that ensures that all residents, businesses and visitors benefit. What the council will do: Regenerating an area the size of Medway is a huge task. Medway aims to continue regeneration to make Medway a 21st century riverside city for the Thames Gateway. In the next three years it plans to: ● Construct the first 600 homes at Rochester Riverside. ● Deliver Chatham’s road network improvements and new bus facility. ● Upgrade Gillingham Station in partnership with train companies. ● Improve Strood town centre. Regeneration is also about providing quality jobs for local people and an exciting place for people to work and play. Between now and 2012 the council will: ● Support the refurbishment and expansion of the Pentagon Shopping Centre. ● Attract new business investment and jobs and expand our business support and start up schemes. ● Develop Medway as a cultural and tourist destination, increasing income from this by 5 per cent. ● Deliver the World Heritage Site bid for Chatham Dockyard and increase participation in sport with access to good quality leisure facilities such as the Medway Park development - an £11million project to create a world class sporting and leisure centre.

Our Core Values Putting our customers at the centre of everything we do Delivering the services residents need and want in the way that they want is core to Medway Council’s way of thinking. To do this, the council must improve how it communicates with people across Medway and listens to their views. What the council will do: ● Continue to deliver services in a fair and equal manner, recognising the diversity of its residents. ● Consult regularly to make sure our residents are happy with the services we provide. Giving value for money Providing high-quality, value-for-money services is central to the council’s work. Council tax levels are among the lowest nationally and the council continues to be independently judged as providing good value for money. In 2009/10 Medway Council will spend more than £600million providing services. Nearly two thirds of this will be on education and social services for children and older people. The vast majority of this funding comes from central government or other grants and only 15 per cent from council tax. During 2009/10 Medway Council will spend more than £83million on long-term projects such as improving roads, improving and building new schools and regeneration. What the council will do: ● Deliver a £16.5million efficiency saving by March 2011. ● Seek to work proactively with partners to share services for greater efficiency.

For more information on the full council plan visit www.medway.gov.uk/councilplan

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

Medway will come alive to the sound of great music in July as this year’s Castle Concerts take to the stage. And Medway Matters readers have the chance to win the hottest tickets in town. We have five pairs of tickets to give away to a show of your choice in our fabulous Castle Concerts’ competition. The Castle Concerts take place from Wednesday, 15 July to Sunday, 18 July and thousands are expected to watch the top line-up. Kicking off the series of concerts this year will be The Counterfeit Stones – described by Mick Jagger as the most famous Stones’ tribute band. They will be supported by Adrian Edmondson, the runner up in ITV’s Hells Kitchen, and his band The Bad Shepherds.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with special guest guitarist Dave Edmunds, will be back for their seventh appearance at Rochester Castle Gardens on the Thursday night. Jools Holland is one of Britain’s best jazz pianists. Blues legend BB King has said of him: “I didn’t think anybody could play like that.” He will be joined on stage by Gilson Lavis, the drummer from his former band Squeeze, soul queen Ruby Turner and his 20piece ensemble, the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Jool’s special guest, Dave Edmunds, is a former member of Rockpile and produced The Stray Cats, kd Lang and Nick Lowe. Castle Concerts are organised by Medway Council. You can find out more about the acts appearing at www.castleconcerts.co.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Boy band sensation McFly will take to the stage on the Friday night in a show that will delight Medway’s younger audiences. McFly is a band that needs little introduction - having become the youngest group to top the UK album chart twice and previously won a Brit Award for Best Pop Act.

Then there is the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, which returns with Castle Proms on the final night of the concerts, Saturday, 18 July. Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “It’s a terrific line-up this year and there’s something for everyone. “We’re very fortunate to be able to get McFly, who are sure to attract young people and their families to the Castle Concerts. We’re looking forward to welcoming all these great artists.” The Castle Concerts season will once again be followed by Under Siege on Sunday, 19 July. This fantastic free event gives talented young people in Medway a chance to perform on the Castle Concerts’ stage. For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk/undersiege There are still tickets available for all Castle Concerts. Buy them in person at The Central Theatre box office, The Brook Theatre box office and Medway Visitor Information Centre, by phone on 338338 or online at www.castleconcerts.co.uk Tickets prices are: The Counterfeit Stones £20, Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra £32, McFly £26.50 and the Castle Proms £28.

WINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWIN For your chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to a show of your choice all you have to do is correctly answer the following question:

Which Brit award-winning boy band will play at this year’s Castle Concerts on the Friday night? Please email your answers to medway.matters@medway.gov.uk marking the subject as ‘Castle Concerts competition’, before Friday, 3 July. The first five correct answers to be selected will win. Please include your name, address, phone number and the show you wish to attend. For competition terms and conditions please see www.medway.gov.uk/rules

WINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWIN Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

Medway Council and its partners now work to a Local Area Agreement, which sets out how they will share resources and expertise to make life better for local people. The agreement recognises that issues are best dealt with by a number of agencies. For instance, crime is not just a matter for the police and the health of local people is also affected by decisions made by the council and others, as well as the health service. The Local Area Agreement is based on a series of pledges which set out goals related to such things as reducing the number of teenage pregnancies, raising educational standards, reducing antisocial behaviour and tackling obesity. Partners include Kent Police, NHS Medway, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, CVS Medway, Jobcentre Plus, the South East England Development Agency, colleges, businesses and the voluntary sector. Each of these have signed up to 50 targets that must be achieved by the end of 2011. Those targets are real and the council have clear actions in place to make sure they are achieved. They spell out clearly what will be done, who will do it and how it will improve the lives of people in Medway. Here, Medway Matters looks at two of the targets the Local Area Agreement will achieve….

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Target: Reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Medway Why is it important? There is now plenty of evidence that climate change is already happening. There has been a 40 per cent reduction in Arctic sea ice since 1979 and in the UK, sea levels have risen by 10cm in the past century. Scientists agree that this is due to human activity, through greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. We can only tackle climate change if everyone does their bit. What are the council and its partners aiming to do? We aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per person in Medway by 13.9 per cent in the next two years. That’s quite a substantial reduction given that we’re already the lowest emitting area in the south east, at 5.15 tonnes per person. How will the council and its partners make a difference? We will work with residents and businesses to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. Most emissions come from the energy we use so saving carbon dioxide means saving money. A typical household can cut their energy bill by £340 a year and reduce their annual amount of carbon dioxide emissions by two tonnes through measures such as insulation and double-glazing. Many households are eligible for grants to contribute to the cost of these. Medway Council is carrying out targeted publicity campaigns to encourage residents to be more energy efficient. Residents should phone the Kent Energy Centre on 0800 358 6664, or visit www.medwayourplanet.net to find out how much they could save.

Serving You

Businesses can also cut their energy bills. Through no cost initiatives, like ensuring lights and appliances are turned off at the end of the day. Most businesses will be able to cut five per cent off their energy bill. And up to 20 per cent can be cut with a little investment. Visit www.medwayourplanet .net or www.carbontrust .co.uk to find out more. How will we know it has worked? Measuring carbon dioxide emissions is relatively easy. Carbon dioxide emissions are worked out from the total energy use for Medway. For things like transport, existing data on traffic flows and car fuel efficiency can be used.

Target Reduce obesity among primary school children in year 6 Why is it important? Around one fifth of children in year 6 in Medway – that is children aged 10 and 11 – are classified as medically obese. Nationally and locally the number of children considered obese has grown over the last few years and figures show that if the current trend continues almost 25 per cent of children across England and Wales could be obese by 2050. It is important that the council and its partners commit to reduce the figure in Medway as being overweight or obese increases the risk of suffering from a wide range of diseases in later life. This can include heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and cancer.

What are the council and its partners aiming to do? Medway Council and its partners including NHS Medway are working to reduce the number of obese and overweight children and the only way to do this is to improve their diet and encourage them to be more active. We promote communitybased initiatives, which help families to do this and, for the last two years, have been running the MEND programme. This is aimed at families who have children that need extra advice and attention. MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It. Each programme lasts for 10 weeks and helps families with healthy eating and being more active. It also helps families with simple methods to change their behaviour. Once families have completed the main MEND programme, they transfer on to the MEND Graduates programme where there are more opportunities for them to be active and to try new activities. For more information on MEND visit www.mendprogramme.org How will we know it has worked? We will know if we have made a difference if the number of overweight and obese children falls, children become more active and less of them need medical treatment due to their weight in later life. Figures for 2007/08, show that 20.4 per cent of children measured in year 6 were obese. Under the Local Area Agreement the Medway target is to to reduce that to 18.5 per cent of children by 2011.

Give us your views on any issues raised in this feature by writing to Yvonne Wilson, LSP Manager, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR or by phoning 332744. Alternatively email us at LSP@medway.gov.uk For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk/index/council/communityplan/lsp.htm

www.medway.gov.uk

le aged p o e p ng 8 for you in March 200 n o i t i t e e comp tition started d i s a e ive e comp re, Strood. e is a f h u T g . a e e c i L have Cent Serv reet r t h mates t e S r c u u c y o o y o a Y d S w y t u an y Stree hink yo he Med un by Medwa ents at Kicks Medwa If you t in w h o t t r v u e yo 9 takes r local ve . what it 13 to 1 ince run five ams ha see you e n y form t r e y t h n n t a e s s ’s ague r an nd m a il e a fo c L h t t n r c u a d o je p c an the or pro taken

rom centre rmed f nding ived fu been fo e c e . e r s g e s r fo oa entr hich ha into tw tivities youth c oject, w is split itive Ac s t 15 and o n e P o ’s t v The pr , il e e 3 c The ing 1 Coun t Polic d y n a lu e c w K d in o up t from ries and Me as set catego y was People eam, w T n o s Young 9. Januar e t 1 u ic in o o v t r b ld 6 e a e 1 k S h ed in the vent ho kic Extend oo and ourts a ople w e last e H c e h p T ll od. m a g o b r n u a’s m Stro am f offer yo the are yers. am fro by a te e la in t n p o r a o r o w t y e t r o ue ee t oth r categ et leag the str ick agains o younge est stre g asual k to play ut in tw c ig o e b e c it s n e e g a h h t n t ch li s g t s t a n e a u w It sb young s yo ent giv 37 team ore than 200 e nd help The ev h iv a it it e s w s o o e p m dat nd a purp s with a fun a event. abouts petition m gage in for the o n c e p u o . t t g h le in ig p n r n o tu pe g iday people n youn on a Fr nceptio ve o a activity c h s y it a edw since as of M So far all are m o r f people

s k c i K r u o y Get s i h t f o out .uk ccer.co o s s k ic www.k 4257 88 0800 9

www.mixitonline.co.uk

Serving You

a l B 4pm to way d en from p e o e M b ill 10am to to Blast w g d from C n n B i a B m , e ! m n Ju got it ase fro co s i riday, 5 showc F , we’ve t e r s d v n la ti a u B a e cre y, 4 ith a fre stival. hursda on To ’s t e June w way Fe r m on T d s 6 p e e , 6 h y a M t a l e rd Fus nd 19 n Satu of the 4pm o BBC B n 13 a creative e as part e m p w t 6 to t be

e d re age ortunity to g the run-up ’ u o y f I p stic op lents in first a fanta over your ta val. For the , ti o town sc t s i e d g F n d i y n m a a o w e Med t on Tour is c rkshops, to Fus o s a nts. BC Bl ative w time B with free cre owcase eve sh packed ssions and e s taster ring an st will b

la une, B e car ay, 6 J be Lan Blast rd lo a tu G a g e S in th Hav y, 4, to e built illage to hursda purpos ative v h re it c w From T e , il e space. ob rsid sive m rmance ’s Rive fo m r a e p skills, impres th a a and at Ch reative c io a d re w a tu e s n k ent par ces, a a go at equipm op spa to have sional e s c fe ding n worksh a a ro h le p and use the c , t ff k e r ta g o s l w ’l C You BB ur own t from ase yo suppor d showc n om a e ities, fr t advic e activ als. e n fr and ge if it’s io h s – it s ed w aphy profe r k g c y a tr to p s o u h p jam ind radio to literally ion and Blast is h s fa king to filmma

Serving You

4pm

ffer in be on o l il l w t musica s tha rkshop , radio, eative o g r s w c in e k t c g a e n G -m rma excitin , perfo tion, film e of the a c e n im a m n d o a s S ie cts, de; all abilit ial effe m inclu ble for V spec a Chatha T t it , s u n la s io B are he , fash ctivities nced. T where A theatre ie r t, . e n re p e o x v ch m ore e the e u t m u m e o d h th n g a rop-in rou rs to y free d open th eginne tr e b d l n il a from b last ck w bout B ery Tru more a Discov t ended, u o d recomm n fin is s p o you ca s. rksh ession k the wo go to c.co.u taster s ing for k o volved o in b ay@bb t e w e c d g n e d a n t-m Adv more a ail blas nd out t or em s la b so to fi / k bc.co.u www.b

www.mixitonline.co.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

June/July 2009

Medway Primary Care Trust is now called NHS Medway. Its role is to buy the best health services for the people of Medway.

Sunny outlook for mental A new service has started up in Medway offering people advice about their mental well-being and giving them guidance if they suffer from anxiety, depression and other concerns. Here Medway Matters looks at the part this played for one person seeking help. John is dreading the meeting that’s coming up with his boss. The words ‘I’m so useless, I’m going to get fired’ keep going through his head, he tells his mental health adviser. She is someone he contacted after seeing a flyer and has spoken to a couple of times. Now she encourages him to make a more realistic assessment of how he is doing at work. Gradually, he starts to remember the good things instead of the tiny mistakes he was dwelling on. And soon it is clear he has a lot to be proud of. He decides to think instead: “I’ve done a lot and even if I’m made redundant, I will cope.” When John comes off the phone 30 minutes later, he feels completely different. And It changes the whole way he talks to his boss when it is time for his meeting.

Practical John shows how people in Medway can benefit from a new scheme for people with mild anxiety and depression. The service - known as Improving

■ Advice is at hand for people suffering anxiety and depression Access to Psychological Therapies step 2 (IAPT for short) – offers practical approaches to help people overcome phobias, panic attacks, low moods, anxiety and other difficulties. So far, Medway has three mental health advisers offering the service. More will be joining the team this autumn and more again next year. Provided by charitable organisation KCA, IAPT adds to the talking therapy services already provided in Medway by KCA and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust. It is part of a £2.3million investment by NHS Medway in mental health services in Medway this year, to improve care for people with the mildest needs through to the most severe.

Early “Our aim is for people to get support early, when they’re beginning to struggle,” said NHS Medway mental health commissioning manager, Jane Wiltshire. "It improves their chances of making a quick recover and makes life much easier for

www.medway.gov.uk

them and for those around them. “The team aims to assess people within a week and to start treatment within two weeks, with up to six follow-up sessions.” People can refer themselves or be referred by their GP.

Assisting recovery There are also new services to help the recovery of people with ongoing mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, more severe depression and personality disorders. NHS Medway is funding new staff, including community clinical psychologists and a family therapist, to work with people supported by Medway’s three community mental health teams. “Our focus in Medway is very much on helping people to recover, and psychological therapies will play a useful part in that,” said Jane Wiltshire. Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust is providing the service and recruitment is underway. Since April, NHS Medway has been buying social care services on behalf of

Medway M ATT E R S

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

health Medway Council, as well as healthcare services, for people with ongoing mental health problems. “This is to achieve better, more joined-up services which take account of all the different aspects of people’s needs,” said Kevin Skinner, Interim Joint Commissioning Manager. Plans this year include a scheme to support the return to work of people with mental health problems who are on incapacity benefit, and a project to ensure that people who use mental health services have a say in the running and review of wider health services – such as for heart conditions or diabetes. NHS Medway is also funding a new team of pharmacists and pharmacist assistants to review the medication of people with mental illnesses. They will make sure that the drugs and dosages people are prescribed are up-to-date and effective with the fewest possible side-effects.

In a crisis

The well-being five-a-day According to a government report, these are the well-being equivalent of “five fruit and vegetables a day”. 1. Connect… With the people around you. At home, work, school or in your community. 2. Be active… Step outside. Cycle. Garden. Dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. 3. Take notice… Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Savour the moment. 4. Keep learning… Try something new. Sign up for that course. Learn to cook your favourite food. Set yourself a challenge you enjoy achieving. 5. Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Look out, as well as in.

Postnatal depression

Young offenders

Recruitment is under way to a new specialist Mother and Infant Mental Health Service for Medway mothers suffering prolonged and profound postnatal depression or the very rare condition postpartum psychosis. Most women recover quickly from the “baby blues” which affects one in two new mums. Others with postnatal depression need longer-lasting support from GPs, health visitors and community mental health services.

Two new services are starting at HM Young Offenders Institution in Rochester. One offers therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder to offenders, after research showed very high levels of the condition among the 750 men aged 18–21 in the prison. There is also a resource centre which will be offering pyschological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

To improve services for people having a mental health crisis, more staff are being recruited to the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment team (CRHT) to provide support round-the-clock. And a new service is planned for A & E at Medway Maritime Hospital, to offer swift assessments 24/7 of people with mental health needs.These initiatives should reduce delays which sometimes happen at the moment because of the demands on the team currently providing these services.

But until now there has been nothing except hospital care in London or Eastbourne for mums who need still more intensive specialist care. The new team will train and support those who provide existing services so mums in Medway are helped to stay at home wherever possible. “This will help to keep families together as mothers recover from their mental health problems,” said Margaret Bentley, specialist commissioner for NHS Medway.

Difference

Police station project

“As there is no health without mental health, our aim is to improve mental health services at every step of the way in Medway,” said Lauretta Kavanagh, Director of Commissioning for mental health in Kent and Medway. “We know there is more to be done but we expect the investment we are making this year to make a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people in Medway.”

In a eight-month pilot scheme, specialist psychiatric staff are now based at the police station in Gillingham from Monday to Saturday to assess people in police custody who may have a mental health need. They will help people who need support to get it and will give police their expert opinion on any mental health issues that should be considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Serving You

June/July 2009

For further help or advice You can: ●

talk to your GP;

●

ring Helpline on

0800 107 0160 for confidential emotional support and guidance 5pm-9am (24 hours at weekends and bank holidays); ●

contact Medway’s mental health advisers (if you think you have mild anxiety or depression) on 01795 439521 or at medwayptp@kca.org.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Working together for all of Medway’s children Children will benefit from a new way for different agencies to work together across Medway.

■ Sam Tutt and Jacob Clear help Cllr Les Wicks launch the Children’s Trust

www.medway.gov.uk

The Medway Children’s Trust was launched on 1 April and aims to improve the lives of all young people. Members include Medway Council, NHS Medway, Kent Police, Learning and Skills Council, representatives of the voluntary and community sectors, school headteachers and youth offending teams. And a number of young commissioners aged from 11 to 18 have been signed up to act as the link between their peers and the trust. This will make sure young people get a real say in the services they need and information about the help and advice they can get. Cllr Les Wicks, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, is the Chairman and Rose Collinson, Director of Children and Adults Services at Medway Council, and Marion Dinwoodie, Chief Executive of NHS Medway, are joint vice-chairs. Cllr Wicks said: "The launch of the Children’s Trust is very significant for Medway. The trust brings together all those who have a major influence on the lives of all our children and young people. Anyone aged up to 19 years will benefit from the new set up. "Working together in partnership, the council, health, education, police, voluntary and private sectors will make further improvements in young people’s lives. "We will be listening carefully to what our children and young people say and will be responding to their needs. Through this we aim to give children and young people the best start in life.” Rose Collinson said: "Like each partner on our Children's Trust, I'm committed to making sure children and young people are safe and cared for, succeed in learning and thrive. “I'm delighted that the trust will champion and cherish children and young people and work together to improve life for them and their families. “We should both expect and enable great things from our children and young people and the trust is determined to unlock their promise and potential.” Marion Dinwoodie added: "This is about partners in Medway working together. As part of the trust, a number of young people aged from 11 to 18 years from schools across Medway – called young commissioners – have been brought on board to help. “These young commissioners will consult with other young people and feed back to the trust their needs for services that might be helpful and that matter to them." For more information about Medway’s new Children’s Trust email childrenstrust@medway.gov.uk or phone 306000.

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Contacting Medway Matters

Trailing a blaze

Medway Matters, Corporate Communications, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

A series of timed trial races are being held at Capstone Farm County Park mountain bike course. Any cyclist can take part, but they will need to book in advance and entry will cost £1. There is one being held on Sunday, 19 July from 9am to 10.30am. There will also be one on Sunday, 13 September, from 9am to 11am and on Saturday, 7 November, from 10am to 12noon. The course is also open for every day mountain biking from 8.30am to dusk and is a great free facility for young and older mountain bikers. The two-and-a-half mile course, which opened last year, passes through copses and several steep hills, but it shouldn’t be too gruelling for the competent rider. Anyone can turn up and use the course at the park in Gillingham but riders should wear the proper safety equipment such as a helmet and pads. For more information on the course or to book for the timed trial events phone 338191.

Phone: 332021 or email medway.matters@medway. gov.uk Text MM then your message to 07739 657073 Written and designed by Medway Council's Communications Team. Distributed by Royal Mail door-to-door service. All phone numbers should be prefixed with 01634 unless stated.

Available in other formats and languages. Phone 332021. The next edition of Medway Matters is published in July 2009.

New store opens

High Street, Strood Wed 3rd June 9.00am

cures… cu ures…

paws... p

chores... ch hores...

We’ve W e’ve e gott the lot for less less. s.

Serving You

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

NHS Foundation Trust

News from your local hospital

Trust receives clean bill of health A Healthcare Commission inspection has given Medway NHS Foundation Trust a clean bill of health after assessing the way it protects patients from infections such as MRSA and C.diff. The inspection, which took place on 6 and 7 January this year, shows that, in all four of the areas the commission selected to assess, the trust is meeting its duty in providing a clean and safe environment. It also said that Medway NHS Foundation Trust has adequate isolation facilities and effective management systems for infection prevention and control. Healthcareassociated infections are one of the

www.medway.gov.uk

greatest safety issues facing the health service today and are taken very seriously at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. They include MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C.diff (Clostridium difficile.) A recent report published by the Care Quality Commission following a self assessment by the trust shows how seriously it takes the danger of infection. This report stated that the trust wants to give patients the safest possible healthcare environment – leading to the trust declaring that while it is doing a great deal, it could do more. However, while there will always be room for improvement, the trust’s high standards are reflected in the small number of cases at the hospital and the decline in incidents over the past few years. In fact, MRSA cases have fallen by 72 per cent over three years and C.diff has seen a 32 per cent reduction in the past 12 months. These figures show that the trust has exceeded the government’s infection control targets and achieved the highest reduction in cases of healthcareassociated infections in the South East Coast region. This is down to the high standards, the resources put into infection prevention and control and the hard work of staff across the

hospital. Rella Workman, Director of Infection Prevention and Control, said: “These achievements have been possible through our zerotolerance approach to all avoidable healthcare associated infections. “We have achieved our MRSA screening requirements well ahead of the governments stipulated targets and timescales. “Our pathology department has relvolutionised the way that it works to cater for this increase in screening. It now tests a staggering 13,000 samples per month, compared with around 1,000 two years ago. They are able to tell us within 24 hours whether a patient has tested negative or positive. This gives us the information we need very quickly to ensure each patient is managed safely.“ The hospital has an isolation ward which means that once those patients carrying the MRSA bacteria are identified, they can be appropriately managed to prevent the spread of infections.” In addition to the measures taken for MRSA screening, lots of work has taken place to raise awareness and minimise the risks of healthcare-associated infections. Hand hygiene stations exist inside every ward, we have a strict ‘bare below the elbow’ policy for all staff who work in clinical areas and annual infection prevention and control training is mandatory for every member of trust staff – clinical or not.” Medway NHS Foundation

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

News from your local hospital World experts come to Medway A series of surgical skills workshops have been held at Medway Maritime Hospital for orthopaedic consultants from around the world. level courses featured talks The arthroscopy workshops from 19 orthopaedic were run in conjunction with consultants and registrars, the University of London. five who work for Medway An arthroscopy is a NHS Foundation Trust. minimally invasive surgical The workshops covered procedure that enables subjects ranging from the orthopaedic surgeons to history of knee arthroscopy examine and treat joints in and sterilisation practices, to the body such as knees, imaging, cartilage repair and shoulders, wrists and ankles. locked knees. The basic and intermediate

Medway tests theatre initiative Medway Maritime Hospital is one of just three hospitals in the country testing a new initiative designed to build upon improvements in safety and efficiency in NHS operating theatres. Led by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, The Productive Operating Theatre aims to improve standards of care for patients coming in for surgery. It will also create a benchmark against which the performance of theatres can be assessed and improvements monitored, on both a national and local level – something which hasn’t been done before in the NHS.“ This is a very exciting time for us at Medway Maritime Hospital,” said Wendy Emery, Head of Nursing/Matron for Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. “Being one of three flagship sites that tests this new programme is fantastic – our experiences and feedback will shape the final programme that is rolled out in operating theatres across the country,” she added. “This programme will make the operating theatre environment calmer and more organised, improve the scheduling of procedures and keep lists moving, and reduce the risk of any cancellations. Patients will notice reduced waiting times as a result. “We are very proud to have been chosen to participate in this trial and to help shape the way that all NHS operating theatres will function in the future.”

Serving You

NHS Foundation Trust

Andrew Horne, Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, was at the event in April and officially welcomed the consultants, registrars and medical delegates. “We were delighted to welcome these specialists to the hospital”, said Andrew. “It was exciting to have so many great minds in one room. These are people who have brought so much to the world of surgery. “Medway Maritime Hospital

has long had a reputation for some of the best orthopaedic consultants in the country, and this event is testament to that reputation.” Asode Shetty, who led the day’s proceedings, added: “The day was all about giving surgeons hands-on training and the chance to enhance their keyhole surgery skills. Practising this for themselves in some simulation workshops was a vital part of the day for the delegates.”

Hospital scoops top national energy award – again! Trust has scooped first prize in the Low Carbon Operator / Manager of the Year category – beating off stiff competition from Transport for London. Medway came top in the ‘Best Carbon Performance’ category last year. The hospital was the only NHS organisation to be represented in the shortlist for the 2009 awards, which were organised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).The low carbon performance awards aim to recognise and reward actual, proven achievements in delivering carbon savings in buildings. Paul Evans, Environmental Manager at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, was thrilled with the team’s achievement: “To win last year was fantastic, but to win again this year, and in a different award category, is just brilliant. It’s a huge acknowledgement for all the hard work

and dedication of the Trust and its team of environmental champions, without whom this would not have been possible. “We have made a commitment to reduce our carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2010, and we are on target to honour that commitment. The NHS is a big consumer of fossil fuels. By taking small steps to reduce our consumption we can have a big impact on the world around us, and reduce our energy costs.” To find out more about Medway NHS Foundation Trust, visit www.medway.nhs.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? W H AT ’ S O N ? Film A selection of classic war films showing at the Central Theatre, Chatham, to coincide with Armed Forces’ Day. Wednesday, 24 June 3pm

7.30pm

Battle of Britain Starring Michael Caine, Susannah York and Laurence Olivier. Tickets: Adults £5, veterans £2.50 (up to two tickets – to claim discount veterans need to show badge when buying tickets).

In Which We Serve One of the UK’s greatest war films, directed by David Lean and Noel Coward. 7.30pm

A Matter of Life and Death A romantic fantasy film set in the Second World War and starring David Niven. Thursday, 25 June 3pm

Music Saturday, 27 June 7pm

Ivy Paige’s Forces Sweetheart Dickens World, Chatham. The show will feature classic songs from the 1940’s and onwards. Tickets £35 per person includes a three-course meal, DJ and late licence

Carve her Name with Pride

(20 per cent discount for armed services personnel – must be pre-booked).

A true story of the heroism of Special Operations Executive Violette Zsabo.

Phone 890421 to book or log on to www.dickensworld.co.uk

One Night of Queen Thu, 4 Jun 7.30pm Stars in Their Eyes winner Gary Mullen returns with a stunning live tribute.

MAKE IT

YOURS

City of London Sinfonia Sun, 7 Jun 7.30pm Featuring classical masterpieces by Elgar, Haydn and Vaughan Williams.

Ralph McTell Fri, 12 Jun 8pm Described by Billy Connolly as: “Britain’s best singer/songwriter.”

Rockin on Heaven’s Door Sun, 14 Jun 7.30pm Bringing to life rock and roll greats including Elvis and Buddy Holly.

THIS SUMMER

Chas and Dave in Concert Thu, 18 Jun 7.30pm The cockney legends are back. Catch them while you can.

Theatre Tuesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 June 7pm Upnor Castle Open air production of

Alice Through the Looking Glass Box office 0845 450 5157 www.medway.gov.uk/tourism Friday, 26 June 3pm Crown Juals Productions presents

W H AT ’ S O N ?

Children’s activities Saturday, 27 June Chatham Library Free exhibition linking in with National Armed Forces’ Day, with a kids origami drop-in from 10am - 12noon. Phone 337799 Exhibition Thursday, 28 May to Tuesday, 7 July A free exhibition about the

The Best of British

Short Brothers and Medway’s aviation heritage

A roller-coaster of nostalgia, comedy and music through four decades of British variety. Tickets: £10. Veterans badge holders: £5 The Central Theatre, Chatham. Phone 338338 or www.medway.gov.uk/ theatrebooking

Medway Local Archives and Studies Centre, Strood. Phone 332714 www.medway.gov.uk/ archives

W|v~xÇá Yxáà|ätÄ

Friday, 29, Saturday, 30 and Sunday 31 May A spectacular event of colour, costume and entertainment is promised at this year’s summer Dickens Festival. During the three-day event, thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Rochester to soak up the Victorian atmosphere and watch parades make their way through the High Street and Castle Gardens. The Dickens Festival's unique combination of music, song and dance, drama and street theatre has earned it a place in the south east tourism calendar as one of the key events of the summer. This year marks the 31st Rochester Dickens Festival. For more information phone the Visitor Information Centre on 843666 or log on to www.medway.gov.uk/tourism

Abbamania Sun 21 Jun 7.30pm Arguably the world’s greatest Abba tribute group.

01634 338338 www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking 28

www.medway.gov.uk

Serving You

www.rochesterairport.flyer.co.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Mandy Dike Associate Director of The World Famous - fireworks, flames and pyrotechnic art The World Famous will create this year’s spectacular fireworks display at the launch of the Fuse Medway Festival. Medway Matters asked Mandy more about her passion for playing with fire.

What does your job involve? The company is now 10-years-old and we do everything from small hand-fired shows to large-scale computerised displays. I start off by visiting the location where the event is going to be happening and then I begin to design the show on paper, taking into account the surroundings and the theme of the event. In addition to fireworks, we use lights, music and sometimes performers to create a piece of outdoor theatre that tells a story. An important part of our work is helping to create free events that bring people together to experience something first hand – it’s like creating a temporary community.

What inspired you to work with fire and fireworks? I was fascinated by fireworks displays as a child and thought it was the closest thing to magic. I was quite scared by fireworks at first but once I gained a healthy respect for fire, it became very exciting. After art college I teamed up with a group of people who all wanted to create spectacular outdoor performances, and using fire and

fireworks seemed like the logical way to achieve that.

How do you train to work in pyrotechnics? There are various colleges around the country that offer basic pyrotechnic training but really the best way of learning is to work with people who already doing it. The World Famous has run quite a lot of workshops which have involved things like creating fire sculptures and even photographic imagery using fire.

What has been the highlight of your career? It’s hard to pick just one, because every time I light a very big bonfire I get a great thrill. But so far I’d say it was the first night of our latest touring show, Full Circle, because it was the result of so much hard work by a lot of people. We’ve also been involved in some great celebratory events, such as creating the confetti bursts in Trafalgar Square when the Olympic bid came through. This is definitely not your average day job.

What can visitors to the launch of Fuse Medway Festival expect to see? There’s a Bollywood theme to the opening of the festival and I’m planning to use coloured fire to create a peacock fire sculpture using all the jewel colours with Bollywood music soundtrack.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? As I spend quite a bit of time away form home I like to spend any bit of spare time I get with the family and doing things with my children. I also enjoy photography, reading – and eating.

The quick fire round Where do you live? Box, Wiltshire. What do you love? Summer mornings and expensive fireworks. Hobbies? Cycling, caving and the countryside. Favourite colour? Klein blue. Favourite sport? Anything to do with water. Any pets, if yes, what? A rabbit called Tenor.

The World Famous presents a fiery finale to the Fuse Medway Festival launch celebrations at Chatham Riverside on Saturday, 6 June. For more about the festival see page 13.

Serving You

www.medway.gov.uk

Medway M ATT E R S

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

Call: 01634 848441 for a no obligation appointment Offices in: Gillingham, Sittingbourne and Whitstable ADVERTISEMENT

Meetings calendar Medway Council is looking for people who can give time, energy and commitment to adopting a child. We need families for all ages of children but especially for older children and those from black and ethnic minorities. Please call 01634 335676 to discuss our next open evening or visit www.medway.gov.uk/adoption

Private fostering Is your child living with someone else, who is not a close relative, for more than 28 days?

Are you looking after someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s child for more than 28 days? If so, then you must notify Medway Council for help and clarification of your responsibilities as a private foster carer.

Phone: 01634 334466 Email: ss.access&info@medway.gov.uk

www.medway.gov.uk

JUNE 2 Cabinet CE 4 European Election 9 South Thames Gateway Building Control Joint Committee MR2 10 Development Control Committee MR2 12 Sub Committee of Licensing and Safety Committee MR9 16 Sub Committee of Licensing and Safety Committee MR9 17 School Transport and Curriculum Appeals Committee MR2 17 Special Regeneration, Community and Culture OSC MR9 18 Council (provisional) SGC 23 Sub Committee of Licensing and Safety Committee MR2 23 Cabinet MR2 23 Employment Matters Committee MR9 24 Standards Committee MR9 25 Audit Committee (Statement of Accounts) MR9 30 Licensing and Safety Committee MR9 JULY 1 Development Control Committee MR2 2 Business Support OSC MR9 3 Sub Committee of Licensing and Safety Committee MR9 7 Regeneration, Community and Culture OSC MR9 9 Health and Adult Social Care OSC MR9 14 Cabinet MR2 15 School Transport and Curriculum Appeals Committee MR2 15 International Relations Committee MR9 16 Children and Adults OSC MR9 22 Development Control Committee MR9 23 Employment Matters Committee MR9 28 Committee of Licensing and Safety Committee MR9 MR = Meeting Rooms, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR CE = Corn Exchange, Rochester SGC = St Georges Centre, Chatham Maritime OSC = Overview and Scrutiny Committee The dates or venues for the meetings listed could change. To check phone 332011 or visit www.medway.gov.uk

Serving You

Medway M ATT E R S

Conservative Labour Liberal Democrat Independent

Contact your councillor LUTON AND WAYFIELD

CHATHAM CENTRAL PAUL GODWIN Lab c/o PA to the Labour Group Leader, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR Phone: 865944 VINCE MAPLE Lab 13a Waghorn Street, Chatham, ME4 5LT Phone: 07981 661451 JULIE SHAW Lab 79 Downsview, Chatham, ME5 0AL Phone: 813647 CUXTON AND HALLING RAYMOND MAISEY Con 106 Charles Drive, Cuxton, ME2 1DU Phone: 727126 GILLINGHAM NORTH MAUREEN RUPAREL Lib Dem 4 Westerham Close, Gillingham, ME8 6LP Phone: 303498 ANDY STAMP Lib Dem 20 Chicago Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2DR Phone: 570408 CATHY SUTTON Lib Dem 6 St Mary’s Road, Gillingham, ME7 1JH Phone: 573918 GILLINGHAM SOUTH GEOFF JUBY Lib Dem 16 Franklin Road, Gillingham, ME7 4DF Phone: 576675 SHEILA KEARNEY Lib Dem 112 Nelson Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LL Phone: 576838 STEPHEN KEARNEY Lib Dem 112 Nelson Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LL Phone: 576838 HEMPSTEAD AND WIGMORE DIANE CHAMBERS Con 6 Mansion Row, Brompton, Gillingham ME7 5SE Phone: 842913 or 332732 RODNEY CHAMBERS Con 6 Mansion Row, Brompton, Gillingham ME7 5SE Phone: 842913 or 332732 LORDSWOOD AND CAPSTONE ALAN JARRETT Con 43 Ballens Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8NT Phone: 684640 DAVID WILDEY Con 627 Lordswood Lane, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8QY Phone: 863416

June/July 2009

T H E C O U N C I L M AG A Z I N E F O R E V E RYO N E I N M E D WAY

TONY GOULDEN Lab 37 Raleigh Close, Chatham, ME5 7SB Phone: 302538 VAL GOULDEN Lab 37 Raleigh Close, Chatham, ME5 7SB Phone: 302538 DENNIS MCFARLANE Lab 4 Spitfire Close, Chatham ME5 7QW Phone: 671533 or 07956 442302 PENINSULA JANICE BAMBER Con 5 Aveling Close, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9BZ Phone: 252394 KEN BAMBER Con 5 Aveling Close, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9BZ Phone: 252394 PHIL FILMER Con Bridgewater House, Parbrook Road, High Halstow, Rochester, ME3 8QG Phone: 254196 PRINCES PARK MATT BRIGHT Con 85 Highgrove Road, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 7SF Phone: 321265 PAT GULVIN (MRS) Con 30 Glamis Close, Chatham, Kent, ME5 7QQ Phone: 670853 RAINHAM CENTRAL REHMAN CHISHTI Con 30 Shakespeare Road, Gillingham ME7 5QN Phone: 324849 BARRY KEMP Con 18 Herbert Road, Rainham, ME8 9BZ Phone: 365231 MIKE O’BRIEN Con Redlands, 70 Herbert Road, Rainham, ME8 9DA Phone: 377950 RAINHAM NORTH DAVID CARR Con 68 Kingsway, Gillingham, ME7 3AU Phone: 853366 VAUGHAN HEWETT Con 47 Marshall Road, Rainham, ME8 0AP Phone: 07932 195683 RAINHAM SOUTH HOWARD DOE Con The Warren, 21 Style Close, Rainham, ME8 9LS Phone: 366419

Serving You

33 13 8 1

lf you want more information phone member services on 332732 or email members@medway.gov.uk ROY HUNTER Con 358 Hempstead Road, Hempstead, Gillingham, ME7 3QJ Phone: 364767 DAVID ROYLE Con 7 Watermeadow Close, Hempstead, Gillingham, ME7 3QF Phone: 377254 RIVER BILL ESTERSON Lab 3 Phalarope Way, St Mary’s Island, Chatham, ME4 3JJ Phone: 892773 CRAIG MACKINLAY Con 8 Manor Road, Chatham, ME4 6AG Phone: 841108

STROOD RURAL PETER HICKS Con 14 High Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XG Phone: 715097 TOM MASON Con 1 Leeds House, Cypress Court, Frindsbury Extra, Rochester, ME2 4PU Phone: 727301 LES WICKS Con Westcourt Farm, Salt Lane, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7ST Phone: 220347 STROOD SOUTH RICHARD ANDREWS Con 27 Hoo Common, Chattenden, Rochester, ME3 8LT Phone: 252892

ROCHESTER EAST NICK BOWLER Lab 93 Haig Avenue, Rochester ME1 2RY Phone: 07793 806011

JOHN AVEY Con 13 Elaine Court, Elaine Avenue, Strood, Rochester, ME2 2YR Phone: 712151

TERESA MURRAY Lab 318 City Way, Rochester, ME1 2BL Phone: 409486

SUSAN HAYDOCK Con 46 Trevale Road, Rochester, ME1 3PA Phone: 811172

ROCHESTER SOUTH AND HORSTED

TWYDALL

NICHOLAS BRICE Con Flat 3, 158 Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6EN. Phone: 811117 or 07912 539297

DORTE GILRY Lab 26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham, ME8 6HX Phone: 386662

SYLVIA GRIFFIN Con 12 Beaulieu Rise, Rochester, ME1 2PQ Phone: 404139 TREVOR CLARKE Con 19 Wemmick Close, Cloisterham Park, Rochester ME1 2DL Phone: 409932

GLYN GRIFFITHS Lab 105 First Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2LF Phone: 352734

ROCHESTER WEST

WALDERSLADE

TED BAKER Con 11 Watts Avenue, Rochester, ME1 1RX Phone: 847415

DAVID BRAKE Con Sherwood House, 29 Robin Hood Lane, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9NS Phone: 668649

MARK RECKLESS Con 4b High Street, Rochester, ME1 1PT Phone: 406536 STROOD NORTH JANE CHITTY Con c/o Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR Phone: 07814 482173 JANE ETHERIDGE Con 48 Watling Street, Strood, ME2 3NY Phone: 711003 STEPHEN HUBBARD Lab 94 Jersey Road, Strood, Rochester, ME2 3PD Phone: 712129

PAUL HARRIOTT Lab 26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham, ME8 6HX Phone: 233833

IAN BURT Ind 13 Oakhurst Close, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 9AN Phone: 863760 WATLING HERBERT CRACK Lib Dem 25 Arthur Road, Rainham, ME8 9BT Phone: 231229 DIANA SMITH Lib Dem 269 Napier Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LY Phone: 575192

www.medway.gov.uk

15 - 18 JULY ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS www.castleconcerts.co.uk 01634 338338