Olympic torch a distant twinkle

Well, if you're one of the many doing your best to ignore the Olympics, then you have much to thank Lord Coe for. He has carefully engineered the Olympic torch route so that it will come no closer to Herne Bay than Upstreet and Sturry (on 19th July).

Looking at the map of the route, it does seem rather odd that they're happy to make a diversion after Faversham to visit Challock (pop. 843), but didn't divert to Herne Bay and Whitstable (combined pop. 65,383) on their way to Canterbury. Hey, ho. 

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WEA Course: Egyptology

Ancient Egyptian religion has always been a source of mystery and wonder to Westerners. Why was a special god chosen to represent the Nile? What was the relationship between the gods?

ln this day school we will explore the racy, sometimes amusing stories associated with the gods which ultimately shaped, sustained and directed Egyptian culture in every conceivable way.

Course: Egyptology Day School

Tutor: Christine Humber

Timetable: Saturday 19th May 2012, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm

Location: St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Hampton Pier Avenue, Herne Bay

Fee: £15.00 - payable in advance please - includes lunch and refreshments. Prior booking essential.

Contact: Jenny Bennett (01227 372281) email: Jenny_Bennett@tiscali.co.uk

Flying start for Farmers' Market

Market was a fairy tale despite missing stalls

The butcher did not turn up, the baker was in fine form and the candlestick maker continued to prove elusive. But Herne Bay's first farmers' market got off to a fine start – bar a few minor teething problems.

The market, held in United Church hall on Saturday, March 3, could now be extended to three weekends per month. Organiser Vanessa Hill said:

"It was a solid start. A butcher who had promised to do a stall didn't turn up but we had game, fruit and veg, cakes, fantastic breads and homemade pies. I do want to have the traditional butcher, baker and candlestick maker, so if anyone makes good candles, they should get in touch."

Mrs Hill is also talking to Pier Trust bosses about staging summer markets on the pier platform. The next farmers' market is on Saturday, March 17.

Call Mrs Hill on 07740 586010 if you are interested in having a stall.

Herne Villagers won, Tesco nil

Tesco scraps plans for Express store in Herne

Tesco has dramatically pulled out of plans to open an Express store in Herne, the Kentish Gazette can reveal. The supermarket giant today admitted it was not pushing forward with the controversial scheme, blaming highways issues in the village.

The news marks the end of a fierce five-month campaign waged by villagers against the company, which wanted to open in the empty Upper Red Lion pub. More than 700 marched in protest at the plans on Sunday, sending out a clear message that a new store was not wanted. It followed two public meetings held at the village church which were attended by more than 500 people.

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See you soon...

Here's an excellent little video, produced on a shoestring by the resourceful and talented Gerald McCarthy, who says:

Often referred to as the 'Riviera of Kent' Herne Bay, a thriving seaside town in the 'Garden of England' enjoys one of the warmest climates in the UK. Offering a huge range of watersport opportunities,such as sailing, wind surfing and an extra wide launching ramp for jet-skis and pleasure-craft of all types, as well as miles of beautifully kept coastline for that gentle walk or bike ride.

Sample some of the best fresh fish and chips for miles, or, for the discerning visitor why not try one of our Michelin Star or other excellent restaurants or bars.

Come and visit us soon... see for yourself!

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See the NoToTesco march

Here's a natty little video of Sunday's march against Tesco in Herne. It is described as a message to Cllr Vickery-Jones.

I wonder if he'll get the message...

I wonder what it takes for him to get a message...

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Cllr Vickery-Jones has said that nothing short of civil disobedience can prevent Tesco inflicting itself on Herne... Not so.

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Anti-Tesco march at Herne on Sunday

More than 1,000 campaigners are expected to swamp the tiny village of Herne on Sunday and march through its streets in protest against Tesco’s plans to open a store in a former pub. The demonstration plans were revealed after villagers gained police permission to stage the march.

Villagers should meet at the Cherry Orchard at 11am. The march starts at 11.30am and will go through the village to Curtis Wood Park.

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Marvellous Movie of Vintage Views

The opening of the film, which pensioner Mary Harris found among her mother's belongingsPensioner Mary Harris’s find of a 90-year-old film showing the Herne Bay festival has aroused a lot of interest, and now bosses at the Little Theatre in Bullers Avenue are planning to show the clip, which vividly brings back to life the town as it was in 1922.

Historian and curator of the Herne Bay Historical Records Society Mike Bundock will be giving a talk before the screening. He said:

"I'm planning to give a  talk about the town from 1899 - when the third pier was built — to the early 1920 and finish with the film, which I have yet to see and am eagerly awaiting a look at."

Mike Bundock’s talk is titled Herne Bay - The Edwardian Era To The 1920s and will take place at the Herne Bay Little Theatre, Bullers Avenue, Herne Bay, on Saturday, March 3, at 7.30pm.

Admission for the event is £3 and booking is recommended via the box office on 01227 366004.

Our Council must support the Pier Trust

An open letter to CCC from the Pier Trust's ex-Treasurer Jason Hollingsworth and ex-Chairman Graham Cooper:

In light of all the recent Council criticism of the Pier Trust in the press, as past Trustees we feel compelled to respond and set the record straight.

Firstly and perhaps rather tellingly, our first observation is astonishment that CCC should level any criticism at the Trust at all, after all the Pier Trust is a community organisation and if the council considers there are deficiencies why has CCC not done the right thing and wholeheartedly got behind the Trust and to support it and help to rectify those supposed failings.

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Music, Art & Poetry in Herne Bay

The Herne Bay branch of the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) is starting a new season of courses.

There will be a seven week course starting 17th April - one two-hour session a week - looking at poets and poetry between the two world wars.

Tutor Ron Dodge introduces the course:

Do you like poetry? Yes? No? Think again... Hitler and German rearmament. The Spanish Civil War. Grinding poverty. Ominous noises off. Was it likely that anything poetic could come from this 'low dishonest decade'? Yet poetry is always being written however turbulent the times.

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