The Front Page - Copy 63 (RNLI Fundraiser,Elphicke and Prosser on Port, Morrisons)
24 January 2010
The
You might remember we ran this picture last year of TV Weathergirl who came to Biggin St here in Dover to help the RNLI with their annual fundraiser. Now the guys are back...sadly no Nazaneen this time. Pop down to see them and try and dig deep. The guys do a sterling job and are almost TV Celebs themselves following that excellent recent series on Channel FIVE
....more info in this Press Release....
Saturday 30th January will see the volunteer crew of the town’s lifeboat attempt a stationary 68 mile triathlon in Biggin Street as part of the RNLI’s annual SOS fundraising campaign.
Last year, aided by BBC Southeast weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar, the crew raised over £2000 from their rowing machine challenge when they rowed a distance equivalent to three crossings from Dover to Boulogne. This year the challenge is to travel the equivalent distance of Margate to Hastings using a rowing machine, running machine and exercise bike.
Dover RNLI Coxswain Stuart Richardson explains the choice of route: “Margate and Hastings were chosen as they are respectively the easternmost and westernmost towns of the Confederation of Cinque Ports. The virtual route will see us pass close to twelve Cinque Ports and eight lifeboat stations. It is also apt that the Chairman of the RNLI, Admiral the Lord Boyce is, of course, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and that the Mayor of Dover is the current Speaker of the Confederation.
I was really proud of my crew last year for the effort they put in but even more proud of the people of the District for the all the support they gave to us during the event.”
Senior RNLI Area Fundraising Manager Jenny Green said: “I am delighted that the Dover crew are, once more, undertaking a challenge in aid of the RNLI's 'SOS day'. I wish them well and thank all who support them.
The RNLI’s biggest fundraising day 'SOS Day' is Friday 29th January 2010 and is the one day when the RNLI sends its own mayday, SOS, call for the public help and support. It's a great way for everyone to have some fun, whilst raising funds to help the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards save lives at sea. To support 'SOS day' you can make a donation directly to Dover lifeboat station, by undertaking your own fundraising activities, or by taking part in the Welly Walk in Walmer on 31st January.“
Picture of Nazaneen Ghaffar and Steve Ladner is by Barry W-S.
Leave your comment below. if non member comment on Open Page. Comments Welcome.
See both the CHARLIE ELPHICKE and the GWYN PROSSER comments immediately following the statement.
Statement:Dover Harbour Board has announced that it has now made a formal application to the Secretary of State for Transport, for the authority to restructure the organisation in order to introduce private capital. The restructuring means that, should the Secretary of State agree, the port will move fully into the private sector and will no longer be a trust port.
In August 2009 the Department for Transport published Modernising Trust Ports, Edition 2, which mandated each trust port to consider what structure would be most appropriate for their continuing development and success. Dover Harbour Board has considered various options for restructuring and a possible change of status. Following the publication of the Operational Efficiency Programme by HM Treasury in November 2009, where Dover was singled out for comment as the trust port most advanced in its analysis and planning, the Board has confirmed that it has developed an ownership and governance option, whereby private capital could be introduced to the port, while at the same time establishing a locally based charitable trust to channel funds to local community projects over a longer term basis, something that is not possible with the current status as a trust port. This will provide, for the first time in Dover’s history, the opportunity for the local community to have a direct stake in the port’s commercial success and to benefit directly from the sharing in that success.
The Board has stated that such a change in its ownership will ensure that the necessary capital is secured for investment in the port to deliver new capacity as and when it is required, guaranteeing the port’s ability to meet the needs of its customers over the long term and securing the position of the Port of Dover as a key international gateway in the light of forecast growth in ro-ro traffic volumes. The port will also be free to pursue other commercial opportunities to grow the business, both in Dover and elsewhere.
Commenting on the decision to submit the option to the government for consideration, the Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, Roger Mountford said,
“Dover has a port of which it can be very proud. Over recent years the port has grown and broadened its business and improved its efficiency. Like its customers, it has to maintain this momentum. To do this the port needs access to private capital and to benefit from new opportunities. At the same time, the Board wants to respect the special status of a trust port in bringing forward plans that will ensure that the local community, of which the port forms a part, will share in the port’s continuing development and success. The application to restructure the port follows the Board’s recent submission to the government seeking permission to construct a new ferry terminal in the western docks, an investment likely to total some £400 million. The proposed restructuring would give the port access to private capital markets and thus the funding needed to build the new terminal.” end.
It has been suggested that this new move came about as the direct result of a report from Paul Clark, the Under Secretary of State for Transport, which asked the leading trust ports to "analyse their structure" and to consider that there may be advantages in "alternative forms of ownership."
"Now it's official. Gordon Brown is selling off our port just as quick as he can. This is total betrayal of the solemn promise Labour made at the last election not to sell off the port. You just can't trust them. People often tell me the only thing to change in Dover in ten years is we're losing a hospital and now our port is being flogged off. I don't agree with Gordon Brown's sale of our port. It's wrong to sell off our borders.
"I am particularly concerned that the Government's arrangements do not explicitly protect port pensioners. If Gordon Brown is going to do this regardless of what people think, port pensioners must have a cast iron guarantee."
Gwyn Prosser MP speaking on BBC Televison earlier this week. Gwyn's statement for Doverforum below..
MP “CONFIDENT THAT NO PRIVATISATION WILL TAKE PLACE UNDER OUR JURISDICTION”
In response to Charlie Elphicke’s claims that “Gordon Brown is selling off our port as quick as he can”, Gwyn Prosser said:
“Mr Elphicke is talking nonsense again because all that’s happened this week is that the Dover Harbour Board have applied to Ministers to restructure their port business and he should know that there’s a big difference between applying for a change of status and having such an application granted. In the same way as there’s a difference between applying for a Parliamentary seat and winning one, as Charlie knows from experience.
He should also know that prior to the port making their application, the Government issued new guidance to all trust ports which has raised the threshold and effectively put higher barriers in the paths of those seeking to privatise themselves. The effect of the new criteria makes it virtually impossible for any port to get anywhere near privatising themselves in the current year or of completing a change of status in the following year – even if the government of the day was minded to grant them permission. That hardly sounds as if this Labour Government is ‘hell-bent’ on privatisation and I’m confident that no privatisation will take place under our jurisdiction.
On the other hand, everyone knows that in the event of a Conservative Government taking office they would relish the prospect of selling the port because that’s what Tories do. And for the avoidance of doubt, at the last election their shadow transport minister travelled all the way to Dover and promised to privatise the port”
****************************************************************************************************
Morrisons
Well we have all spent considerable time recently arquing the toss about the toilet issue, who did what when and where, and how can it be resolved etc. But while we ponder on lifes great loo problem, here is a bit of uplifting news for a change. Supermaket giant Morrisons have powered into Dover with a fab new colourful store. It was officially opened this morning monday 25th by the Mayor herself Sue Jones, accompanied by the Mayoress Ronnie Philpott. The picture on the left shows Sue Jones cutting the official ribbon as is the norm on these grand occasions.
Also in the picture above left are General Store Manager Howard Saxby and director Mark Harrison along with Ronnie Philpott.
As you would expect with stores of this stature Morrisons have a fantastic display of every product imagineable...and cover everything needed by customers on a daily basis, from fresh baked bread and cakes, to a sumptious looking meat counter. In the picture on the left we have Meat Manager Dave Curling and behind the counter Butcher Paul Snaith who are very happy to supply you with any cut you want.The overall meat display is much bigger than actually shown here.Impressive choice. You can also see below some of the other foods available. Far too large a selection to show here of course.
A great crowd built up outside the door waiting for the official opening and official photographs to be over, and then after a 5-4-3-2-1 count, they all flocked in en masse, no doubt thrilled to have more choice here in the centre of Dover. The whole area was alive with people. The buzz was exciting. There can be no doubt about the regeneration supermarkets bring to an inner area. PB.
The
Lifeboat
Guys
are
Back
You might remember we ran this picture last year of TV Weathergirl who came to Biggin St here in Dover to help the RNLI with their annual fundraiser. Now the guys are back...sadly no Nazaneen this time. Pop down to see them and try and dig deep. The guys do a sterling job and are almost TV Celebs themselves following that excellent recent series on Channel FIVE
....more info in this Press Release....
Saturday 30th January will see the volunteer crew of the town’s lifeboat attempt a stationary 68 mile triathlon in Biggin Street as part of the RNLI’s annual SOS fundraising campaign.
Last year, aided by BBC Southeast weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar, the crew raised over £2000 from their rowing machine challenge when they rowed a distance equivalent to three crossings from Dover to Boulogne. This year the challenge is to travel the equivalent distance of Margate to Hastings using a rowing machine, running machine and exercise bike.
Dover RNLI Coxswain Stuart Richardson explains the choice of route: “Margate and Hastings were chosen as they are respectively the easternmost and westernmost towns of the Confederation of Cinque Ports. The virtual route will see us pass close to twelve Cinque Ports and eight lifeboat stations. It is also apt that the Chairman of the RNLI, Admiral the Lord Boyce is, of course, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and that the Mayor of Dover is the current Speaker of the Confederation.
I was really proud of my crew last year for the effort they put in but even more proud of the people of the District for the all the support they gave to us during the event.”
Senior RNLI Area Fundraising Manager Jenny Green said: “I am delighted that the Dover crew are, once more, undertaking a challenge in aid of the RNLI's 'SOS day'. I wish them well and thank all who support them.
The RNLI’s biggest fundraising day 'SOS Day' is Friday 29th January 2010 and is the one day when the RNLI sends its own mayday, SOS, call for the public help and support. It's a great way for everyone to have some fun, whilst raising funds to help the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards save lives at sea. To support 'SOS day' you can make a donation directly to Dover lifeboat station, by undertaking your own fundraising activities, or by taking part in the Welly Walk in Walmer on 31st January.“
Picture of Nazaneen Ghaffar and Steve Ladner is by Barry W-S.
* * *
Its Official: The Port of Dover could Fall into Private Hands.
PORT OF DOVER TO SEEK PRIVATE CAPITAL
Leave your comment below. if non member comment on Open Page. Comments Welcome.
See both the CHARLIE ELPHICKE and the GWYN PROSSER comments immediately following the statement.
Statement:Dover Harbour Board has announced that it has now made a formal application to the Secretary of State for Transport, for the authority to restructure the organisation in order to introduce private capital. The restructuring means that, should the Secretary of State agree, the port will move fully into the private sector and will no longer be a trust port.In August 2009 the Department for Transport published Modernising Trust Ports, Edition 2, which mandated each trust port to consider what structure would be most appropriate for their continuing development and success. Dover Harbour Board has considered various options for restructuring and a possible change of status. Following the publication of the Operational Efficiency Programme by HM Treasury in November 2009, where Dover was singled out for comment as the trust port most advanced in its analysis and planning, the Board has confirmed that it has developed an ownership and governance option, whereby private capital could be introduced to the port, while at the same time establishing a locally based charitable trust to channel funds to local community projects over a longer term basis, something that is not possible with the current status as a trust port. This will provide, for the first time in Dover’s history, the opportunity for the local community to have a direct stake in the port’s commercial success and to benefit directly from the sharing in that success.
The Board has stated that such a change in its ownership will ensure that the necessary capital is secured for investment in the port to deliver new capacity as and when it is required, guaranteeing the port’s ability to meet the needs of its customers over the long term and securing the position of the Port of Dover as a key international gateway in the light of forecast growth in ro-ro traffic volumes. The port will also be free to pursue other commercial opportunities to grow the business, both in Dover and elsewhere.
Commenting on the decision to submit the option to the government for consideration, the Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, Roger Mountford said,
“Dover has a port of which it can be very proud. Over recent years the port has grown and broadened its business and improved its efficiency. Like its customers, it has to maintain this momentum. To do this the port needs access to private capital and to benefit from new opportunities. At the same time, the Board wants to respect the special status of a trust port in bringing forward plans that will ensure that the local community, of which the port forms a part, will share in the port’s continuing development and success. The application to restructure the port follows the Board’s recent submission to the government seeking permission to construct a new ferry terminal in the western docks, an investment likely to total some £400 million. The proposed restructuring would give the port access to private capital markets and thus the funding needed to build the new terminal.” end.
It has been suggested that this new move came about as the direct result of a report from Paul Clark, the Under Secretary of State for Transport, which asked the leading trust ports to "analyse their structure" and to consider that there may be advantages in "alternative forms of ownership."Charlie Elphicke, The Conservative Candidate for Dover and Deal said...
"Now it's official. Gordon Brown is selling off our port just as quick as he can. This is total betrayal of the solemn promise Labour made at the last election not to sell off the port. You just can't trust them. People often tell me the only thing to change in Dover in ten years is we're losing a hospital and now our port is being flogged off. I don't agree with Gordon Brown's sale of our port. It's wrong to sell off our borders.
"I am particularly concerned that the Government's arrangements do not explicitly protect port pensioners. If Gordon Brown is going to do this regardless of what people think, port pensioners must have a cast iron guarantee."
Gwyn Prosser MP speaking on BBC Televison earlier this week. Gwyn's statement for Doverforum below..MP “CONFIDENT THAT NO PRIVATISATION WILL TAKE PLACE UNDER OUR JURISDICTION”
In response to Charlie Elphicke’s claims that “Gordon Brown is selling off our port as quick as he can”, Gwyn Prosser said:
“Mr Elphicke is talking nonsense again because all that’s happened this week is that the Dover Harbour Board have applied to Ministers to restructure their port business and he should know that there’s a big difference between applying for a change of status and having such an application granted. In the same way as there’s a difference between applying for a Parliamentary seat and winning one, as Charlie knows from experience.
He should also know that prior to the port making their application, the Government issued new guidance to all trust ports which has raised the threshold and effectively put higher barriers in the paths of those seeking to privatise themselves. The effect of the new criteria makes it virtually impossible for any port to get anywhere near privatising themselves in the current year or of completing a change of status in the following year – even if the government of the day was minded to grant them permission. That hardly sounds as if this Labour Government is ‘hell-bent’ on privatisation and I’m confident that no privatisation will take place under our jurisdiction.
On the other hand, everyone knows that in the event of a Conservative Government taking office they would relish the prospect of selling the port because that’s what Tories do. And for the avoidance of doubt, at the last election their shadow transport minister travelled all the way to Dover and promised to privatise the port”
****************************************************************************************************
Morrisons
Come
to
Dover.
Well we have all spent considerable time recently arquing the toss about the toilet issue, who did what when and where, and how can it be resolved etc. But while we ponder on lifes great loo problem, here is a bit of uplifting news for a change. Supermaket giant Morrisons have powered into Dover with a fab new colourful store. It was officially opened this morning monday 25th by the Mayor herself Sue Jones, accompanied by the Mayoress Ronnie Philpott. The picture on the left shows Sue Jones cutting the official ribbon as is the norm on these grand occasions.
Also in the picture above left are General Store Manager Howard Saxby and director Mark Harrison along with Ronnie Philpott.As you would expect with stores of this stature Morrisons have a fantastic display of every product imagineable...and cover everything needed by customers on a daily basis, from fresh baked bread and cakes, to a sumptious looking meat counter. In the picture on the left we have Meat Manager Dave Curling and behind the counter Butcher Paul Snaith who are very happy to supply you with any cut you want.The overall meat display is much bigger than actually shown here.Impressive choice. You can also see below some of the other foods available. Far too large a selection to show here of course.
A great crowd built up outside the door waiting for the official opening and official photographs to be over, and then after a 5-4-3-2-1 count, they all flocked in en masse, no doubt thrilled to have more choice here in the centre of Dover. The whole area was alive with people. The buzz was exciting. There can be no doubt about the regeneration supermarkets bring to an inner area. PB.