OK, I have indeed had a small glass of something lovely.............
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,018
DT1 At last a posting which makes sense .,however rather sweeping about our officers some do live in Dover .The undelegated decisions are made by a committee The Screen issuie will be decided after careful consideration by councillors .
Im not being sweeping .I listen to many people .I think even those apposed would not have minded if it were just for a few weeks .
The size alone will be dominant .
No i will not be going into Market Square at Midnight previous poster ,at my age its bedtime .
I get the impression some of you think i sit at home with my knitting ,never venturing out .
Welll enough said on this subject .
Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
Ross Miller talks far more sense than anyone else on here. Absolutely spot-on, Ross. I salute you!
Good stuff - Andy.
Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
And Dave1 and Phil are totally on the money too. Great stuff.
Open your minds, moaning minnies. Then we may at last catch up with the rest of the known world.
Forza Dubris!
Andy
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
We all know that you can't please all of the people, all of the time.
Whether this screen gets its final approval on the 2nd. of April or not, will depend on the District Councillors on the Planning Committee on that evening. Only time will tell whether it is a good idea or not and none of us can know that at this stage.
Believe it or not, the Planning Committee members are not led by the nose to make a decision, the decision will be based (purely) on planning considerations; we are all human and will decide on what we feel will be the right decision - what our view is.
Because someone has a contrary view, doesn't make them wrong.
Roger
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
tax on choccy already done and dusted,set at at 12.5% plus vat.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
ooops double posted.
DT1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 15 Apr 2008
- Posts: 1,116
Sue, with reference to my comment about officers, I'd be interested if you could prove me wrong. I won't accept the conurbation of River, because there is a sign on the boundary stating it's apparant independence. I think it is a worry that the people making many decisions (and informing others) seem to have more care for places like Deal than Dover and have little or no affiliation or care for the town. Roger, in a way the committee being led by the nose if they are basing decisions on planning considerations by the fact the committee are not planners. We therefore rely on the competence of this group that in the past have made some pretty big faux pas.
Sue, back to the screen, of course it's size will be 'Dominant' (boring planners terminology you have picked up from these committees) If it wasn't 'dominant' it would be rubbish. The 14" inch TV from my bedroom is not 'dominant' but I don't think it would provide what is on offer here (and you have balance the aerial on top of the wardrobe to get C4)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i thought it was now common knowledge that our victor declared UDI some time ago and had been officially crowned.
getting back to the word "dominant", is it really important?
we have two dominant buildings in burlington house and the castle.
the latter is considered more beautiful than the former.
Guest 682- Registered: 19 Jan 2009
- Posts: 146
At the planning meeting the representative from LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) made the following comments during his period of public speaking:
There would be a local committee deciding the content of what would be shown on the screen.
If an event was deemed to be unsuitable for Dover in any way - it would not be shown.
If an event was likely to require added security or specific organisation - it would be up to the DDC Events Group to also agree to the event being shown.
If an event was likely to need a high level of security or arranging that was consiered unaffordable it would not be shown.
The screens are LED and not plasma so any fear of flickering can be ruled out.
If approved the screen will be in place by the end of April.
The Market Square is the only place in Dover that meets the present criteria.
This is a one-off chance as funding for future screens has not been secured and after the games the screen could be moved.
I have listened to the nearby residents' views and those of others in the town who have raised the subject - I can really see their points of view but most of their concerns can be attended to through the management of the screen if planning permission is granted.
I have been very open minded on this - I need to be both as the Ward Councillor and someone who has an elderly mother living just off the Market Square, but when the potential is looked into, we cannot afford for this to be another missed opportunity for Dover - we have seen so many come - not be grabbed - and lost - McArthur Glenn - a larger MFI - for example. No use thinking in 10 years time - if only we'd had the foresight.
In looking very deeply into this whole picture, looking at various websites relating to places where screens are already in place and having at least two colleagues who have seen them working first hand, I feel that through strong mangement the screen can be of great advantage to the community. Cultural events linking with other parts on the UK, let alone the rest of the world, through the excellent links that a renouned organisation such as the BBC has, the advantages to our school children in particular is immense. Imagine a local school stage production being seen by youngsters in other parts of the world - image the cultural differences from across the globe being shown right here in Dover.
Some have said, who would go to the Market Square to watch 'X or Y' when you can sit in the comfort of your own home watching it - OK, if you are a loner - I'm not but do live alone and when sitting alone downstairs watching some events or productions I would sometimes like to discuss the game or whatever with someone else - why do so many congregate and cram themselves into pubs to watch some events even when, most of the time, the picture at home would be better? Not for everyone, but take the Red Nose Show the other night could have probably been screened - good old fashioned variety to a degree - Last Night of the Proms is another possibility and what about Wimbledon, Motor Racing Grand Prix's (Now that the BBC have them back), Ballet live from the Royal Opera House, or even Opera as a few ideas as well as some of the supurb outside broadcasts that are carried live from all corners.
I have seen the DVD that is referred to and the final clip is where a local businessman says - remove it now - over my dead body. The number of people visiting areas where screens have been installed has increased - the potential for us to secure the Olympic Flame through Dover in 2012 would get a hugh boost and, after the Games themselves, the possibility to open up the use to promote our area and what we have to offer needs to be grasped. There would be a tremendous boost for tourism and our attractions in the area - these could also be promoted both on the screen and to the wider audience no doubt.
It would be more than a screen - it would be a community tool to keep people and visitors alike informed of anything going on and much more.
Somewhere the figure of 8,000 people attending an event was mentioned - you wouldn't get this number in the Market Square - you'd be pushed to get 2,000 but this would constitute a major event and would be planneed down to the last detail with the police and others involved in health & safety, insurance, environmental health, highways, etc - all partners who regularly attend the DDC Events Group meetings. Public safety and protection of property would be paramount and such large events would be few and far between I would expect.
One thought - in yesteryear people went to the Market Square to get local community information from the Town Crier - bring that to the 21st Century with modern technology and not only local community information but world wide input and a worldwide audience for output.
Yes, it is not an easy decision for friends and colleagues sitting on the planning committee but hopefully they will weigh up all the pros and cons during their deliberations and make the final decision whether this goes ahead or not - all the information has been sent to them through the Cabinet Agenda for 23rd February (1 voted against), Council Agenda for 5th March (2 voted against) and their own Planning Committee Agenda for 12th March when a site visit was decided - all of these documents should be read very carfefully a number of times as approving or refusing planning permission for this application will no doubt send out a message to all partner and potential partner organisations regarding Dover's regeneration and plans for the future.
On the Canterbury issue, I have been shown articles in the press where their decision to reject the offer of the screen is being regarded as mistake and a missed opportunity.
Is Dover wanting change? - I think it is - we have rested on our unique fantastic history far too long - we are now in the 21st Century and I for one want to leave this earth sometime in the distant future knowing that during my time as a Councillor working for Dover and the District as a whole, I will have done my best to do what I have said on all my election literature - improve this area and give our community what the good people of our District deserve. Dover deserves better.
Well said. Sense, ambition for Dover, and a Can Do attitude will help to manage this gift properly and make it work for us.
Guest 670- Registered: 23 Apr 2008
- Posts: 573
An excellent post Nigel, sums up nicely the opinion of many.
I can only say thank goodness at least one Councillor recognises the need to move forward and that we are now in the 21st century I was rapidly drawing the conclusion that the council was trapped in a time-warp.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,696
Well said Nigel.
As I have posted before I have concerns about the screen but I am firmly of the opinion that the benefits both short and long term more than outweigh the short term impacts and the fears of a smallish group of naysayers.
We can ill afford to miss another opportunity to give Dover an edge.
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,018
Speechless.How come so many have written into object .My old mate writes a good story .Whilst he was busy writing countless notes I was doing my best for the residents who are apposed .I have never seen Nigel stick his neck out always goes with the flow .
Did he hear the comments from the people he repesents .Sell the story long enough Nigel and some one will believe you .For everyone you find For I will get two against and these are tory voters .
I also watched ComicRelief alone .In the old nightie ,slippers ,and glass of wine in one hand .Cant do that in Market Square .
Got to get togged up for that
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,018
Well Ross i would not come to Dover for a holiday because it may or not have a giant TV Screen
Quailty thats what I look for
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
Superb post Nigel, an excellent appraisal. Good to see a post about the screen that is full of facts, research and reasoned arguments. If only the small anti-brigade could come up with something more cohesive than their current emotive ranting.
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,696
You may not Sue however, it is disingenious of you to suggest that a screen on its own is likely to attract outsiders, particularly as no one has suggested that it would. What it will provide is something for the residents of the town, the ability to promote and show local events, show major events etc. Perhaps we could use it to promote film making in local schools by say running an annual short film contest, or use it to show Blackfish productions etc. etc.
What attracts outsiders is a vibrant local economy and community with well maintained attractions at affordable prices, interesting things to see and do etc.
Does a screen give us this? No, but it can certainly be one of a range of things that could facilitate an improved town centre economy.
Does Dover actually have these things? Yes in part it does, including the Castle, Western Heights , Museum, RPH (in desperate need of TLC), Langdon Cliffs, Crabble Mill, Buckland Mill, Connaught Park, Samphire Hoe etc. What we are missing is any form of co-ordination and promotion of these things and proper funding for many of them.
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Speechless Sue.......? I need to ask - have you decided to make this a personal crusade? Is it possible that you might do so without promoting your own (possible) achievements or trying to undermine your colleagues? I am not clear why Nigels writing could be seen as somehow inferior to your own rantings - sorry, "doing you best for the residents who are apposed". I assume that is opposed?
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
You can't really judge public feeling on numbers of letters received. People tend to write in protest and complain but very rarely in praise or support. Even if DDC receive 5:1 against the screen that is still no reflection of true public opinion. Most of the people I've talked to are in favour of it - I would put money that if a survey were to take place around town for a couple of days the concensus would be overwhelmingly positive.
Of course some only see what they want to see, and only report opinions that, shock horror, agree with their own.
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
Arguments for:
1) Attract trade into local businesses in the area
2) Opening up of new businesses in current derelict properties
3) Advertising potential for local businesses
4) Advertising potential for tourist attractions
5) Advertising potential for local community groups
6) Community notice publication
7) Olympic bid attraction
8) Schools utilising screen for promotion
9) Live link-ups to other towns/areas raising Dover's profile
10) Olympics
11) Televised sporting events
12) Tourism films promoting Dover and local district
13) Free installation and screen. Per annum £6k running costs from there on.
Arguments against:
1) It might cause some noise in the Market Square late evening.
