Medway Matters February March 2012

ISSUE 38 February/March 2012 Circulation: 115,471

s • Art eatre s• h T

s • Festival t n s• e ev

ors • Spec tdo ial Ou

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at’s o broch n ure

es • Spor rari t• Lib

Valentine’s special in Medway

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February/March 2012

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.

Minicom: 01634 333111 or TextRelay: 18001 01634 333333 By letter: Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR There are a number of places providing local access to council services: Chatham Community Hub, Chatham Library, Chatham Riverside, ME4 4TX Monday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm, Tuesday: 10am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Chatham Riverside One, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TX (Housing benefits, general housing, council tax, business rates only) Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.15pm, Friday: 8.30am to 4.45pm, Saturday: Closed

Gillingham Contact Point, Gillingham Library, High Street, Gillingham, ME7 1BG Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm, Tuesday: 10am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Rainham Contact Point, 1 - 3 Station Road, Rainham, ME8 7RS Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm, Wednesday: 9am to 7.30pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Rochester Community Hub, Eastgate, Rochester, 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

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

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Keep your diaries free for 2012 In this edition of Medway Matters we publish, for the first time, our new bumper What’s on Guide.

The special pull-out booklet shows essential dates for your diaries during February and March. And we will publish a What’s on pull-out guide in every Medway Matters from now on.

Medway Matters is delivered to more than 115,000 homes – and has a huge number of readers.

For quite some time, it has published a What’s on page and we believe that turning this into a pull-out booklet will benefit our residents. In the booklet you will be able to find out about Medway’s fantastic festivals, thrilling theatre shows and superb sports events.

You will also be able to flick through it to discover a great range of outdoor activities and other family fun events as well as what’s going on at your local library.

It is quite a year to release such a new, and packed, What’s on guide, with 2012 being a year of celebration in Medway.

Between now and December the area will see celebrations for Dickens’ bicentenary (which are listed in this edition of the guide), for 200 years of the Royal Engineers being in Medway, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, for the Olympic Torch Relay coming to the area and, of course, the Olympics and Paralympics themselves.

In addition, Medway’s usual array of fun festivals – such as Dickens, Fuse, and Sweeps – will, of course, be held throughout the year as well.

To celebrate the fact that Medway Matters is publishing a What’s on guide we are offering three lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets each to the Proms at the Castle Concerts.

All you have to do is look through the guide in this edition of Medway Matters and find out what day and date the England Basketball National League play-off finals will be held at Medway Park. For more details and where to send answers turn to page 9.

And remember, in order to make sure you keep track of all the great John Staples, events happening in Medway make sure you get your handy new Editor What’s on guide in each edition of Medway Matters from now on.

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Leave nothing to waste Trial launched to boost food waste recycling in Medway Page 4 Fostering in Medway Foster parent Caroline Murray talks about her experience Page 5 School building The latest on projects transforming schools across Medway Page 6 Mix-It Join the debate at Medway Youth Parliament Page 22 Blooming winter Chris Collins’ gardening column Page 23 Spotlight on: Michelle Elliott, manager Amherst Court, Chatham Page 29

Cover picture © Stuart Thomas Photography

Hub airport Support campaign by sending Boris an email Page 10-11

You’re hired: Find out how apprenticeships in Medway are taking off Page 7

Keep it Medway for Valentine’s Day Pages 20 and 21

INSIDE

Volunteering Find out the different ways to volunteer in Medway Page 14 and 15

Looking good for 2012 Dickens at 200 and tickets for Castle Concerts Page 9

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February/March 2012

Food for thought as council trials caddys A pilot project has begun to improve recycling collections from homes lacking space for a wheelie bin.

Target areas, selected on location, housing type and where it isn’t possible to fit a wheelie bin, will already have received two new food waste containers.

Residents who are part of the trial will now have a 23 litre brown food waste bin, a five litre silver kitchen caddy and a roll of compostable liners to get them started.

Once the kitchen caddy is full, the liner can be tied and placed in the brown food waste bin for safe storage before being placed outside the house on collection day.

Residents elsewhere can use brown wheelie bins to recycle food waste, which can be wrapped in a compostable liner or newspaper first.

In the UK some 6.7 million tonnes of food are thrown away each year. Much of this ends up in landfill sites, which contributes to climate change.

The food waste is converted into compost before being spread on local farms as a fertiliser.

Medway Council, in partnership with the EU funded Inspirer project, has selected 3,500 homes in parts of Chatham, Luton, Strood and Brompton for the food waste collection trial. n For more on recycling food waste visit www.medway.gov.uk/foodwaste

Why food waste recycling is a good idea? l

By using the food waste bin it stops animals ripping open black sacks, spilling contents across the street.

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It helps keep processing costs down. Composting in this way is cheaper than sending to landfill.

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Unwanted food will not go to waste.

Converted into compost it is used on local farmland helping fruit and vegetables to grow.

What can I put in my food caddy?

Recycle those messages this Valentine’s day If you’re ready to cast off those old love letters and anonymous Valentine cards, why not shoot Cupid’s arrow in the direction of your blue recycling bags.

Paper is one of the easiest materials to recycle. And by keeping your paper and cardboard separate residents are helping Medway Council to save around £1 million of taxpayers money. That’s because, if separated, it no longer needs expensive equipment to remove paper and cardboard from other materials.

Separated paper/cardboard is placed in one of eight recycling collection vehicles.

These vehicles have a divider in the back

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to keep it all separate. The materials are taken to the transfer station in Strood, where it is bulked up into larger vehicles and taken to a local paper processing plant where it is: • sorted and graded into different paper types.

It can take around seven days for a newspaper to go through the recycling process and be transformed into recycled newsprint, which is used to make the majority of Britain’s national daily newspapers. n For more on recycling in Medway visit www.medway.gov.uk/recyclenow

• added to water and then turned into pulp.

• screened, cleaned and de-inked through a number of processes until it is suitable for papermaking.

• made into new paper products such as newsprint, magazines, cardboard, packaging, tissue and office items.

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February/March 2012

Helping young people through troubled times Looking after children is a challenge for any parent but for Caroline Murray overcoming such difficulties has become her life and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

For almost 20 years she has provided refuge for troubled teenagers, who for whatever reason are unable to live at home, sometimes temporarily; often for good.

She is now one of Medway’s Fostering Plus team offering a roof, a listening ear and lots of support for children – and their birth families – in the hope they can work through the issues they face.

Caroline was in her mid-20s when she first began fostering. She spotted an advert for a job providing rooms for teenagers aged over 16.

‘It’s usually not until much later that you know the impact your care has had’ That developed into full time fostering; working specifically with young people on remand from youth detention or on curfew, often with issues related to substance misuse. Their lives were often chaotic.

“My first foster child was 15 at the time.

I’d been approached by social services about a teenager with sporadic school attendance, involved in the court system,” said Caroline.

“Normally, there is time for introductions but he was placed within 24 hours. The important thing when he arrived was to make him feel comfortable and safe.

“He stayed with me for six months. The

view was always for him to return home once he felt more stable and had built back up a realistic relationship with his family.”

Since then Caroline has had more than 20 foster placements, some have stayed for a few days; the longest was with her for seven years – and still occasionally pops around for dinner.

She says: “It’s usually not until much later that you know the impact your care has had. Often it’s moments like being in the middle of something and seeing the young person genuingly relax; their troubles falling away and laughing freely, maybe for the first in a long time.

“Sometimes you’ll be walking down the street and bump into someone you looked after and they’ll say ‘remember when we did this’, or ‘you helped me do that.’ That gives you a sense of achievement. It makes it all worthwhile.”

As for prospective foster parents Caroline suggests the following advice: don’t judge, set firm house rules from the start and be prepared, above all else, to go with the flow.

“There are periods, as with any parent, when things are ticking along nicely followed by times that are completely frantic. It can be enormously intense, but also incredibly rewarding,” she says.

“Why foster in the first place? It’s different; it’s 24 hours a day; it’s unpredictable, yet very predictable; it’s fun; it’s challenging; it can be a rollercoaster ride; it’s what you make it. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Online services just made easier Whether it’s applying for a bus pass, paying for a council tax bill or reporting litter, it’s now easier than ever to do it online.

Just log on to www.medway.gov.uk and select pay, apply or report from the menu at the top of the home page then select a category from the list that appears on the next page.

Business rates, parking fines, housing rent and a number of other council related charges can all be paid online. If you want to apply for a council vacancy, renew library books, or check eligibility for housing and other benefits these can also be done on the council website.

To report environmental issues – like litter and flytipping - residents can now do so using a mobile phone application available at www.lovemedway.co.uk. To find out more click the home page report button at www.medway.gov.uk

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The Fostering Plus scheme Medway Council’s ‘Fostering Plus’ scheme provides children and young people from complex circumstances and situations, with help from very skilled and committed foster carers.

Their success has driven a need to expand the scheme and the team are keen to hear from anyone interested to know more about the training, support and enhanced payments associated with the scheme.

The Medway Fostering Team also offer placements for a range of other children’s needs including:• teenagers • babies and younger children • siblings • parent and child • short breaks • short term and long term • day care links for disabled children The team have children and young people waiting now for placements. To find out more visit www.medway.gov.uk, email: cheryl.baxter@medway. gov.uk or call 335726.

Crematorium improvements A substantial programme of improvements is underway at Medway Crematorium.

The refurbishment programme includes doubling the seating capacity of the chapel and improving the car park layout.

The crematorium, at Blue Bell Hill, will remain open throughout the project, which is set for completion later this year. All efforts will be made to minimise disruption.The grounds of the building will continue to be open 365 days a year. For further details visit www.medway.gov.uk/medwaycrematorium

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Schools get the modern touch The last of the current wave of projects to redesign and transform Medway schools has been given the go ahead by Medway Council.

Twydall Primary, based on Twydall Lane, Gillingham, was launched last September following the merger of the infant and junior schools.

Its makeover includes a corridor linking the two parts of the site, a new staff block, plus a combined entrance for the new school. There are also plans to create a specialist unit for children with hearing impairments and cochlear implants in part of the old junior school.

It comes almost two years after the council’s Schools Primary Capital Programme began, which has seen four projects completed and a further five currently underway and set for completion this year. New children’s centres, bigger classrooms, landscaped play areas and better staff facilities are just some of the improvements that have been made as part of the scheme.

The main aim of the projects has been to give children new and updated buildings that will improve their time at school. At Napier Community School the works are beginning to take shape with pupils excited at the changes.

Emily Brazier, 10, said: “It's been really great to watch the building progress.

I am really excited about doing our Year 6 play on the new and improved stage and I think the new ICT suite and library are both going to be awesome.

Conor McCarthy, 10, added: “I think many more children will want to come to our school. Our younger pupils will really love the new facilities.”

Cllr Les Wicks, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “These works are about raising standards by building schools for the future that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”

n Pupils from Thamesview School

The projects so far: Completed: Walderslade Primary – New school building and landscaped play area Lordswood Primary – Remodelled classrooms and work to link the infant and junior school buildings.

Thames View Infant and Junior Schools – A new entrance plus an extended nursery.

Riverside Primary – Specialist facilities and a new space for children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Underway: Napier Community Primary – Work to school hall, playground and new block for community and staff use.

All Faiths Community School – Work to new children’s centre, school hall and three new classrooms Oaklands Primary – Work to children’s centre and classroom improvements Elaine Primary – Additional classroom, staff office and parking.

Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School – A new design and technology building for students.

n The end result: Walderslade School’s new classroom and cloakroom area

New academies taking shape to provide outstanding learning Work is gathering pace at Medway’s three flagship academies.

The three new builds, Strood Academy, Brompton Academy and Bishop of Rochester Academy have been designed to provide an outstanding learning environment for students and the wider community.

The designs include fitness trails, new sports facilities, flexible teaching spaces, and landscaped areas for outside learning.

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Students at Strood Academy will be moving into their new buildings on Carnation Road, Strood, this September, while the other two projects are due to be completed in time for the start of the autumn term in 2013.

Construction company BAM, which is carrying out the work at all three academies, have been working with apprentices and employing local labour throughout the builds.

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Investing in our young people ‘You’re hired’ is a phrase no longer confined to Lord Sugar’s boardroom, with more businesses than ever investing in the future of young people by taking on an apprentice.

Medway Council’s apprenticeship subsidy scheme, launched last October, with £200,000, providing Medway businesses with a £2,000 incentive to help with wages or training costs.

Targeted at small to medium sized companies with less than 50 employees, it’s aimed at seven specific sectors, including construction and engineering, horticulture, travel and creative industries.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, said: “Apprenticeships offer young people a really special opportunity to get some valuable training and skills and that all important chance to get on the career ladder.

“Our apprenticeship subsidy is offering businesses that extra incentive to take on an apprentice and it’s great to see so many businesses reaping the benefits they can bring.”

To find out more on the subsidy, which is funded by the council and the European Union, email: gaps@medway.gov.uk or call 334348.

Case Study 1 Totally Bespoke Joinery Brian Wright, 46, has been running his Strood based joinery business Totally Bespoke Joinery for eight years and employs three full time members of staff.

He said: “For a business like ours, an apprenticeship really is the best way to learn the trade and pick up the skills and techniques. When I heard about the subsidy it seemed like the perfect opportunity to teach the trade and get an extra pair of hands on board.”

Their apprentice, Frank Turtle, 18, is already busy learning the ropes.

“I decided to look for an apprenticeship after completing my second year at college studying bench joinery. Doing an apprenticeship gives me the chance to be in a real working environment and be part of a team. For me, it seems the best way to really learn the trade.

“I’m working with bench joiners who have years of experience and can pass on their knowledge and expertise to me.

This will hopefully stand me in good stead for the future.”

Case Study 2 mhs homes Elise Cooper, 18, and Jessica Haslam, 17, (pictured left), both apprentices at housing association mhs homes are on a mission to spread the word about apprenticeships.

Elise, who is working towards a Customer Service qualification, and Jessica, studying for a NVQ qualification in Business Administration, have become ambassadors for apprenticeships.

The pair are visiting schools and colleges around Medway to answer any queries other young people may have and talk about the value of an apprenticeship.

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n Frank is learning new skills as an apprentice “Apprenticeships help you get experience, a wage and a qualification and I think it’s important more young people are aware of what’s on offer to them,” said Jessica, a former Walderslade Girls pupil.

For Elise, a graduate of Rainham School for Girls, an apprenticeship wasn’t always the obvious option. She said: “A lot of students think apprenticeships tend to be in more traditional trades such as hairdressing or plumbing, but they cover so much more. I hope we can get that message out there to as many young people as possible.”

Case Study 3 Prima Montessori nursery Teenagers Sarah Parkes and Rebecca Payne are well on their way to their dream jobs after landing apprenticeships at a Gillingham nursery.

The pair have been hired by Prima Montessori nursery on Capstone Road and will complete NVQ Level 2 apprenticeships in child care. Both have a buddy from the nursery team to supervise and help them with their new roles.

Sarah, 16, said: “You get so much training and experience, which is really what you need to get the job you want.”

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Grant change costs council money A ‘smoke and mirrors’ way of allocating money has allowed the government to claim a council tax freeze while leaving hard-up local businesses footing the bill.

Ministers promised to refund the money lost by the freeze in council tax in 2011/12 for a four year period, and said this would be financed by providing local authorities with a special grant.

This does not mean a four year freeze on council tax.

But the government has now decided it will fund the money from business rates instead.The Communities and Local Government department has decided that money collected from business rates will be used for the grant, even though this money would have been distributed to councils anyway.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “Every pound the government takes away from the council is a pound less it has to spend on the important services it provides for residents.”

The council is currently seeking efficiencies to meet expected government cuts. The council has a forecasted £6.2million funding gap for the next financial year and is currently drawing up its annual budget to balance this.

For instance, its Better For Less efficiency programme is projected to bring about cumulative savings of £13million over three years while it is also currently reviewing its contracts with suppliers to make more savings.

How Medway Council’s government grant has been reduced 2011/12 budget

£85,402m

2012/13 budget

£78,280m £7.122m

Comparisons in grant to similar sized areas Kingston upon Hull Population: 271,000

Plymouth Population: 265,334

per person

per person

£541.59

£405

Brighton and Hove Population: 260,000

Medway Population: 257,000

per person

per person

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£313.49

February/March 2012

Get ready to switch to digital The way most residents in Medway receive their television signal is about to change.

At the moment homes still get what is known as an analogue signal transmitted to their roof-top aerials.

It gives free access to five terrestrial channels – BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

But this will change over the coming months as analogue signals broadcast from transmitters serving Medway homes are switched off and replaced with a new digital version.

Most terrestrial television signals in Kent come via one of four main transmitters, of which Blue Bell Hill is the main provider for the Medway area.

The analogue signals from all four transmitters will be gradually switching to digital from Tuesday, 1 May reaching the majority of Medway by Wednesday June 13.

It will be earlier for some communities in north Kent and Medway linked to the Crystal Palace transmitter in London.

Their analogue signal will be lost on Wednesday, 4 April.

Once the analogue signal is switched off residents will need to buy a Freeview digital set top box or Free-sat satellite dish to continue watching television channels free of charge.

To help with the switchover volunteers from Action with Communities in Rural Kent are holding roadshow events to explain the changes, including the following in Medway: • Chatham – 16-17 March Outside Primark, High St • Gillingham – 23-24 March Outside WH Smith, Smith’s Square, High St • Rochester – 10 March Opposite City Wall Wine Bar, High St A Switchover help scheme has also been set up to assist older and disabled customers to convert to digital TV. Visit www.help scheme.co.uk, email: info@helpscheme.co.uk or phone 0800 40 85 913 for details.

■ To find out more visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or phone 08456 50 50 50.

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February/March 2012

What’s on Medway 2012 From Dickens’ 200th birthday to Jools Holland’s return to the Castle Concerts, 2012 is already shaping up to be one amazing year.

This edition of Medway Matters includes the first of a series of supplements packed full of events taking place over the coming months, including listings of shows at The Central and Brook Theatres in Chatham.

The special pull-outs will appear in each issue of Medway Matters for 2012 with essential dates for your diary from the arrival of the Olympic Torch relay on Friday, 20 July to the final Medway Mile through Rochester, coinciding with the start of the London Games.

■ To find out more visit www.celebratemedway2012.co.uk

Dickens at 200 There will be great expectations for Dickens fans this year as events take place to mark the 200th year of the birth of the famous Victorian who literally put Rochester on the map.

The 2011 Dickens Festivals may have seen record numbers pack the High Street for the colourful parades, performances, markets and period atmosphere. But interest is expected to be even higher as the area that inspired some of the greatest novels ever written, and characters as diverse as Magwitch and Uncle Pumblechook, celebrates one of its most famous adopted sons.

This year’s summer Dickens Festival takes place from Friday, 8 to Sunday, 10 June with the Dickensian Christmas Festival rounding off the celebrations on Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 December. Other events include a screening of Great Expectations at Rochester Cathedral plus a theatrical adaptation of the same novel at the Brook Theatre.

■ See the What’s On pull out for full details. Many events have been organised by, or jointly with, the Dickens Fellowship.

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Castle Concerts 2012 The build up to Castle Concerts 2012 is underway and you can be there courtesy of Medway Matters.

Three lucky readers will be going to the Proms at Rochester Castle Gardens this summer to mark the first edition of the What’s On booklet.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns on Saturday, July 21, one of two acts returning to Medway for the annual concert series.

All you have to do is win is to leaf through the new bi-monthly guide, free with this edition, and tell us what day and date the England Basketball National League play-off finals will be held at Medway Park.

To enter email: medwaymatters@medway.gov.uk or post the answer to the following address by 5pm on Friday, 13 April: What’s On Guide competition, Medway Matters, Communications and Marketing, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR. For more details on the competition visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules There’s lot more on this year’s Castle Concert series inside the What’s On Guide, including details of the return of Jools Holland.

For the latest updates don’t forget to visit www.castleconcerts.co.uk The Castle Concerts are organised by Medway Council.

The full line-up of acts will be announced soon. Join the Castle Concerts Facebook page or Twitter feed for the latest news.

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A new email service has started that allows opponents of the Thames Estuary airport to tell the Mayor of London what they think of his proposals.

Dear Boris, The area is completely unsuitable for an airport. It is a prime over-wintering site for huge numbers of geese, which can easily bring down an aircraft if sucked into engines.

There is the SS Montgomery close by, loaded with thousands of tonnes of unstable explosives. And huge ships loaded with LPG regularly travel the nearby sea lanes, which in places are just 100s of metres from the shore.

The huge costs involved in building an airport on marshy land would be better spent developing enhanced train links within the country and to the continent.

Yours, Dr C

Dear Boris, I should like to add my voice to those campaigning against the idea of an estuary airport for London. I have the strongest objections to the concept of this airport, on financial, ecological, and sociological grounds, and think that even at a time of financial plenty, it would be a disastrously misguided scheme.

Yours, Ms M

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johnhemming

People can use this email to let Boris Johnson (right) know their views about his aim to build a huge hub airport costing up to ÂŁ70billion on a man-made island off the Kent coast, as well as two other proposals for the Hoo Peninsula that he supports.

To use it visit www.stopestuaryairport.co.uk/email-boris-johnson. It has set wording to make it as easy as possible for people to send a message.

Since the mayor first announced the scheme, Medway Council has campaigned against it with Kent County Council and the RSPB, jointly arguing the plans are undeliverable, unaffordable and unnecessary.

Medway Matters has selected excerpts from some of the emails received to show in this edition. The identities of the authors have been kept private.

Dear Boris, If a new airport is needed, then it would be far more sensible to put it to the west, north west or north of London. This would make it more accessible to the rest of the country and not have the rest of the country travelling to its far eastern corner with its already overcrowded transport network.

Yours, Mr A

Dear Boris, I have looked at the Foster plan and it is evident the plan was drawn up without any input from civil airline pilots or other aviation experts. Indeed when the estuary airport was mooted previously the aviation industry were strongly opposed to any proposal for an airport in your suggested location.

If, and it’s a big if, London needs more capacity, which has not been shown, then why not develop Manston, in Kent, which already has one of the longest runways in Europe and is close to an existing high speed rail link to London.

Development of Manston would also bring much needed jobs and businesses to East Kent.

I urge you to drop any further comments, thoughts and ideas about the estuary scheme with immediate effect.

Yours, Mr H

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Dear Boris, I notice that you don’t live here; we moved here (originally from Islington like yourself) to escape the overcrowded concrete jungle that is London, and I can’t believe that your mayoral jurisdiction extends a 40 mile radius from Central London. I find it insulting; we cannot vote on your appointment yet you persist in trying to make our lives a misery.

Yours, Mr N

“Boris needs to get the message that his airport hub plan would be a disaster for Medway, Kent, and the wider Thames Estuary.”

Cllr Rodney Chambers, Leader of Medway Council

Dear Boris, There has been much publicity given to the two airport projects in the Thames Estuary.

In none of this publicity does information appear about two very good airports at Manston and Southend which combined would solve all of the capacity problems at a fraction of the cost.

In these days of austerity this option would make much more sense than investing in a brand new project.

Yours, Mr D H

Dear Boris, I fail to see by what logic you think that blighting yet another area of the countryside could be a good idea.

I urge you to reconsider your actions and stop wasting tax payers money on this.

Yours, Mr RJW

Stop the Tha mes Estuary Airpo rt a pie in the s ky idea

Dear Boris, The area is special for both wildlife and people and should be protected for generations to come.

Yours, Mr R B

Help ensure proposals for a Thames Estuary airport never leave the runway by downloading this poster at www.stopestuaryairport.co.uk

Serving You

The Mayor of Lo airport off the ndon wants to build an inte Kent and Esse rnational x coast in the You can join th Thames Estuar e appeal to gr y.

If you would lik ound this sche m e or visit www.s to sign the petition now as e. topestuaryairp k our staff, ort.co.uk

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February/March 2012

Love Medway campaign heats up A campaign to keep Medway clean, safe and green has won the support of Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

n Cllr Mike O’Brien meets the crew of Medway Fire Station

The Love Medway message will soon appear on the cab doors of three of Medway’s fire trucks, as part of efforts to increase awareness of the dangers caused by dumped rubbish and litter being deliberately set alight.

Over a quarter of all blazes* dealt with by firefighters in Medway over the past year were rubbish fires. That’s set against an estimated 2,200 tonnes of cigarette butts, snack food wrappers and other

waste picked up by the council from pavements and green spaces at an annual cost to residents of £2.8 million.

Cllr Mike O’Brien, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, said: “Both Medway Council and the fire service want to see incidents of flytipping or littering reduced and make people aware that dumped rubbish is an easy target for irresponsible vandals to take advantage of.

“By joining forces we can spread the message about the risks of rubbish fires, particularly at times of year when households have much more packaging and wrapping to dispose of.

“We can also make more people aware of how they can report issues, such as rubbish or littering, so we can prevent these incidents happening in the first place.

Medway Fire Station Watch Manager Mike Robins, said: “We attended nearly 300 rubbish fires in the past year in Medway and while they may seem trivial, they not only blight our neighbourhoods they also have the potential to cause significant injury and damage to property and livelihoods.

“Fires like these also represent a huge drain on our own and partners’ resources.

We are pleased to be able to support Medway Council with this initiative and hope that residents will also take notice and help us to make the towns a safer place to live and work.” *26.4 per cent between December 2010 and November 2011.

The Love Medway app, launched in April, allows people to take and submit photographs of issues affecting their area such as dumped rubbish, street litter and abandoned vehicles so that the council can deal with the problem.

The app makes it easier, cheaper and quicker for residents and community officers to report problems, reducing the time it takes to get the query on the system from around 20 minutes to 40 seconds.

It also automatically appears on a dedicated website – www.lovemedway .co.uk - where residents can track other reported issues including how long they take to resolve.

The Love Medway campaign has had more than 6,000 reports of environmental issues to date and the number of members of public reporting issues each month has increased from 19 reports in April to 112 in November.

Pentagon Have your say on adult care prize Lucky Medway mum Joanne Waterhouse was able to buy extra gifts for her family after winning £1,000 of shopping vouchers to spend in the Pentagon Centre, Chatham.

The free prize draw took place as part of a campaign to encourage people to rediscover Chatham shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

It was organised by Medway Council, the Chatham Town Centre Forum and the Pentagon Centre.

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People wishing to put forward their views on the future of Adult Social Care services in Medway still have until 9 February to comment.

The council has started three consultations on some parts of the adult social care services it provides.

The first seeks views on selling Nelson Court residential home in Chatham and to transfer care at Robert Bean Lodge, in Rochester, and Platters Farm Lodge, in Rainham, to independent providers.

The second is on a proposal to close the Balfour Day Centre in Rochester, following a

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significant drop in the number of people using the facility.

In addition to this, the council is holding a third consultation on proposals to make contributions for adult social care services fairer for all.

If this option is approved all services will, in future, be means tested with service users making a contribution if they have savings of above £23,500. n For more details on all three consultations and to take part please visit www.medway. gov.uk/adultssocialcare or call 333322

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Enjoy a walk along the coast A strip of riverside enjoying dramatic views of the Thames estuary and beyond is now open for all to enjoy.

Work to create Grain Coastal Park – which has a beach, extensive parkland, picnic areas and woodland walks - has been taking place for almost two years.

A small dedicated group of volunteers have been kept busy through all weathers creating new paths and habitats which, in future, will encourage wild flowers, bees, butterflies and other creatures to set up home.

Young people from Grain Youth Club have also been getting involved and were given the task of naming four new paths – Foxglove, Cuckoo, Barnacle and Puma – the last referring to a particularly large cat said to roam the area.

Future plans – funding permitting – include a new coastal footpath linking Grain with Allhallows.

The project has been a partnership between St James Isle of Grain Parish Council, which owns the land; Medway Council and the Kent Wildlife Trust.

Grain Co

Volunteer activity days take place on the third Sunday of each month. The next two will be on 19 February and 18 March. Meet at 10.30am at Grain Beach car park.

Free refreshments.

Call Michael Dale on 270314 or Tony Watson on 255694 for more details.

astal Par

k Volunt

eers

Do you enjoy the great outdoors?

Why not get along to one of these events taking place at open spaces across Medway over the next two months. u Volunteer Task Day Capstone Farm Country Park Sunday, 5 February, 10am–2pm.

Refreshments will be provided. Free. Register interest on 338191.

u Volunteer Task Day Riverside Country Park Sunday, 5 February, 10am–2pm.

Refreshments will be provided. Free. Register interest on 337432.

winter. No previous experience necessary. £1.50 per person. Book in advance on 337432.

u Volunteer Task Day Riverside Country Park Sunday, 4 March, 10am–2pm.

Refreshments will be provided. Free. Register interest on 337432.

u Seed Planting

u Scrub Clear Broomhill Park Sunday, 5 February. Please bring your own tools, gloves and a drink with you. Visit www.medway.gov.uk/ greenspaceevents for times. Free. No need to book in advance.

u Marvellous Mammals Capstone Farm Country Park Thursday, 16 February, 9–11am.

Join one of the rangers and search for mice and voles around the park.

Learn about their life cycles, habitats and much more. Suitable for children aged 10 plus and adults. £1.50 per person.

u Beginners Birdwatching (winter) Riverside Country Park Saturday, 25 February, 11am–noon (classroom based), 1–3pm (field based). This introductory course will help bird watchers identify the most common birds seen or heard during the

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Broomhill Park Sunday, 4 March. Visit www.medway.gov.uk/ greenspaceevents for times. Come and plant some seeds with the Friends of Broomhill. Seeds will be available but please bring your own tools, gloves and a drink with you. Free. No need to book in advance.

u Family Discovery Walk Riverside Country Park Saturday, 10 March, 10am–noon.

Join one of the rangers in the first of three walks this year, looking at the signs of spring. Fun and interesting for all the family. £1.50 per person.

Book in advance 337432.

u Volunteer Task Day Capstone Farm Country Park Sunday, 18 March, 10am–2pm. Free.

Register interest on 338191.

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Find time to volunteer; it could change your life

Rita Hunt

Jo Percy

Carly Humphreys

Conservation volunteer

Sports volunteer

Events volunteer

Volunteering for me has been a way of life. I started conservation volunteering after deciding to join the Cuxton Countryside Group.

We mended stiles, coppiced and managed woodland and even helped maintain part of the North Downs Way, to ensure the safety of people taking part in the North Downs annual run.

I later joined the Friends of Rede Common. We meet on the third Saturday of each month. It is a great way to keep, fit and is the best stress reliever; problems are forgotten in the fresh air.

Taking part in planting a new hedgerow on a freezing February day and then seeing it flourish and burst into flower or holding a tiny dormouse in your hand to check its health make it all worth the effort.

■ To join the Friends of Rede Common email: ritahunt06@tiscali.co.uk

I have an auntie with Downs syndrome who has been in a care home ever since she was a child. I have always looked up to those that look after her, many of whom are volunteers.

In an average year I will do about 100 hours of volunteering. I would like to give up more of my time. It’s getting the time off work that’s the tricky bit.

Highlights include the Modern Pentathlon – World Cup 2010 and meeting Princess Anne. The big one will be the Olympics this summer.

Volunteering gives you an enormous sense of pride. The appreciation given to those, like myself, giving up their time to help out makes it all worthwhile.

It has enriched my life, with some of my most cherished memories I have coming from times I spent helping out.

■ For more on sports volunteering email: sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk

Three years ago Carly decided she was fed up of being bored. That all changed when the 19-year old found out from her teachers about volunteering. It has given her the confidence and drive to push herself to live life to the full.

Since February 2009 Carly has completed a sports leadership programme, helped raise money for Children in Need and supported a nearby nursery. She is just one camping trip away from completing her Duke of Edinburgh silver award.

She said: “Volunteering changed my life.

I was doing things that I never thought I’d do, like abseiling off a 100ft bridge even though I’m really scared of heights.”

■ Find about volunteering opportunites for young people in Medway email: reesj@thehowardschool.co.uk

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inding any spare time given the many demands of home and work is tricky. But for those who can carve an hour out of their day to volunteer the rewards will more than repay the efforts.

On these pages we feature a number of people who have done just that in a variety of ways, from stewarding at major sporting events to doing work for charity. It’s a great way to learn skills and a great way to make new friends, but most of all it’s great fun.

F

Cllr Tom Mason, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services

Sonia Milner

Fiona Rogers

Sheila Fields

Health volunteer

Youth volunteer

Library volunteer

I lost my mum to lung cancer and gave up smoking using the Medway Stop Smoking service the week before she died. I’d never thought my story was that important but I’ve now learnt it is powerful and I can use it to help others.

I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through with my mum.

I now spend time at Medway Maritime Hospital each week, working with smokers, and also at my local Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Volunteering has allowed me to share my experiences and give something back. It has also added another dimension to my life and helped take it in another direction.

■ To volunteer for the Medway Stop Smoking Service, phone Melissa Wood on 822282 or email: melissa.wood@medwaypct.nhs.uk

Medway resident Fiona Rogers has been a volunteer with the Young Lives Foundation (YLF) for the past two years successfully mentoring three young people going through difficult times in their lives.

Earlier this year, Fiona started mentoring Chris. Over the past six months, she has encouraged him to develop new hobbies and interests.

Her time with Chris has made a big impact on his life, helping him to become a more settled and self-confident young person.

For Fiona too the time with Chris has been a positive and fulfilling experience, and she can gain satisfaction from seeing the difference she has made.

■ To find out about volunteering with YLF visit www.ylf.org.uk or phone 01622 693459

I started volunteering five years ago when I retired because I needed something to do with my time. There’s a purpose and focus to my days now plus I’ve made new friendships too and I’m giving back to my community.

I’ve been Chairman of the Friends of Medway Libraries since 2010. The Friends help to promote the libraries and organise regular activities, like knitting groups or scrabble mornings at their chosen library.

I lead a health walk, every two weeks, from Hempstead to Cuxton and back as part of my work at Hempstead Library.

It’s great to get out in the fresh air and it keeps me fit too - we look forward to the tea and biscuits on our return.

■ To find out more about library volunteering visit www.medway.gov.uk/ libraries

For voluntee more on ring op in Medw ay – from portunities clearing supporti ng the w parks to o r k of the visit ww S OS bus w.medw ay.gov.u k/ voluntee ring

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Couple talk about life as Medway Shared Lives carers Take a copy of a well known High Street catalogue and try to remember which page features ironing boards, shaded blue with a steam resistant cover – in seconds. Nuala and Don Payne’s adopted daughter can do it in an instant.

Laura, that’s not her real name, has been living with the Chatham couple since the age of five. Now 28, she considers the pair her rock, her champions; not just her full time carers.

Laura’s epilepsy is so severe she could have a fit at any time so requires constant supervision. That combined with autism and severe learning difficulties makes her care all the more demanding.

Luckily, Nuala and Don Payne are not alone and are able to call on support provided by Medway Council’s Shared Lives Team when they need it. That includes providing access to day care, a support worker who pitches in to help when required and respite facilities to give carers a break, plus support groups where carers can meet and ‘It’s all about share their experience. making her life “It’s a 24/7 job but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. You see the best it can daily the rewards for the efforts you put possibly be.’ in and the things she is learning to achieve,” says Nuala.

“We try to help her be as independent as possible so she’ll help make her own breakfast or her dinner – Toad in the hole is a favourite - closely supervised by us of course. The joy she gets doing things makes it all worthwhile.

“We work together as a team, not only us but with the Shared Lives team. It’s all about making her life the best it can possibly be.

“She has a support worker on some days of week. At other times she will go to a day centre; maybe to dance, cook or do arts and crafts. We also have access to support groups, where we can meet up with others. It’s nice to know you’re not alone.”

■ Carers: Don and Nuala Payne Medway Council’s Shared Lives scheme recruits and trains carers who then offer a wide range of support, activities and homes to vulnerable adults.

It focuses on people with learning and physical disabilities and is often a stepping stone to greater independence.

Each year the team have an awards ceremony to celebrate the work carers do. Nuala and Don Payne received a gold award for the care they have shown over the years.

The latest awards took place in January with the following carers given special mention: Longstanding Gold – Colin and Sheila Tullett, carers for more than 30 years.

Longstanding Silver – Joan McCabe Outstanding Gold – Christine and Rod Sprules, for the support given some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Outstanding Silver – Becky Beckett Best Practice – Phil Budgen, for the way he has encouraged a number of people to experience new activities and interests.

■ To find out how to become a Shared Lives carer visit www.medway.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 337100.

Books to go service launched A new library book collection service has been launched for people who do not have time to browse the shelves for reading ideas.

By simply filling in a questionnaire about favourite authors and book genres, library users will be matched to books thought suitable to their reading habits. Residents will then be able to call into their local library at a pre-arranged time and collect books selected by staff.

Books-to-go is a free service that will initially be trialled for six months. Those interested in using the service are asked to register for the scheme.

■ To apply email: chatham.library@medway.gov.uk with Books-to-go in the subject line or phone 337799. Alternatively, visit Chatham Library, Dock Road, Chatham.

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Rent one, get one free Medway Libraries will be offering rent one, get one free loans on any audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-Rays or console games for residents who join their nearest library on National Libraries Day taking place on Saturday, 4 February.

■ Visit www.medway .gov.uk/libraries to find out more.

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Waste man fined £400 A Chatham man has been fined after failing to supply his waste carrier’s licence when stopped by council officials.

Paul James Fletcher, 22, of Sailmakers Court, Chatham, was sentenced on Monday, 28 November, at Medway Magistrates Court.

Fletcher was originally stopped outside EMR Whitewall Road, Strood, on Friday, 22 July 2011. At the time of the stop he was asked to produce his waste carrier’s licence by Medway Council’s environmental enforcement team.

Fletcher produced a licence that was out of date and in the name of another licensed carrier. Fletcher was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £300 (reduced to £180 if paid in 10 days).

When Fletcher did not pay the fine he was summoned to court but did not attend and the case was heard in his absence. Magistrates fined him £450 plus £206.50 towards prosecution costs, and a £15 victim surcharge.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, Cllr Mike O’Brien, said: “Waste licences are an essential tool for dealing with environmental crime.

“They are in place for good reason, helping the council to keep tabs on where waste ends up and to take appropriate action if that place is at the side of the road or dumped down an alley.

“Prosecutions like this send out a strong message that the council will pursue through the courts those who break the law.”

Waste carriers licences cost £154 and are available from the Environment Agency -www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Medway Council’s children’s services have been judged as performing well for the second year running.

Children’s services continue to improve In an annual assessment of the quality of services for children and young people in the area carried out by government regulator Ofsted, inspectors have awarded Medway the second highest rating possible.

Inspectors say provision for under fives is good or better. Achievements of children at the end of the Early Years Foundation stage have also improved well over the past four years.

The large majority of Medway’s secondary schools are now at least good. The two schools which were inadequate last year, have also improved and are now satisfactory.

It added that educational standards achieved by 16 year olds in Medway and young people from low income families are both improving and in line with the national average.

The number of young people achieving level 2 or level 3 qualifications by the age of 19 is up on last year and the large majority of provision for learning after the age of 16, including colleges, is good or better.

The report is an overall assessment of all children’s services in Medway including children’s centres, schools and colleges, children’s social care and

fostering and adoption services.

In their assessment, inspectors said outcomes for vulnerable children have shown sustained improvement with the quality of provision for children with special educational needs also highlighted as a strength.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Cllr Les Wicks, said: “I am not only glad to see that we’ve been judged as performing well but also that we’ve sustained this performance through from 2010.

“The report notes that there is more to be done. I believe we have the measures in place to secure these improvements and achieve even better outcomes for children and young people in Medway.”

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Social Care, Cllr David Wildey, said: “I’m pleased that inspectors have recognised the hard work that’s done to support our most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Medway and that our ambition to fulfil our role as a good 'parent' to our looked after children is having a positive impact.”

■ The report can be read in full at www.ofsted.gov.uk/ local-authorities/ medway

■ Waste checks help prevent flytipping.

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Stay active, have fun, keep healthy at Medway’s parks Make 2012 the year to discover adult education From keeping chickens, to designing an iPhone app, starting up in business to relaxing alternative therapies, Medway’s adult education curriculum for this year is varied and exciting.

New courses include baking beautiful cakes, an introduction to bee-keeping, beginners Latin and Punjabi plus baby signing.

Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “These courses are all part-time so busy residents can fit them in around other commitments.

“Our courses offer learners the chance to enjoy some quality ‘me’ time, meet friends and learn new skills that could lead to a new hobby, career or business venture. If you’ve never tried adult education before, now’s your chance.”

Between January and July this year, Medway Adult and Community Learning Service (MACLS) will be running more than 340 courses.

Courses start throughout the year and learners can enrol at any time. Most offer concessionary rates and for those out of work or on benefits some are free.

New courses are added to the online course finder every month at the request of students. For more details and more courses visit www.medway.gov.uk/ adultlearning or phone 338400.

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With lighter evenings and milder weather just around the corner, what better time to enjoy Medway’s wonderful green spaces.

With improvements expected to be completed this spring at several parks and play areas there’s no excuse – even if wintry weather takes one last bow – to stay indoors.

Rosebery Road Recreation Ground in Chatham is a new play area for younger children aged between two and 10. The park will include new equipment and seating thanks to an investment of £65,000.

Moonstone Drive play park in Lordswood has also had £12,000 allocated to provide new equipment for young children and seating.

A further £44,000 is being spent upgrading eight play parks across Medway. These include climbing frames at Friston Way, Hamilton Road and Victoria Gardens. Jacksons Recreation Ground, Rochester and Prince Arthur Park, Gillingham will benefit from new toddler play equipment.

And for those who’ve resolved to stay fit and healthy this year, a new scheme called Fitness for All is being launched at Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Chatham, The Esplanade in Rochester and Canal Road, Strood.

The scheme is aimed at teens and adults and will include outdoor gym equipment, and Trim Trail equipment. A total of £100,000 has been allocated for this scheme.

Funding for the schemes has come from a number of sources, including money allocated for ward councillor priorities and planning agreements with developers.

Updates on the parks will be published on the council’s website, www.medway.gov.uk as they are completed.

Funding breakdown: • Rosebery Road recreation ground, Chatham - Play equipment and seating - Cost £65,000 • Moonstone Drive play area, Lordswood - Play equipment for young children and seating. Cost £12,000 Of the eight play areas, three are mainly repairs. The five sites getting new equipment are: • Friston Way, Rochester - Replace climbing unit. Cost £9,000 • Hamilton Road, Gillingham - Replace climbing unit. Cost £6,500 • Jacksons Recreation Ground, Rochester - New toddler play equipment. Cost £12,000 • Prince Arthur Park, Mill Road, Gillingham - Toddler equipment extended and new fitness equipment.

Cost £9,600 • Victoria Gardens, Chatham - Replace climbing unit. Cost £8,000 Fitness for All schemes. Target age range - teens to adults – Cost £100,000 • Canal Road, Strood - Outdoor gym equipment • Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Chatham - Outdoor gym equipment • Esplanade, Rochester - Trim Trail equipment

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Transplant stars in Medway

One of the largest annual multi-sport events in the country is coming to Medway in August 2012.

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games will run from 23 to 26 August, between the end of the Olympic Games and the start of the Paralympic Games.

The Games are organised on behalf of Transplant Sport UK (TSUK) and staged annually in a different UK city. Their purpose is to encourage transplant patients to regain fitness, promote friendship and co-operation between those taking part and to increase public awareness of the value of organ donation.

Over the past 30 years, the Games have grown from a one-day event featuring around 100 participants to a four-day annual event for more than 600 competitors and some 1,000 supporters.

The 2012 Games will centre on Medway Park in Gillingham, with sporting events also taking place across Medway and North Kent. The event will aid selection of the Great Britain team for the World Transplant Games.

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games Medway 2012 are being staged in partnership with Medway Council and the Kent Messenger Group, with additional support from numerous partner organisations. If your organisation is interested in supporting the games, please email: sue.bullivant@mls.gb.com

Getting involved in the Games There are a number of ways the local community can get behind the Games.

Most importantly, the aim is to see a huge increase the number of people signing up to the Organ Donor Register. Currently, only one in three people is registered to donate an organ. Call the Organ Donor Line 0300 1232323 or hold an awareness event to encourage others to sign up.

Sign up for The KM Group Donor Run, a charity fun run being staged as part of the Games at the Great Lines Heritage Park on Saturday, 25 August.

Community groups and individuals might also want to raise money to support the staging of the Games, which are funded by sponsorship and charitable donations.

Finally, an army of volunteers will also be needed to support the staging of the Games.

To register your interest email sue.bullivant@mls.gb.com.

For the latest news and information about supporting the Games visit www.transplantsport.org.uk or the British Transplant Games Facebook page.

Medway’s school children are preparing to do battle in the Winter Festival of Sport.

Eleven inter-school sporting competitions are being held between 27 February and 1 March, including Champion of Champion events.

Winning schools in many events will be vying to qualify their way through to the Kent School Games finals.

The action will focus on Medway Park and the nearby Garrison sports pitches in Brompton.

The week will kick off with the finals of the primary inter-schools football league on Monday, 27 February followed by the Secondary School Games swimming gala and Disability Youth Games competition the next day.

It reaches its climax on Thursday, 1 March with the Secondary School Games rugby sevens event for boys at Medway Rugby Club and tag rugby event for girls at Medway Park.

The Medway Festival of Sport is organised by Medway Council’s 2012 and Sports Development Team in partnership with the Howard and Greenacre School Sports Partnerships, national governing bodies of sport, local clubs and leisure faciities.

The competitions support the nationwide ambition to create opportunities for young people to compete against each other in sporting events as a legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Kent School Games finals take place in June 2012. A National School Games competition is also being staged by the Government in the summer of 2012, with the action focussed on the Olympic and Paralympic venues.

■ For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk/festivalofsport

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February/March 2012

Our guide to a happy Va They say true love is blind but, when it comes to finding the perfect setting to true romance, it’s sometimes easy to forget what’s on your doorstep.

With three castles, a cathedral, great pubs, restaurants and an iconic river setting, Medway can give the likes of that French city with the oversized Blackpool Tower a run for its money.

These pages are intended as a guide for anyone romantically inclined as Valentine’s Day looms large – including places to pop the question, ideas for a first - or even 50th – date, some shopping tips and Medway choices for that dream trip down the aisle.

It’s not meant to be exhaustive. These are just some selected romantic highlights of our favourite part of the county. If there’s anything we’ve missed, such as an event, a top table for two or a heart flipping view, email the details to medway.matters@medway.gov.uk. We’ll post your suggestions online before Tuesday, 14 February at www.medway.gov.uk/valentines

Say it with flowers, chocolates, beans Whether it’s a traditional bouquet, delicious belgian chocolates or a memorable food staple packed in a gift box – bought separately - there are plenty of town centre options.

For flowers try Slinders, Camille or The Ginger Lily in or close to High St, Rochester; Floral Times in High St, Gillingham; Mr Flower Ltd in High St, Chatham or Ascot Flowers in Rainham Shopping Centre.

For chocolates there’s Marks and Spencer at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre; Thorntons at High St, Chatham, and the Dockside Outlet Centre, Chatham Maritime; Edible Delights in Windmill Road, Gillingham; and The Candy Bar or Sweet Expectations in High St, Rochester.

As for other gifts Fieldstaff Antiques in Rochester stocks vintage clothes to wear for a romantic night out plus Valentine’s gifts and old greetings cards. For a top range of cuddly bears – there’s World of Difference, also in Rochester. If you really want to surprise your betrothed pitch up on a bicycle built for two.

Tandems, are on sale at Cycle King at the Rochester end of High St, Chatham.

Cup cakes are very much in fashion at the moment and will melt your loved one’s heart. Try the Cupcake Sanctuary in High St, Chatham, or Cupcake Avenue, High St, Rochester.

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Places to pop the question Before deciding where to get down on bended knee there’s the small matter of the ring. Medway has a diamond choice of jewellery options including High Street chains such as H Samuel and Ernest Jones in Chatham town centre; and F Hinds, High St, Gillingham, plus independents like Kaizen, Denis Green and Northgate in Rochester; and Micallef in Rainham.

If you’re planning on asking over dinner or just want a romantic night out try getting a table at Topes, Atrium or Elizabeth’s in Rochester. Alternatively try one of the many Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants nearby. There’s also Thai for Two down the High Street.

There are also good dining options in and around the Chatham Outlet Centre, Chatham Maritime; a retro experience at Roland’s Bistro, Gillingham, and the Barn restaurant in Rainham.

For something different try the Eel Pie Cafe in High Street, Gillingham, or a cream tea aboard the Edith May Thames barge, just over the Swale border in Lower Halstow.

For those wanting a candlelit pub setting The Barge in Layfield Road, Gillingham, is definitely worth a visit.

Medway Matters Valentine’s offer Capture the moment with your Valentine with a professionally taken photograph at Photomemories, High St, Gillingham.

Medway Matters readers are being offered 15 per cent off the cost of a sitting and subsequent print order up to and including Tuesday, 14 February. Just cut out this coupon and take it along to the shop. For full terms and conditions visit www.medway.gov.uk/rules

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February/March 2012

alentine’s Day in Medway Trips down the aisle

Time to take in the view For those seeking romantic inspiration there is always the great outdoors. Medway has lots of lovely parks and greenspaces to explore. Just pack a picnic and go.

Highlights include walking the Saxon Shore Way, when the tide is out, from Upnor to Hoo; and sitting at the Brockles viewpoint reached by walking through Ranscombe Farm Reserve and then along the Cuxton Heritage Trail towards Cobham.

Sunset at Riverside Country Park shouldn’t be missed either, especially when sat at the tip of Horrid Hill. Rede Common and Broomhill Park in Strood also offer commanding views over Medway with the new Grain Coastal Park offering a perfect spot to watch the ships come in.

Serving You

According to the Office of National Statistics the number of marriages taking place each year nationally are at their lowest rate for 100 years. Not so in Medway, where wedding days show no sign of decline.

There were 1,098 marriages within the Registration District of Medway in 2011, up eight per cent on 2010, which itself had seen a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

There are plenty of options in Medway for religious and civil ceremonies from Rochester Cathedral and lovely parish churches to Medway Registry Office - next door to the Corn Exchange and a short hop from Rochester Castle - the Guildhall Museum and Upnor Castle.

HMS Gannett at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham has even hosted a pirate wedding with guests in full fancy dress, including a believable Jack Sparrow, previously played by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

The music as with the theme – for non religious services at least – is up to the bride and groom as long as it doesn’t detract too much from the purpose of the ceremony. Past choices have ranged from Firestarter by The Prodigy to Bring Me Sunshine by Morecombe and Wise.

www.medway.gov.uk

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your t u o b a g Talkin

n o i t a r e n ge ear kintosh, the 17-y ac M l he ac R t ee M ment way Youth Parlia old chair of Med a sation that gives (MYP), the organi generation. voice to the next 16 – whether that’s pupils for life post s ng or eti Me t. ou u get accessing training put in the more yo further education, uth Yo . ay gh dw lau Me a t s ou ab t alway a job.

Rachel first heard are productive, bu advice on getting ago through a are brilliant, s ars ye ise ee erc thr chel, A-level grades ex nt Ra ing me ild for Parlia Team bu Next up . the fun g so ttin is ge d ed eken rsity, where she friend and really lik and our training we permitting, is unive r he ke g ma tin to ec aff ve s ha I ue . iss air gineering.

It’s good being ch chance to debate hopes to study en everything, g words put into of p ein to se d on is an e p on ou gr age sure every to get involved in because our ars time I hope to action. The chance which is very easy Rachel:In five ye all s, re su ard ke Aw ma gle o An t. I als good degree and events like the Try members are grea have left uni with a of d nts an nk er me aft ve d hie ke ac are loo joy. I don’t really thi which champion the the new members fallen into a job I en ive . as ed rsu I olv pe at inv ed t wh ov ge pr ow o nity to tually kn young people, als get every opportu that far ahead to ac events we put big the . r. As for a life in up joy sie g en ea nin lly ke in sig I rea want to ma . ce e. ren nfe co nual of one day at a tim on, including our an politics, it’s a case ir the y of ls da s a fee ur o for ho wh untry those Rachel: Anyone If I could run the co It’s great to see all up n sig ld ng e ou mi us sh co ca t n un aratio s free, be opinion doesn’t co planning and prep I would make buse y put loads in has something the We e y. on would become da ery life Ev the ’s P. dy on r bo MY for togethe then every n ca u yo P MY on d out. r and I could get want to change an and get even more substantially easie ke ma d an s on ini try to take these op around better. ch October ea ng that will help the ld thi university free then he me so are o s int ce m the I would also make Conferen in . ol ay ho dw sc ary money and get us young people of Me with every second I would magic more you e on es . t giv las it e e, Th nc d. rie atten be a busy 24 hours It’s a great expe Medway invited to out of debt. It would lop ve de are lps ep pr he d ols an scho valuable life skills focused on ways really opened my It’s n. rso pe a as you of work that goes in eyes to the amount resents young people an elected body that rep es but it’s worth it is en e times ) sc nin YP (M ets the nt me d me It hin s. rlia up be Pa on Medway Youth ools and youth gro sch m fro ers mb from o me tw active ry school and most of the time.

Medway. It has over 70 they ves from each seconda s ati ur ent ho res ey rep the Th o . in tw t ers of pu mb epedent me Members only a year. MYP is made up u ed plus a number of ind that want to be involv viously the more yo up ob rk on issues raised by gro in, th t wo y pu you the y to an ere nt wa ups or projects wh gro ign pa cam in ed are all involv tck.co.uk, email: young people. dwayparliament.b me w. ww it vis re n To find out mo ll 338748. edway.gov.uk or ca youth.enquiries@m

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www.medway.gov.uk

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Medway M ATT E R S

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February/March 2012

Chris Collins, the BBC’s gardening expert, writes a regular column for Medway Matters

Get your garden in shape It’s that time of year when all your thoughts for the seasons ahead should be going into overdrive - planning and preparing in a big way.

Many vegetables and summer bedding plants can be sown under glass and in propagators at this time of year. I even sow my tomatoes in late February, giving the plants a head start and making sure I have good strong plants as spring and early summer descends. Of course, seedlings that have germinated this time of year need all our care and attention. Remember to make sure they get sufficient light if they have germinated in a propagator and pay attention to watering.

This time of year is also a good moment to give your lawn a boost.

A hard winter always leaves the lawn in need of some TLC. Take out all the old and dead foliage that builds up underneath the crowns of the plants.

This is known as thatch and can be raked out with a lawn rake. This action in turn causes the grass plants to sprout new growth and thicken.

Some aeration or spiking of the ground will aid drainage and growth and, if your garden is on a heavy soil, a top dress of round-washed sand applied to the surface of the lawn will aid your sward. Because lawns are thirsty during dry times, remember not to cut them too short. Leave the grass 2.5cm high and that will greatly reduce the need for irrigation.

Finally if you have any overgrown herbaceous perennials that are looking a bit tired and taking up more space than they should, this is the perfect time to lift and divide them up. This will reinvigorate these plants and give you more of them, thus acting as substitutes should you want to bulk up any other areas.

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February/March 2012

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

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NHS Kent and Medway represents the three primary care trusts: NHS Medway, NHS Eastern and Coastal and NHS West Kent, which plan and pay for NHS healthcare for everyone who lives in Kent and Medway.

The way decisions are made about local A group of doctors with 235 years’ of combined NHS experience are about to take a lead role in commissioning health services for the people of Medway.

From the start of April, Medway Commissioning Group (MCG), which has 61 GP practices in Medway and is led by 10 local GPs and experienced senior healthcare managers, will use their indepth knowledge and expertise to improve health services for local people.

With the support of staff at NHS Kent and Medway, they will be responsible for commissioning everything from community care (such as health visitors, district nurses and mental health teams) to hospital care (at Medway Maritime and beyond) and some joint services with Medway Council.

‘Delivering services which directly meet the needs of the patients’ They are expected to work in shadow form for a year from April, with major spending decisions still being taken by the Board of NHS Kent and Medway, which is expected to remain the accountable body until April 2013.

During the year, MCG, like all other clinical commissioning groups across England, will be required to undergo a rigorous process to show it is ready to take over full responsibility for planning and paying for health services from April 2013, subject to parliamentary approval.

Cliffe Woods GP Dr Peter Green, who is also chairman of the MCG and Co-Medical Director of NHS Kent and Medway, said: “These changes put clinicians and the public in the driving seat when it comes to making crucial decisions about health services.

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n Medway Commissioning Group Board wants to improve the area's healthcare.

“Doctors and nurses are the ones who spend time with patients and have firsthand experience and understanding of their needs. GPs in Medway hold 20,000 patient consultations every week, which provides a unique insight and opportunity to design and deliver services which directly meet the needs of their patients.”

The relationship and trust between doctor and patient gives GPs a unique ability to help their patients manage their own health through prevention strategies and tackle causes and symptoms of illness at an early stage.

Dr Green said: “Medway GPs have a track record of working together to improve patient care and the health of Medway’s population, but now we have greater influence than ever before to make changes and improvements that will benefit everyone.

“Using our unique knowledge of patients and the care they receive, we will make systematic changes to the planning, commissioning and delivery of healthcare that will improve the quality of care for patients and make a real difference to the

health of residents.

“We want everyone living in Medway to have access to the best healthcare available, the opportunity to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing and be involved in decisions about their own health and healthcare in Medway.

“Because front-line health professionals will have greater responsibility and the ability to be immediately responsive to the changes that need to be made the pace of change will be faster and it will be easier for professionals to do the right thing for their patients.”

Once MCG has satisfied all the requirements to become the accountable body for commissioning healthcare for Medway, it will receive its budget direct from the National Commissioning Board.

Certain services will be outside its remit: decisions about primary care services will be made by a new National Commissioning Board, while specialist commissioning groups will decide how services that help improve the lives of children and adults with rare diseases or disorders will be purchased and provided.

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February/March 2012

Got a query or need information about a Medway health service?

NHS Medway Patient Advice and Liaison Service

Phone NHS Direct at any time if you are ill or injured and unsure what to do next, or to find a local service and its opening hours – such as a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic. NHS Direct can answer questions and give advice.

Phone 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk

PALS is a friendly and professional NHS service offering support, advice and guidance about medical and health related issues for Medway residents.

Phone 0800 014 1641 or email pals@medwaypct.nhs.uk

health services is changing The GPs who sit on the Medway Commissioning Group board: Dr Peter Green Peter has been a partner at The Parks Medical Practice, Cliffe Woods, for more than 20 years.

He has been a GP trainer and, until April 2011, was Director of Commissioning and Performance for NHS Medway. Peter continues to hold the post of co-Medical Director for NHS Kent and Medway.

Dr Nathan K Nathan Nathan is a GP at his practice, Walderslade Village Surgery.

He is associate post graduate Dean with The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deanery, responsible for managing performance of, and training for, GPs.

Dr Shariq Lanker Shariq began GP training in 2007, training at Medway Maritime Hospital and the Woodlands Family Practice as a registrar. He joined the Woodlands Family Practice in Gillingham as a GP in 2010. He is a Fellow of The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deanery School of Leadership.

Dr Gillian Fargher Gillian has worked in Medway for 27 years, 23 of those years as a partner in her practice, the Thorndike Centre, Rochester. She has worked in palliative and HIV medicine and, in 2009, was appointed as Medway’s named GP for Safeguarding.

Dr Dudley C Hubbard Dudley has been a GP in Rochester since 1968, first at City Way and for the last 10 years as a part-time partner at Esplanade Healthcare.

He is the locality lead for the Rochester and Strood Peer Review Group and is involved in the Maternity and Children’s Strategic Change programmes. He is also a member of St John Ambulance and is currently its County Medical Officer.

Serving You

Dr Awadh Jha Awadh has been a GP at Tunbury Avenue Surgery, Walderslade, since 1980. He is the lead clinician for mental health working with NHS Kent and Medway on the review and redesign of the mental health patient care pathway. Awadh is the Chatham locality lead for Maternity and Infant Mental Health Services (MIMHS), Adult ADHD and Eating Disorders.

Dr Prabhat Kumar Prabhat lives in Strood and is a GP principal at The Medical Centre, Gun Lane, Strood. He qualified as a doctor in 1995. Prabhat worked in surgery and orthopaedics in Doncaster from 2003. He is a clinical superviser for the out-of-hours service.

Dr Sudhindrakumar Patel Sudhindra has worked in Medway for more than 30 years and works at the Wigmore Medical Centre. He has worked in Jersey in general surgery and West Middlesex Hospital working in obstetrics and gynaecology. He serves on the National Tribunal Service as an expert medical representative.

Dr Manpreet Pujara Manpreet has been a GP at the Thorndike Healthcare Centre in Rochester since 2002. He is one of two GP National Clinical Leads working for the Department of Health's Information Directorate and is also the Clinical Director for the NHS' Electronic Prescription Service. Manpreet was awarded an MBE in the 2002 Queen's Honours list for services to medicine.

Dr Subrahmaniyan Tamil Selvan Tamil is a partner in the Parkwood Family Practice, Rainham. He has been a GP in Medway since 1985 and has served on the Professional Executive Committee and as a Practice Based Commissioning lead for Gillingham and Rainham. He specialises in gynaecology and obstetrics and has a particular interest in Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing..

How residents and patients can help The changes also mean residents and patients will have far greater involvement in decisions about what services are provided, where, and how NHS budgets are used.

Residents can help MCG develop, design and improve services by joining the Medway Health Network. This virtual network of members receives a monthly bulletin, Growing Healthier, and shares its opinions and views about health services by participating in focus groups, consultations and surveys about healthcare. To join, visit www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/healthdebate email itsyournhsmedway@nhs.net or phone 335173.

A new organisation, HealthWatch, will also give people real influence over decisions locally, In addition it will support people and work with communities. There will also be a national HealthWatch England to bring together all local voices and, for instance, highlight common worries and concerns.

Medway Local Involvement Network (LINk) will be one of the building blocks for the new HealthWatch. Get involved by joining the LINk: www.themedwaylink.co.uk, or phone 0800 980 3956.

A Health and Wellbeing Board, set up by Medway Council and involving Medway Commissioning Group and HealthWatch, will decide what services are needed for Medway. It will scrutinise and can reject the plans of Medway Commissioning Group. Listening to residents’ views will help ensure the right decisions are made and based on what people want from the NHS.

www.medway.gov.uk

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February/March 2012

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NHS Foundation Trust

News from your local hospital

Keep the bugs at bay this winter Winter may not necessarily be your favourite time of year but it definitely is for Norovirus.

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headache, stomach cramps and aching limbs.

Symptoms can last for 12 to 60 hours, but most people recover within two days. It is estimated that Norovirus infects between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every year.

Norovirus causes some extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms. It can also be life-threatening, if caught by some one who is already very ill and frail.

The virus is easily passed on either through contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or water or touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Only a few germs are needed to cause infection.

The most effective way to stop the virus spreading is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing a nappy, touching rubbish bins, using cleaning cloths, playing with pets, emptying litter trays and before preparing food. Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with the virus with bleach.

If symptoms persist, you become dehydrated or have an underlying medical condition; you should contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice. There is no specific treatment for Norovirus apart from letting the infection and its symptoms take their course.

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www.medway.gov.uk

A look inside the emergency department Once known as ‘Casualty’ and then ‘Accident and Emergency’ the emergency care service at Medway Maritime Hospital has evolved in many ways. The new name "Emergency Department" tries to consolidate its identity as the Emergency Medicine speciality that it has developed to be.

Inmaculada Diaz Alonso, Clinical Nurse Lead and Senior Sister for Emergency Care (below) who has worked at Medway Maritime Hospital for over 10 years said: “Casualty was sometimes seen as a casual drop in centre for any healthcare problems patients could have.

“Nowadays we have a trolley area for more acutely unwell patients, and we have just recently extended our capacity creating what will be called the Emergency Treatment Unit, comprising of a further 11 trolleys and a new walk in minor injuries area.

“We have also extended and improved our paediatric area to become the Paediatric Emergency Department.”

When patients attend the Emergency Department they will be greeted by the navigating nurse who will take a brief history of their complaint and then direct them to the most appropriate area.

The department works closely with MedOCC at Medway – a GP and practice nurse service based next door to the Emergency Department.

If a patient attends with a condition their own GP could have managed but an appointment was unavailable, MedOCC can offer emergency appointments once booked

into the department.

There are also other options for the local community for outof-hours care or for when they are unable to see their GP. These options can be explored on www.medwaypct.nhs.uk.

It is important that patients consider the alternatives before coming to the Emergency Department because it may mean getting seen more quickly in a more appropriate setting, while reducing pressure on the Emergency Department.

Weekends, Mondays, weekday evenings and lunchtimes tend to be the busiest times.

The winter months are particularly busy for the Emergency Department. The cold weather means people will spend more time indoors providing viruses and bacteria the perfect environment to thrive and spread; such as Norvirus, the vomiting bug, which is highly contagious but self limiting to usually 12 to 60 hours. We advise people to treat at home as it can spread quickly and cause wards closures at the hospital.

During periods of snow and ice the attendances increase considerably due to the number of falls and trips.

We always advise people to wear appropriate shoes and to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary in snow conditions.

To find out more about out of hours and walk-in services available to you, please visit www.medwaypct.nhs.uk

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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

February/March 2012

NHS Foundation Trust

Medway scoops two national WOW! Awards Medway NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce that it has scooped two national WOW! Awards at an annual gala ceremony.

The WOW! Awards programme, which aims to encourage and inspire excellent customer service, was launched in March 2011.

The Trust won the ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Team’ awards.

Also, Kelly Norris, midwife on the Midwifery Led Unit was highly

n Nuclear medicine national

WOW Award winners

commended in the most inspirational front liner category.

Medway was awarded best newcomer for getting it’s WOW! Awards programme off to a great start and for ensuring all stakeholders were engaged and committed.

The Best Team award was picked up by the Trust’s nuclear medicine department for showing initiative, creativity and innovation in their commitment to customer service.

Jacqueline McKenna MBE, Director of Nursing said: “The experience patients have when they visit Medway Maritime Hospital is extremely important to us.

“Our patients and visitors have helped us hugely, through the WOW! Awards, to identify areas of best practice across the organisation. These best practices are then used to improve standards in other areas and it’s excellent for staff morale too.”

“We are thrilled to be finalists in five categories and to have won two national awards. We will be using the WOW! Awards again over the coming year to improve the experience patients have. Our aim is to ensure every patient has an excellent experience, every time.”

Integration update - Better care together Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, the trusts that run Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital, have been progressing with plans to become one trust in Summer 2012.

In September last year, both trust boards decided that it would bring significant benefits to come together as one.

They then started the formal process towards integration by drawing up detailed plans, which will be submitted at the end of March. Key headlines from the trusts’ plans for integration: l Core services, including full emergency, maternity, children’s and outpatients’ services will continue to be offered by both hospitals. l The aim is to protect existing services, as well as to build on their quality and range. l There would be opportunities to develop new, highly specialised services in the future, so that patients could opt to be treated locally.

Finances are challenging

Serving You

across the public sector and this would enable the trusts to make the best use of their pooled resources.

The trusts are now coming to the end of their first public engagement period, ending on Wednesday, 29 February, so make sure you’ve had your say. More information, including details of local events, can be found at www.medway.nhs.uk or by emailing bettercaretogether@nhs.net

www.medway.gov.uk

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February/March 2012

That’s what friends are for Interested in sport?

Friends of Eastgate House is a new group launched in Applications are now open for the second year of a pioneering scheme to nurture the next generation of Medway sports coaches.

October last year. They aim to work in partnership with the Heritage Service and Medway Council to ensure that historic Eastgate House in Rochester is well used and well maintained.

Members got together because they were particularly interested in Eastgate House and wanted to support the house and ongoing Heritage Lottery Fund development work. Some members are volunteers too but that’s not essential. In fact, the Friends group was established to give people the chance to support the house without needing to volunteer their time.

Still in its early stages, people can join the Friends of Eastgate and help with fundraising or get involved with activities at the house.

Friends receive a newsletter and regular updates on events and activities. Membership is £5 per year or £10 for a family.

For more information or to join contact eastgate.house @medway.gov.uk

Indulge yourself ladies!

A ladies indulgence evening takes place from 7-10pm on Friday, 3 February at Cliffe Woods Primary School, View Road, Cliffe Woods.

The event will boast irresistible cup cakes, blissful treatments, some great stalls of handmade jewellery, and lots more. All proceeds go to the school.

For more details email: suzybrazier@hotmail.com

The scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 in Medway and involves the completion of a foundation course.

These cover subjects including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, sports injuries and prevention and psychology.

Successful graduates are then given support and advice to gain sport-specific coaching qualifications. They can also join Medway’s volunteer database and get access to an array of opportunities to get involved in community and elite level sport.

To apply online visit www.medway.gov.uk/coachingacademy.

Alternatively call Medway Council’s 2012 and Sports Development Team on 338766 or email sportsdevteam @medway.gov.uk

Beware bogus callers Southern Water is reminding customers to check the identity of callers to their homes as its Chatham mains replacement programme rolls out.

The company is investing £14 million to further improve the water supply on the Davis Estate, Walderslade, the White Road Estate, Pattens Lane and Wayfield.

It is replacing almost 50km of ageing water mains with new plastic pipes and cleaning more than 100km of water mains in a ‘flushing’ scheme.

After the sections of pipe are replaced, water tests may have to be taken from customers’ taps. The work

Contacting Medway Matters All phone numbers should be prefixed with 01634 unless stated.

The next edition of Medway Matters will be published in April.

There is a range of advertising opportunities in Medway Matters.

For more information, including rates and copy deadlines, visit www.medway.gov.uk/medwaymatters or email medway.matters@medway.gov.uk

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www.medway.gov.uk

Photograph: wwarby

Available in other formats and languages.

Phone 333333

G7007

Medway Matters, Communications and Marketing, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR Email medway.matters @medway.gov.uk Written and designed by Medway Council's Communications and Marketing Team.

Distributed by Royal Mail door-to-door service.

started last October and is expected to end in early 2013.

Southern Water staff and contractors always carry identification but anyone who is unsure of the credentials of visitors should call first to check with the project team on 0333 3211559. For more advice visit www.southern water.co.uk

Factfile Before opening your door to unexpected calls always follow this advice: l Attach your door chain before opening the door to strangers; l Always check identification before letting anyone in you home. l Remember, if in doubt, keep them out and check first with Southern Water on 0333 3211559 or the council’s Trading Standards team on 333333 to confirm their identity.

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Medway M ATT E R S

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February/March 2012

Michelle Elliott Manager, Amherst Court residential care home, Chatham Tell us something about yourself.

Describe a typical day

I was born in Berkshire and moved to Kent as a child. I now live in Whitstable with my four year old son Alex. I was employed by Avante Care and Support as an Operations Manager early this year but have been given the opportunity to manage Amherst Court in Chatham on a temporary basis.

No such thing when you work with people and that is one of the things I love about my job - you never know quite what to expect.

How did you come to be involved in care for the elderly?

I worked in Sales and Marketing for a few years before realising it was the wrong career path for me as I wanted to do something more worthwhile that wasn’t all about money. I called a local care provider, asked if they had any jobs going and it’s gone on from there.

What kind of home is Amherst Court?

It’s different to what people often expect a care home to be. We have fun and lots of it and try as hard as we can to create a home from home experience that truly values the individuality of every person living here.

How do you ensure people get the best care?

By creating the right culture in the home – the standard I set for all the staff is to create an environment that they would be happy to see their closest loved ones living in.

What is the best thing about your job?

It is about the people and having the opportunity to improve the lives of people in residential care.

How can people find out more about Amherst Court?

We have an open door policy and welcome all visitors to the home or alternatively you can find out more on www.avantecaresupport.org.uk or call us on 400009.

Quick fire round What do you love?

Spending time with my family and friends, live music, eating out.

What hobbies do you have?

Painting, reading, gardening.

My favourite place Venice.

My secret of success A positive attitude at all times.

Can't do without My car.

First record bought Something by Kim Wilde.

Ideal sleigh companion Stephen Fry because he’s Quite Interesting!

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Medway M ATT E R S

February/March 2012

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Photo: Howard Dickens

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Fostering. Could you?

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Phone 01634 335726 or email cheryl.baxter@medway.gov.uk

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Meetings calendar FEBRUARY 2 6.30pm Business Support OSC 9 6pm International Relations 10 2pm Licensing Sub-Committee of LSC 14 9am Licensing Hearing Panel sub-committee of LSC 14 3pm Cabinet 15 8.45am School Transport and Curriculum Appeals 15 7pm Planning Committee 23 7pm Council 29 Employment Matters MARCH 2 9am Licensing Hearing Panel sub committee of LSC 7 7pm Planning Committee 13 9am Licensing Hearing Panel sub committee of LSC 13 3pm Cabinet 14 8.45am School Transport and Curriculum Appeals committee 14 6.30pm Children and Young People OSC 20 7pm Standards committee 21 6.30pm Business Support OSC 22 10am South Thames Gateway Building Control Joint committee

MR2 MR13 MR2 MR9 MR2 MR2 MR2 SGC MR2

MR2 MR2 MR9 MR2 MR2 MR2 MR2 MR2 MR2

MR = Meeting Rooms, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TR SGC = St George’s Centre, Chatham Maritime ME4 4YW OSC = Overview and Scrutiny Committee LSC = Licensing and Safety Committee The dates and venues for the meetings listed could change.

You are advised to check the details by phoning 306000, emailing democratic.services@medway.gov.uk or visiting www.medway.gov.uk.

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Contact your councillor

To find out more about the work of your ward councillors, visit our website www.medway.gov.uk

February/March 2012

The make up of the council is as follows: Conservative 35 Labour 15 Liberal Democrat 3 Independent 2

Email councilllors using firstname.secondname@medway.gov.uk or personal email addresses, if listed below: LUTON AND WAYFIELD

DAVID ROYLE Con 7 Watermeadow Close, Hempstead, Gillingham, ME7 3QF Phone: 377254

CHATHAM CENTRAL PAUL GODWIN Lab c/o PA to the Labour Group Leader, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR Phone: 865944 PA 332396

SAM CRAVEN Lab 124 Castle Road, Chatham ME4 5HY Phone: 811451 samcraven2010@hotmail.co.uk

VINCE MAPLE Lab 29 Chalkpit Hill,, Chatham, ME4 5SU Mob: 07981 661451

CHRISTINE GODWIN Lab 7 Highgrove Road, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 7QE Phone: 865944

CRAIG MACKINLAY Con 8 Manor Road, Chatham, ME4 6AG Phone: 841108

JULIE SHAW Lab 79 Downsview, Chatham, ME5 0AL Phone: 813647

TRISTAN OSBORNE Lab 35 Davy Court Rochester, ME1 1AE Mob: 07793 204282

ANDREW MACKNESS Con 4 Church Lane, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4LF Mob: 07970 734105

CUXTON AND HALLING RAYMOND MAISEY Con 106 Charles Drive, Cuxton, Rochester ME2 1DU Phone: 727126 GILLINGHAM NORTH PAT COOPER Ind Group 28 Dial Road, Gillingham, ME7 2RL Phone: 575599 ADAM PRICE Lab 13 Clifton Road, Gillingham ME7 1NA Phone: 571426 ANDY STAMP Ind Group 50 Grange Road, Gillingham, ME7 2PU Phone: 579787 Mob: 07736 327002 GILLINGHAM SOUTH DAVID COLMAN Lab 7 Milsted Road, Gillingham ME8 6SX Mob: 07810 278831

PENINSULA PHIL FILMER Con Bridgewater House, Parbrook Road, High Halstow, Rochester, ME3 8QG Phone: 254196

NICK BOWLER Lab 93 Haig Avenue, Rochester, ME1 2RY Mob: 07793 806011

CHRIS IRVINE Con 86 St Williams Way, Rochester ME1 2PD Mob: 07713 615550

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

TONY WATSON Con 17 Grandsire Gardens, Hoo, Rochester ME3 9LH Phone: 255694 PRINCES PARK MATT BRIGHT Con 85 Highgrove Road, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 7SF Phone: 321265 PAT GULVIN Con 30 Glamis Close, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 7QQ Phone: 670853 RAINHAM CENTRAL

GEOFF JUBY Lib Dem 16 Franklin Road, Gillingham, ME7 4DF Phone: 576675

REHMAN CHISHTI Con 30 Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, ME7 5QN Phone: 570118

SHEILA KEARNEY Lib Dem 112 Nelson Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LL Phone: 576838

BARRY KEMP Con 18 Herbert Road, Rainham, ME8 9BZ Phone: 365231

HEMPSTEAD AND WIGMORE DIANE CHAMBERS Con 6 Mansion Row, Brompton, Gillingham, ME7 5SE Phone: 842913 RODNEY CHAMBERS Con 6 Mansion Row, Brompton, Gillingham, ME7 5SE Phone: 842913 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

RIVER

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 Mob: 07932 195683

ROCHESTER EAST

ROCHESTER SOUTH AND HORSTED TREVOR CLARKE Con 19 Wemmick Close, Cloisterham Park, Rochester, ME1 2DL Phone: 409932 SYLVIA GRIFFIN Con 12 Beaulieu Rise, Rochester, ME1 2PQ Phone: 404139 RUPERT TURPIN Con 30 Purbeck Road, Chatham ME4 6ED Phone: 305680 ROCHESTER WEST TED BAKER Con 11 Watts Avenue, Rochester, ME1 1RX Phone: 847415 KELLY TOLHURST Con Creekside, Beacon Boatyard, Manor Lane, Borstal, Rochester, ME1 3JN Mob: 07925 880180 STROOD NORTH JANE CHITTY Con 20 Broomhill Road, Strood, Rochester, ME2 3LE Mob: 07930 236228 JANE ETHERIDGE Con 48 Watling Street, Strood, ME2 3NY Phone: 711003

RAINHAM SOUTH HOWARD DOE Con The Warren, 21 Style Close, Rainham, ME8 9LS Phone: 366419 LES WICKS Con 78 Mill Road, Gillingham, ME7 1JB Phone 582759.

Serving You

STEPHEN HUBBARD Lab 94 Jersey Road, Strood, Rochester, ME2 3PD Phone: 712129

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 PETER RODBERG Con Tamarisk, Main Road, Chattenden, Rochester, ME3 8PP Phone: 250269 STROOD SOUTH JOHN AVEY Con 13 Elaine Court, Elaine Avenue, Strood, Rochester, ME2 2YR Phone: 711268 ISAAC IGWE Lab c/o Democratic Services, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR. JOSIE ILES Con 141 Watling Street, Strood ME2 3JJ Phone: 316484 TWYDALL DORTE GILRY Lab 26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham, ME8 6HX Phone: 233833 GLYN GRIFFITHS Lab 105 First Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2LF Phone: 352734 PAUL HARRIOTT Lab 26 Twydall Lane, Gillingham, ME8 6HX Phone: 233833 WALDERSLADE DAVID BRAKE Con Sherwood House, 29 Robin Hood Lane, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 9NS Phone: 668649 ADRIAN GULVIN Con 30 Glamis Close, Walderslade, Chatham ME5 7QQ Phone: 670853 avhgulvin@btinternet.com WATLING WENDY PURDY Con 4 Nore Close, Gillingham ME7 3D9 Phone: 578669 DIANA SMITH Lib Dem 269 Napier Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LY Phone: 575192

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