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3 September 2010
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" why have a baby if you cant afford it"
ah well now JC thats a huge question isnt it. why indeed? But I think the above payment mentioned in editorial is just for helping out with costs and is a countrywide initiative, although it just refers to Kent in the piece above.
But as a seperate aside, dont a lot of people nowadays go ahead with having babies without ever thinking of costs. We have the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe and I think its probably fair to say that most of the costs of these pregnanacies and beyond will be picked up by the state. Not all by any means but probably a substantial amount.
8 April 2009 at 3:53 pm
ah well now JC thats a huge question isnt it. why indeed? But I think the above payment mentioned in editorial is just for helping out with costs and is a countrywide initiative, although it just refers to Kent in the piece above.
But as a seperate aside, dont a lot of people nowadays go ahead with having babies without ever thinking of costs. We have the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe and I think its probably fair to say that most of the costs of these pregnanacies and beyond will be picked up by the state. Not all by any means but probably a substantial amount.
8 April 2009 at 3:53 pm
Yes you are right Local Man it is probably unusual to see things like this go on in these times of Health & Safety concerns, but glad to see the DDC obviously have things under control so full marks to them. I think there is an initiative of slightly more risk taking allowed now, more so than say a few years back when several well known events were scuppered through insurance costs as I remember.
Was hoping to get over there but due to one thing and another beyond my control wasnt able to. So hopefully somebody can let us know how it went...and hopefully someone might have taken a photo?
8 April 2009 at 3:44 pm
Was hoping to get over there but due to one thing and another beyond my control wasnt able to. So hopefully somebody can let us know how it went...and hopefully someone might have taken a photo?
8 April 2009 at 3:44 pm
Why not some money us that don't have kids ?
"Every mum knows that the run up to birth can be an expensive and sometimes stressful time."
Why have a baby if you can't afford it !
8 April 2009 at 3:42 pm
"Every mum knows that the run up to birth can be an expensive and sometimes stressful time."
Why have a baby if you can't afford it !
8 April 2009 at 3:42 pm
Is this allowed what with all our crazy health and safety concerns these days? Shouldn't those ramps be made from sponge? Do the users wear helmets, protective pads, safety gloves and boots, and cotton-wool padding? Aren't the slopes a bit high? Is that concrete surrounding everything, a bit hard isn't it? What if they fall? Is there direct ambulance access? Where are all the disclaimer signs and safety notices? I can't see any fire extinguishers! And no first aid kits either! Shut it down immediately!
7 April 2009 at 10:05 pm
7 April 2009 at 10:05 pm
Dover Youth Theatre are running their Easter workshops this week, which will culminate in a FREE show in the Town Hall on Thursday 9 April at 7.30pm, entitled from Classic to Contemporary West End and Broadway.
Twenty-five lucky local kids have been working with West End Musical Director Andrew Freisner and two professional fight choreographers from Swordplay to put on, what promises to be, an outstanding show. The kids are not being charged for these workshops, and as I said, there is no charge to come and watch the show. The event is costing DYT somewhere in the region of £6,000, and a little over £3,000 has been raised by sponsorship donations from Dover Town Council, KCC, The Silly Committee, London Fancy Box, Pharos Insurance and Bradley's.
To help raise some more money, DYT are holding a raffle at the show, and therefore need prizes. They already have some donated by Curiosity of Dover, Turner Models, Stuff, B & H Fireplaces, The Paint and Decor Centre, John Angell, and Ann and Pam's Florst. I know times are tough, but if you could donate a small something they would be really grateful - all you need to do is drop it into the Town Hall from about 12 noon on Thursday; or if you are coming to see the show, just bring it with you.
Thanks.
PS. A big thank you to the lovely lady (name unknown, as she refused to give it to me) who was sitting outside the Salle Verte on Monday - when she heard for whom I was collecting raffle prizes and what they were doing, she put her hand into pocket and gave me a tenner. What a star!
7 April 2009 at 6:24 pm
Twenty-five lucky local kids have been working with West End Musical Director Andrew Freisner and two professional fight choreographers from Swordplay to put on, what promises to be, an outstanding show. The kids are not being charged for these workshops, and as I said, there is no charge to come and watch the show. The event is costing DYT somewhere in the region of £6,000, and a little over £3,000 has been raised by sponsorship donations from Dover Town Council, KCC, The Silly Committee, London Fancy Box, Pharos Insurance and Bradley's.
To help raise some more money, DYT are holding a raffle at the show, and therefore need prizes. They already have some donated by Curiosity of Dover, Turner Models, Stuff, B & H Fireplaces, The Paint and Decor Centre, John Angell, and Ann and Pam's Florst. I know times are tough, but if you could donate a small something they would be really grateful - all you need to do is drop it into the Town Hall from about 12 noon on Thursday; or if you are coming to see the show, just bring it with you.
Thanks.
PS. A big thank you to the lovely lady (name unknown, as she refused to give it to me) who was sitting outside the Salle Verte on Monday - when she heard for whom I was collecting raffle prizes and what they were doing, she put her hand into pocket and gave me a tenner. What a star!
7 April 2009 at 6:24 pm
interesting stuff from bern and dave there
i have long banged on about making the bandstand available at weekends and school holidays to a school age band to practice.
all the other teens(and some of us oldies) would crowd the place out.
7 April 2009 at 6:03 pm
i have long banged on about making the bandstand available at weekends and school holidays to a school age band to practice.
all the other teens(and some of us oldies) would crowd the place out.
7 April 2009 at 6:03 pm
Bern you are so right, wwe tend to look at things from our own point of view and form decisions upon what we consider to be for the best. We should allow the teens a bigger voice and to have some say in what they would like, and I am sure it would not be continual events based upon the second world war.
7 April 2009 at 2:03 pm
7 April 2009 at 2:03 pm
Well the skatepark was quite busy this morning with BMX's, skateboards etc..maybe kids getting in some practice for tomorrows jamboree. No sign at all, you will be pleased to hear, of either spandex or lycra...but no helmets either. Helmets essential tomorrow.
7 April 2009 at 10:10 am
7 April 2009 at 10:10 am
Howard, I have just pinged myself into last years spandex and am up for the challenge. I will be handing out dark glasses as a precaution.
The skate park looks fabbo, as does the playpark next to it. Your original idea of a parkie to lok after it is still a good one, but I am not confident it will be taken up, sadly. Let's hope it is a success, it should be!! Perhaps "success" is relative, and we should be seeing "success" through teenage eyes? That might involve a little graffiti - as long as there is no substantial damage, perhaps we could live with that?
7 April 2009 at 6:29 am
The skate park looks fabbo, as does the playpark next to it. Your original idea of a parkie to lok after it is still a good one, but I am not confident it will be taken up, sadly. Let's hope it is a success, it should be!! Perhaps "success" is relative, and we should be seeing "success" through teenage eyes? That might involve a little graffiti - as long as there is no substantial damage, perhaps we could live with that?
7 April 2009 at 6:29 am
paul
i understand that our bern will be donning the lycra for this event.
despite that it should be successful for two reasons.
1) giving our teen skaters a target to aim for during the school holidays.
2) the play area next to it will be made available for the day to the age group it was meant for.
6 April 2009 at 9:32 pm
i understand that our bern will be donning the lycra for this event.
despite that it should be successful for two reasons.
1) giving our teen skaters a target to aim for during the school holidays.
2) the play area next to it will be made available for the day to the age group it was meant for.
6 April 2009 at 9:32 pm
I expect we will be seeing you all out there in Pencester on wednesday in go-faster shorts and double shockproof kneepads doing endless pirouettes and double-hernia backflip splitzers, and all to catch the eye of the gobsmacked passing public. Sounds as though it has the potential to be a tad painful...but fun for sure!
6 April 2009 at 8:25 pm
6 April 2009 at 8:25 pm
The point of such openings is to introduce the business to the people who will spead the word and use it. Quote from David H
Why isn't Miss Dover in the picture ? Was she invited?
I know that the carnival court spend all year handing out leaflets for local companies to help promote their business.
6 April 2009 at 8:55 am
Why isn't Miss Dover in the picture ? Was she invited?
I know that the carnival court spend all year handing out leaflets for local companies to help promote their business.
6 April 2009 at 8:55 am
Does that include chavs who want to watch giant TVs?
Please know that I am only teasing...........
J - with you there. Challenge and confidence with a broad brush of courage are good assets in the move forwards.
6 April 2009 at 7:31 am
Please know that I am only teasing...........
J - with you there. Challenge and confidence with a broad brush of courage are good assets in the move forwards.
6 April 2009 at 7:31 am
I dont know who you are J But i agree with your postings .We all need to look at ourselves and question why we do things .I find it quite disturbing that some people will always fall by the wayside whilst so many dont see the real challenges that face our society .
We have to learn to respect and realise not everyone can live in wonderful homes ,drive posh cars etc .We can however try to help to aspire and be proud of who we are and to have a sense of pride .
No one person is better than the next person that they meet we can always spend a few minutes to make someones day .
5 April 2009 at 8:11 pm
We have to learn to respect and realise not everyone can live in wonderful homes ,drive posh cars etc .We can however try to help to aspire and be proud of who we are and to have a sense of pride .
No one person is better than the next person that they meet we can always spend a few minutes to make someones day .
5 April 2009 at 8:11 pm
All very worthy of praise,however lets galvanise and make Dover the place it deserves to be.We can not afford to get lost in a mythos of our own making,to move forward we must have the courage and wit to challange social injustice where ever it is found,be that homelessness,despair,greed, and challange your own preconceptions.As we know debt plus fear =compliance
5 April 2009 at 4:12 pm
5 April 2009 at 4:12 pm
I and my friends are already helping the soup kitchen and were some of the sponsors of Emmaus. Both need different kinds of help. but are of course worthy functions.
The people in your pictures do many things other than this but are the ones that get off their butts and go out to do something - not just criticise without the full facts. Dover has suffered from too much of that. And they are prepared to stand up and be counted!
5 April 2009 at 8:10 am
The people in your pictures do many things other than this but are the ones that get off their butts and go out to do something - not just criticise without the full facts. Dover has suffered from too much of that. And they are prepared to stand up and be counted!
5 April 2009 at 8:10 am
A couple of good points raised there.
I agree that the Carpathian replaced the SeaBreeze, but if the (new) owners of the Carpathian hadn't been willing or able to open it, it would have remained closed.
I couldn't agree more Sue about the manufacturing and wealth creation needed to turn this country around; it seems that more and more people are turning to the State and benefits as way of life.
At the moment, a great proportion of them have no choice, so that's not through laziness, but the whole system needs to change to encourage entrepreneurship, giving them enough money left over after all the essentials have been paid - currently, the need to be able to pay just the essentials in some cases is necessary.
Too many people are still worried about job-security to be spending too much money, or taking loans, so until a lot of that job-security returns (and the Banks start lending again), we won't be going anywhere.
I agree Chris, that the number and regularity of shops closing, is worrying - it will take a long tiome to fill those (metaphorical) holes in the High Street - at the moment, the businesses are on their own and don't feel there is anyone to turn to for support, help or even reassurance.
J, what are you suggesting ?
If you feel the soup-kitchen needs more publicity or more money, there's nothing wrong with organising a get-together to raise awareness, maybe all your friends (or other people) might like to say pay £5.00 for a bowl of soup and some bread and publicise it to raise money.
Isn't the soup-kitchen organised by the Salvation Army ? maybe it needs to be discussed with them.
As Chris has stated, it's more a case of removing the reasons for its need.
Roger
5 April 2009 at 7:54 am
I agree that the Carpathian replaced the SeaBreeze, but if the (new) owners of the Carpathian hadn't been willing or able to open it, it would have remained closed.
I couldn't agree more Sue about the manufacturing and wealth creation needed to turn this country around; it seems that more and more people are turning to the State and benefits as way of life.
At the moment, a great proportion of them have no choice, so that's not through laziness, but the whole system needs to change to encourage entrepreneurship, giving them enough money left over after all the essentials have been paid - currently, the need to be able to pay just the essentials in some cases is necessary.
Too many people are still worried about job-security to be spending too much money, or taking loans, so until a lot of that job-security returns (and the Banks start lending again), we won't be going anywhere.
I agree Chris, that the number and regularity of shops closing, is worrying - it will take a long tiome to fill those (metaphorical) holes in the High Street - at the moment, the businesses are on their own and don't feel there is anyone to turn to for support, help or even reassurance.
J, what are you suggesting ?
If you feel the soup-kitchen needs more publicity or more money, there's nothing wrong with organising a get-together to raise awareness, maybe all your friends (or other people) might like to say pay £5.00 for a bowl of soup and some bread and publicise it to raise money.
Isn't the soup-kitchen organised by the Salvation Army ? maybe it needs to be discussed with them.
As Chris has stated, it's more a case of removing the reasons for its need.
Roger
5 April 2009 at 7:54 am
It is good to see some one prepared to sink money into a new venture .This business has replaced one that was already there so we havent actually gained another business.
I agree with the comments made about the soup kitchen it is sad that there is a need for this but the need will increase .
This is not doom and gloom but a true reflection of what is actually happening .Until this country gets back to making and exporting goods we will never move forward .For too long we have had people living off the backs of others,plus the good old nanny state which does not encourage people to work
When i first was widowed all those years ago I made a choice .I stayed at home to raise my children .My husbands pension was enough to see us ok however I thought to mysef why should I take a job from a school leaver when I could do with out holidays and fine living
The children had a mum at home and they in turn have been well educated and now treat Mum to all those things I never had when they were young .
Sorry to drift away from this new restruant but some home truths have been said by others on this subject .i do hope they will open their doors to a few people who are needy .
4 April 2009 at 10:52 pm
I agree with the comments made about the soup kitchen it is sad that there is a need for this but the need will increase .
This is not doom and gloom but a true reflection of what is actually happening .Until this country gets back to making and exporting goods we will never move forward .For too long we have had people living off the backs of others,plus the good old nanny state which does not encourage people to work
When i first was widowed all those years ago I made a choice .I stayed at home to raise my children .My husbands pension was enough to see us ok however I thought to mysef why should I take a job from a school leaver when I could do with out holidays and fine living
The children had a mum at home and they in turn have been well educated and now treat Mum to all those things I never had when they were young .
Sorry to drift away from this new restruant but some home truths have been said by others on this subject .i do hope they will open their doors to a few people who are needy .
4 April 2009 at 10:52 pm
'Real Dover social issues'. One very real problem for Dover is the number of small (and not so small) businesses that are closing which lessens the amount of visitors, and their money, coming into the town. The opening of a new business is therefore something to both celebrate and to publicise in every way possible. I am well aware of the good work done by the soup kitchen and have been to see it in operation but I would rather see the need for it eliminated and a big step towards this is to encourage new business into the town. The Carpathian did so well on their launch they have already gained a lot of much needed publicity and repeat business from many of those of us that attended.
4 April 2009 at 9:52 pm
4 April 2009 at 9:52 pm
How about may be next time giving some well deserved publicity to the Dover Soup Kitchen and it's great workers.It could be that the cuisine is not so good,but as they say publicity is the oxygen of debate.Discuss real Dover social issues and help change them,this is "real politik"NOT party politics.
4 April 2009 at 5:29 pm
4 April 2009 at 5:29 pm
Thank you David - much appreciated.
Jean and I went there Thursday lunchtime and I had the Chicken with Tarragon and vegetable soup, followed by gammon - a big gammon too and so tender, for £5.00 for two courses; Jean had pate (she had to ask for more toast to use the pate up) followed by fish and chips.
We hope to go back next week in the evening to try the Hungarian Goulash - brillaint on Tuesday.
Roger
4 April 2009 at 4:56 pm
Jean and I went there Thursday lunchtime and I had the Chicken with Tarragon and vegetable soup, followed by gammon - a big gammon too and so tender, for £5.00 for two courses; Jean had pate (she had to ask for more toast to use the pate up) followed by fish and chips.
We hope to go back next week in the evening to try the Hungarian Goulash - brillaint on Tuesday.
Roger
4 April 2009 at 4:56 pm
The publicity, photos and editorial on Doverforum, has already stood them in great steed which they are very happy with. I shall be booking a table for next week so looking forward to it.
4 April 2009 at 12:16 pm
4 April 2009 at 12:16 pm
The point of such openings is to introduce the business to the people who will spead the word and use it. There is no free lunch. I went back yesterday and spent enough to justify the freebie! and as I am an author of published Restaurant guides they are quite keen to get their name around. I dont charge for that so they have the value and I am passing the name around when I go anywhere.
so it isnt as stated below- Publicity is what keeps business going and they told me yesterday that they have already seen returns from many of those that visited.
When they are up and running and decide to do something for free then I am sure they will give it away to those who cannot give back, but for now that it how they get started == and Roger did a great job - as he always does.
4 April 2009 at 6:54 am
so it isnt as stated below- Publicity is what keeps business going and they told me yesterday that they have already seen returns from many of those that visited.
When they are up and running and decide to do something for free then I am sure they will give it away to those who cannot give back, but for now that it how they get started == and Roger did a great job - as he always does.
4 April 2009 at 6:54 am
I agree Jasper,surely same old faces,conspiring towards their own interests,Dover moving forward Dover held in stasis.
3 April 2009 at 5:47 pm
3 April 2009 at 5:47 pm
Roger
my point was the same old faces always go why not invite some youth or some elderly not just council memebers, mayors and labour rights !!!! And it is free to you all, lets be honest that's the reason you all go.
Go round schools give them a taste of Carpathian or nursing homes?
3 April 2009 at 11:13 am
my point was the same old faces always go why not invite some youth or some elderly not just council memebers, mayors and labour rights !!!! And it is free to you all, lets be honest that's the reason you all go.
Go round schools give them a taste of Carpathian or nursing homes?
3 April 2009 at 11:13 am
Mike McFarnell, that well-known local movie-maker has sent me a link to a short movie he made of the launch of the Carpathian on Tuesday.
That grand orator and public speaker - the Forum's very own Terry Nunn, has done a superb job of voice-over.
Thanks guys.
I'm not sure how to make the link live on ths section, but here it is.
dover-film.com/2009DoverFilm.html
Can you make it a live-link Paul ?
Roger
3 April 2009 at 7:49 am
That grand orator and public speaker - the Forum's very own Terry Nunn, has done a superb job of voice-over.
Thanks guys.
I'm not sure how to make the link live on ths section, but here it is.
dover-film.com/2009DoverFilm.html
Can you make it a live-link Paul ?
Roger
3 April 2009 at 7:49 am
Visited their website and pleased to see that Goulash was on the menu..lovely.
3 April 2009 at 7:44 am
3 April 2009 at 7:44 am
Jasper
There was a limit to the number of people who could be invited; it couldn't be open to all, I had to use my judgement on who to invite and those likely to be able to attend and dine there.
The purpose was not just to give people a "freebie", but to give them a sample of the Carpathian's food so as to encourage them to book tables for the future - this I understand, in many cases, has been achieved.
Roger
2 April 2009 at 10:36 pm
There was a limit to the number of people who could be invited; it couldn't be open to all, I had to use my judgement on who to invite and those likely to be able to attend and dine there.
The purpose was not just to give people a "freebie", but to give them a sample of the Carpathian's food so as to encourage them to book tables for the future - this I understand, in many cases, has been achieved.
Roger
2 April 2009 at 10:36 pm
Thanks Paul, think i will pay it a visit just to see. Your not wrong about the free lunches, just a shame more people cant benefit except the same old faces ????
2 April 2009 at 3:29 pm
2 April 2009 at 3:29 pm
Well Jasper...you know what they say
"There's no such thing as a free lunch!"
But yes I can let you know where it is. Come under the Townwall St underpass heading seaward and its the first building immediately to your right as you emerge. Formerly the Sea Breeze. The sign is faily small as I remember but thats the location.
2 April 2009 at 3:02 pm
"There's no such thing as a free lunch!"
But yes I can let you know where it is. Come under the Townwall St underpass heading seaward and its the first building immediately to your right as you emerge. Formerly the Sea Breeze. The sign is faily small as I remember but thats the location.
2 April 2009 at 3:02 pm
Can anybody explain where the Carpathian is ????
2 April 2009 at 1:50 pm
2 April 2009 at 1:50 pm
Will be giving this a try, somthing different is always welcome. I see the same old faces are getting a "free lunch " as usual
2 April 2009 at 1:48 pm
2 April 2009 at 1:48 pm
Yes indeed, it was a lovely evening at The Carpathian on tuesday evening. Many thanks to Szabolcs, Noemi, Akos and Andrea for their kind hospitality. I will certainly be going back to sample more of their delicious food. The very best of luck to them.
2 April 2009 at 10:11 am
2 April 2009 at 10:11 am
Localview - it was an excellant evening.
The Carpathian offer two-course lunches for £5. Evenings are normal prices, but above normal quality.
Check out their website: www.carpathianrestaurant.com. they have all their dishes and prices on there.
Roger
1 April 2009 at 10:55 pm
The Carpathian offer two-course lunches for £5. Evenings are normal prices, but above normal quality.
Check out their website: www.carpathianrestaurant.com. they have all their dishes and prices on there.
Roger
1 April 2009 at 10:55 pm
Roger - sounds excellent , what are the prices like? How much did your meal cost?
1 April 2009 at 10:28 pm
1 April 2009 at 10:28 pm
That resturant article is making me feel Hungary. Question- I notice that there has been a two feet wide channel cut out into the promenade quite near to the Eastern docks. The concrete that has been used to fill in the long hole is quite uneven. Is the intention to completely resurface that area of the prom or is that the finished article? If it is the finished work then in places it presents a hazard to walkers unaware of the dips and bumps.
1 April 2009 at 10:08 pm
1 April 2009 at 10:08 pm
we are now seeing you in a new light roger.
as you say, the meat was so tender there!!!
tsk tsk
1 April 2009 at 10:06 pm
as you say, the meat was so tender there!!!
tsk tsk
1 April 2009 at 10:06 pm
roger what can i say !!
1 April 2009 at 5:59 pm
1 April 2009 at 5:59 pm
Well that's put me in the brown sticky-stuff hasn't it !
From a quick momentary kiss, the photo makes it look like a long lingering one, which it wasn't.
A great evening and great food provided thanks to Szabi, his fiancee, sister and brother; they were great hosts too.
The beef in the Goulash was soooooooo tender, so was the pork and chicken.
A big Thank You also to Councillor Diane Smallwood, a graceful and warm-hearted Mayor and Lady, who gave a lovely welcome and speech.
Hope to go there again soon and I think many there booked tables for future dates.
Well done the Carpathian restaurant.
Roger
1 April 2009 at 5:52 pm
From a quick momentary kiss, the photo makes it look like a long lingering one, which it wasn't.
A great evening and great food provided thanks to Szabi, his fiancee, sister and brother; they were great hosts too.
The beef in the Goulash was soooooooo tender, so was the pork and chicken.
A big Thank You also to Councillor Diane Smallwood, a graceful and warm-hearted Mayor and Lady, who gave a lovely welcome and speech.
Hope to go there again soon and I think many there booked tables for future dates.
Well done the Carpathian restaurant.
Roger
1 April 2009 at 5:52 pm
the new top picture looks like a line up of the most wanted crims,oops sorry most munchies rouges.
1 April 2009 at 12:26 pm
1 April 2009 at 12:26 pm