RSS News from Medway Council en-gb Medway Council http://news.medway.gov.uk 16 Apr 2014 15:37:33 UT http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5768 16 Apr 2014 14:37:31 UT A drop-in group to help new mums with breastfeeding is to run in Chatham. Starting on 25 April, from 1.30pm to 3pm at All Saints Sure Start Children’s Centre, Magpie Hall Road, the group will be a relaxed and informal session where women can seek advice and support to feel at ease feeding their baby and meet other breastfeeding mums in the area. It is aimed at new and expectant mums deciding how to feed their baby, or just getting started, worried about feeding in public, thinking of expressing breast milk or ready to stop. It will also offer a one-to-one service, from 1pm, for those who don’t want to be in a group setting. The group will be run each Friday by one of the centre’s healthy eating team, Sara Cooper, who is a trained ‘breastfeeding champion’. For more information, contact the centre on 01634 338833. Young People Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5760 15 Apr 2014 07:37:18 UT Children and their teachers are being urged to walk to school and win prizes. Medway Council is launching its Walk 2 Count challenge in May to get pupils and staff thinking about an alternative way to school. The school with the highest percentage of walks will get a signed Gillingham FC ball and a tour for children around the Gills’ ground. Teachers who complete the most walks will receive a fruit hamper from A Better Medway. The challenge is launched to coincide with Walk to Work Week (12 – 16 May) and Walk to School Week (19 – 23 May). All schools will also receive a certificate in recognition of their efforts and the Gills mascot Tommy T and club cheerleaders, the GFC Gems, will present the top schools with the most walks with certificates. Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “Last year 27 schools took part in the challenge and the winning school, Phoenix Junior Academy in Chatham, saw 97 per cent of pupils walking to school. “It’s a great, fun way to get children keeping active.” Schools can get their free Walk 2 Count pack from the KM Charity Team website at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk For more information on forthcoming road safety competitions and local events go to www.facebook.com/saferjourneysinmedway or www.medway.gov.uk/saferjourneys Young People Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5755 11 Apr 2014 08:43:27 UT If you’ve been inspired by the London Marathon, why not sign up for a running challenge of your own this summer, right here on your doorstep? This year’s Medway Festival of Sport programme features a host of running opportunities, whatever your fitness level. New for 2014 is the Medway Sporting Legacy 5km Summer Series. Over five months from May to September, Medway Sport, Run Britain and Nice Work are staging five summer evening races across Medway. The runs, which all take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, are ideal for runners of all standards, including beginners and those new to racing. The first Medway Sporting Legacy 5km takes place on 21 May on the Great Lines Heritage Park. This will be followed by a race at Riverside Country Park on 18 June. Other venues include Deangate Athletics Track, Capstone Farm Country Park and Medway Park Athletics Track. Points from runners’ best four results will count towards an overall series prize, with trophies being awarded across various age groups, along with a special prize for the highest points scorer completing five races. Entry fees range from £8 per race for runners affiliated to clubs (£10 non-affiliated) to £30 for the five-race series for affiliated runners (£40 for non-affiliated). The Medway 10km also returns for its second year as part of the Festival of Sport. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, 8 June at 9.30am, with the run starting and finishing on the Medway Park track. Medals and goodies will be given to all finishers, as well as awards for leading runners in all age categories and team prizes. The event will also include fun children’s runs on the Medway Park track. Entry is £13 for affiliated runners and £15.00 for non—affiliated. On the day entry is £20, and for the fun runs is £3. For more details and to enter either the 5km Series or the Medway 10km visit www.nice-work.org.uk or call 01797 230009. The Medway Festival of Sport programme features an action packed 80 days of sporting action, ranging from schools competitions and taster days to community and club competitions. They include the Cancer Research UK Race for Life on Sunday, 18 May in Rochester Castle Gardens and a series of open meetings organised by Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club. The climax to the Festival summer will be the eighth annual Medway Mile on Friday, 25 July. The weekly parkrun on the Great Lines Heritage Park on Saturday mornings at 9am also continue throughout the summer. Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, said: “Running is one of the best ways to get fit and there’s something for everyone in Medway this summer.” For more information about the Festival of Sport programme and how you can get involved visit www.medway.gov.uk/fos. For more information about regular running groups in Medway, visit www.medway.gov.uk/onyourmarks Leisure Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5755/running.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5754 10 Apr 2014 15:02:13 UT Disabled sport in Medway has received a boost with Sport England funding for new specialist equipment. Medway Council’s disabled sports clubs will benefit from the £9,840 ‘Get Equipped’ funding which will help buy the equipment, including adapted wheelchairs. The money will buy a racing wheelchair as used by track and road racers. It will also buy two specialist wheelchairs for use in basketball and rugby league, new boccia sets for use by athletes who throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court with the aim of getting closest to a jack ball and a full size set of goalball goals for use by Medway Park Goalball Club. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said: “This is a welcome boost for disabled sport in Medway. “The legacy of the 2012 Paralympics in London is still strong and disabled sport is now more popular then ever so this equipment will be used well.” The clubs that will benefit from the funding are Prince Arthur Boccia Club, Medway Dragons Wheelchair Rugby League Club, Maidstone Rebels Wheelchair Basketball Club (based in Medway), Medway & Maidstone Athletics Club and Medway Park Goalball Club. To get involved with Medway’s disabled sports clubs, contact John Hatchett, Medway Sport, on 0163 338763 or email: john.hatchet@medway.gov.uk Leisure Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5754/WRL1.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5753 09 Apr 2014 12:29:19 UT A man who blasted out drum and bass music as early as 9 in the morning has had his sound equipment seized by Medway Council. The nuisance neighbour was reported to the council for continually playing loud music at all hours of the day and night. Officers monitored the man, who is in his 30s and from central Rainham, on six occasions over three weeks and heard loud music blaring out at 9.05am and up to 10pm. As a result, Medway Council went to court to obtain a warrant to seize anything that could cause more noise nuisance -and that included his PlayStation games. Hundreds of items were taken from the house including 96 CDs, DVDs, speakers, a PlayStation, laptop and two TVs. The equipment is now in storage and after 28 days the man can apply for its return. Medway Council will also now consider prosecuting the man under the Environmental Protection Act and magistrates could decide to destroy the equipment in the future. Cllr Peter Hicks, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, said: “Only one neighbour has to be affected by noise for us to investigate and in this case the man was clearly causing a nuisance. “Removing the equipment was the right thing to do. Every resident in Medway is entitled to live peacefully without being disturbed by neighbours from hell. “This is a clear warning to people that this sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated.” Enforcement Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5753/soundequipment.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5751 07 Apr 2014 12:58:59 UT Motorists are being urged to think more about bikers and cyclists during an eight week campaign aimed at cracking down on the number of crashes in Kent and Medway. Medway Council, Kent County Council, Kent Police and Kent and Kent & Medway Camera Partnership have joined forces to get the message out to drivers to Think Bike. Motorcyclists make up less than 1 per cent of road users yet they account for almost a quarter of all road user deaths every year in Kent and Medway. Between 2010 and 2012 there were nearly 2,000 casualties in Kent and Medway involving motorcyclists – 27 of them were fatal. 1117 casualties involved cyclists in the same period with 19 of those fatalities. Highly visible boards urging drivers to Think Bike will be at key points across Medway and Kent during the eight-week campaign. For the first time this year, the boards will also state Biker Think – at junctions in Medway where collision between cars and motorcycle have occurred, to encourage those on two wheels to also think about car users. And a radio advertising campaign will also help enforce the message. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services, Cllr Phil Filmer, said: “We ran our version of the Think Bike campaign last year and it was very successful with a lot of feedback from the public saying the roadside boards did make them think and look more vigilantly for 2 wheeled road users. “For the second year running we have extended the campaign to include cyclists as there is a worrying trend in the number of collisions involving people on bikes and we are keen to get the message out that drivers should be aware of everyone on two wheels. Steve Horton, Road Safety Team Leader for Kent County Council said: “Quite often, it’s a case of drivers looking but just not seeing. “So this campaign aims to remind motorists to think about the smaller more vulnerable road users and take extra time to look out for them, especially when pulling out at junctions. At the same time, we want to encourage cycle and motorcycle users to make themselves more visible by wearing suitable clothing and thinking about their positioning while riding.” The campaign starts today, 7 April. Further advice is available at www.medway.gov.uk/thinkbike and www.kentroadsafety.info The boards will be placed at safety camera sites across Kent and Medway; cameras are located where people have been killed or seriously injured, with some of those collisions involving bikers. Highways Traffic and Parking Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5751/Camera signs (alt) proof 2.pdf http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5745 03 Apr 2014 11:44:15 UT Medway Council’s award winning Hillyfields Community Park is set to benefit from a slice of Heritage Lottery Funding. The Kent Orchards for Everyone Project has received £220,000 of funding which it will use across 15 community orchards – including the one at Hillyfields in Gillingham. A four-year project will encourage people to get out and about in the orchard and see the diverse beauty it can offer in all seasons including the growing of pears and damsons. It will be run by Medway Council, The Friends of Hillyfields and any other local people who would like to be involved in the community orchard. The project will include: · Research and history of Hillyfields orchard · Identification of the old fruit trees and varieties and drawing up a “fruit map” of the area · Training local people to be orchard wardens, including pruning, grafting of trees, clearing areas of weeds · Restoration of the old orchard with community wardens and community groups and school groups · Education days with local schools · Surveying flora and fauna · Celebrating the heritage of Hillyfields Orchard Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “Hillyfields Community Orchard is a real little community treasure and we’re delighted Heritage Lottery Funding will help create a programme over the next four years which will get local people and children even more interested in it.” Hillyfields Community Park is one of Medway Council’s Green Flag Parks – the national standard for excellent parks. For further information on the grant contact Pippa Palmar on pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk or call 01303 815170 Greenspaces Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5742 01 Apr 2014 12:11:01 UT Former Gillingham FC manager Andy Hessenthaler helped launch a new nature trail at Borstal Recreation Ground. He was joined by former Gills player Nicky Southall and the pair walked the new mile-long trail with pupils from the Pilgrim School in Rochester. The work has been carried out by Medway Council funded by a developer contribution and a grant of £30,343 awarded by The Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund, secured by Borstal Open Space Society. Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Educational Improvement, said: “It’s a great investment and we hope children and adults for generations to come will enjoy this lovely walk.” Andy Hessenthaler said: “This is wonderful for the kids and it’s really important the community has a walk like this.” Nicky Southall added: “It’s vital that children get out and about and see the wildlife and they’ll love this nature trail. This has been a great team effort.” The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, said: “It is an excellent example of how the Trust and the Landfill Communities Fund can help improve greenspaces for all to enjoy.” Greenspaces Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5737 31 Mar 2014 11:32:00 UT A school has two good reasons to celebrate – it has come out of special measures and is now rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. St Mary’s Island Church of England Primary in Chatham has seen an incredible turn around in fortunes thanks to hard-working pupils and staff, inspectors found. Teaching was described as consistently good and in some cases outstanding. And inspectors said headteacher Christine Easton was ‘inspirational’ and had enabled a rapid improvement at the school since its last inspection. Staff morale at the school was described by Ofsted as high and there was a real ambition for it to become an outstanding school. Teaching was said to “excite and engage pupils fully” and there is an atmosphere that promotes good learning and respect. Achievement in reading and maths has risen sharply with pupils saying they now enjoy reading for pleasure. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Cllr Mike O’Brien, said: “It just couldn’t get any better for St Mary’s Island Primary. The pupils, teachers and governors have worked extremely hard with Medway Council to turn things around and prove that teaching there is outstanding.” Headteacher Christine Easton said: “Everyone is delighted at this wonderful Ofsted inspection. “It is a truly magnificent achievement and a credit to everyone that we have changed for the better in less than two years. It’s onwards and upwards for us and the good work is set to continue as we continue to be a school to be proud of.” Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Educational Improvement, said: “This is a real success story and I can’t praise everyone at the school enough. A remarkable achievement from a remarkable school.” Kevin Goad, Chairman of Governors, added: “This has been a fantastic team effort and I would like to thank all the parents who have also played their part in making this happen.” Learning and Achievement Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5737/smi3.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5733 28 Mar 2014 09:02:16 UT Pupils at a primary school are way above average, Ofsted says A primary school has been rated as 'good' by Ofsted with pupils reaching standards much higher than average. St William of Perth Catholic Primary School in Rochester has made significant improvements in all areas, inspectors found. They said almost all pupils currently in Year 6 are now working at and beyond the levels expected at Key Stage 2, especially in reading and mathematics. Ofsted said teachers' subject knowledge is a strength and there was a high standard of work by pupils, who were said to enjoy coming to school because of the good relationships with staff. Portfolio Holder for Children's Services at Medway Council, Cllr Mike O'Brien, said: "I am absolutely delighted St William of Perth has been given the second highest accolade possible from Ofsted and that, with support from Medway Council, it has improved on the last inspection. "It is all down to the hard work and commitment of the teachers, governors and also the pupils, who are always eager to learn in the excellent environment St William of Perth provides." Headteacher Anne Keywood said: "We are all thrilled that Ofsted has found this to be a good school. "I am particularly delighted that inspectors found our pupils to have such positive attitudes towards work and how well-planned lessons are helping children achieve great results. “Thanks must go to all staff for their hard work and dedication, the governors who work hard and give their time freely and also our very supportive parents.” The full inspection report can be found at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk Learning and Achievement Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5733/stwilliam.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5730 26 Mar 2014 16:28:48 UT Medway Council is to offer free swimming to all 54,200 under 16s in the area. Youngsters will be able to take the plunge for free at Medway Park, Strood Sports Centre, Hundred of Hoo Sports Centre, Splashes Leisure Pool and The Strand. It is hoped the initiative, which will start on 1 April, will help encourage youngsters to take more exercise without making a dent in their – or their parents’ – pockets. Medway Council is one of the few councils in the country to already offer free swimming to all under -11s and over - 60s. That scheme has been so successful that in its first two years, Medway pools saw a 28 per cent increase in the number of swimmers and as of January 1 this year, a staggering 279,559 free swims had been enjoyed. The new scheme for all under -16s is thanks to an extra £60,000 investment by Medway Council. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “This is fantastic news for youngsters in the area and we hope it will really encourage them to take more exercise and have more fun. “Encouraging children to be active is extremely important and if we can do that without any cost involved to them then it will make all the difference.” The initiative is part of the Medway City Card, which is a reward scheme for Medway residents. The Medway City Card supports local businesses while helping residents make their money go further. Medway City Card holders benefit from special offers and discounts in shops, restaurants and attractions across Medway. To qualify for free swimming, you must apply for a free City Card. Information can be found online at www.medwaycitycard.co.uk Young People Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5729 26 Mar 2014 11:59:09 UT MEDIA INVITE: Two former Gillingham FC stars will open a refurbished playground on Monday, March 31. Ex-manager Andy Hessenthaler and player Nicky Southall will open the Borstal Recreation Ground that has had £50,000 of improvements including a new picnic area and footpath. The work has been carried out by Medway Council funded by a developer contribution and a grant from Veolia, secured by Borstal Open Space Society. Also at the event will be Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Educational Improvement and pupils from The Pilgrim School, Rochester. All media are welcome to attend. The opening ceremony is at Borstal Recreation Ground, Manor Lane, Rochester, ME1 3HP at 10.45am on March 31. Events Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5727 26 Mar 2014 11:00:03 UT The team behind a money saving housing scheme at Medway Council were highly commended at the National Government Opportunities (GO) Awards. Adult Social Care and the Category Management Team at Medway Council won praise in the GO Procurement Innovation or Initiative of the Year Award, for their work delivering contracts for a new homecare initiative. The teams worked to set up a new homecare contract with local companies to maintain a quality frontline service while making significant savings. This allows service users to maintain their independence by continuing to live in their own homes. Perry Holmes, Assistant Director for Legal and Corporate Services, said: “Although the team did not win, making the short list and being highly commended is a fantastic recognition of progress and achievement for the council’s category management approach. “The first major success of our category management activity with Homecare has meant that there is a supply of homecare providers, including four new Medway companies, giving a better service for less money. “It has made a genuine difference within the community, council and public procurement sector. Well done to all involved but special mention goes to Genette Laws, Head of Category Management and Jane Love, Head of Commissioning." Legal and Property Services Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5725 24 Mar 2014 15:57:10 UT Medway Council has carried out improvements to help make walking and driving safer in Walderslade and Gillingham. A consultation was held with Maundene Primary School and parents and, as a result, the Princes Avenue junction with Wren Way in Walderslade has now seen the pavement widened. This will make it safer for children and parents, particularly those with prams, to walk on the pavement and given them a clearer view of on-coming traffic. There is also a new, shorter crossing point to make it easier for children to cross the road, which has also been resurfaced. In Gillingham, the popular route between Railway Street and Ingram Road has received a number of upgrades. The pavement has been widened to allow more school children at St Mary’s Roman Catholic to use and to accommodate the popular walking bus scheme. A new zebra crossing has been introduced near Railway Street and the zebra crossing at Church Path has been upgraded. School crossing patrols from St Mary’s operate at both the crossings. Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “We’re always keen to hear what improvements the public want on our roads and in these two cases we are delighted to have carried out schemes which will make pedestrians – and in particular children and their parents – much safer as they walk to school.” Highways Traffic and Parking Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5723 21 Mar 2014 12:14:41 UT Medway Council has got on board with local bus operators to ensure commuters have a punctual and reliable service. The council has signed up to the Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnership, a voluntary agreement between local authorities and bus companies, designed to achieve improvements and maintain consistency of punctual bus journey times. The scheme is good news for passengers because it means they can have greater certainty about their journeys. The scheme was launched at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station with the Traffic Commissioner for the South East, Nick Denton. He said: “Bus operators are aware of the standards traffic commissioners expect for local bus services and of the targets set for punctuality and reliability. “Any additional means designed to achieve this are welcome and should give further reassurance to passengers about service reliability. I very much welcome the new Punctuality Improvement Partnership Agreement between Medway Council and the bus operators and look forward to it leading to real improvements to the service experienced by passengers.” Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “One of the Medway’s key transport objectives is to improve public transport and to respond to the regeneration of Medway by encouraging travel by public transport including the quality, reliability, punctuality, and efficiency of services. “The PIP will ensure that all operators will provide punctuality data for consistent monitoring. This will be used to identify bus routes and locations with persistent issues and possible mitigation and improvements. Maintaining and improving bus punctuality is central to providing a reliable alternative to the car. Arriva’s Commercial Manager, Matthew Arnold, said: “We fully support this Medway Council initiative and, by identifying problem areas where buses are regularly delayed, appropriate action can be taken to keep traffic flowing.” Norman Kemp owner of Nu-Venture, said: “Bus companies have built a strong relationship with Medway Council in recent years, proving the benefits of the ‘one-stop shop’ for problem-solving which unitary authorities provide. This all makes it that much easier to work in partnership to find a fix for the traffic and other problems which can prevent the bus service from being as reliable as it needs to be.’’ Andrew Bates, Operations Manager for Chalkwell, said: “Bus punctuality is an important issue for all operators and we all have a legal obligation to ensure that we provide workable and achievable timetables, and working with Medway Council as part of the PIP will ensure that this continues with the real benefit being to the travelling public." Hardip Dosanjh, Operations Manager for ASD Coaches, said; “We are pleased to be working with Medway Council and other local operators as part of the Punctuality Improvement Partnership. We are looking forward to the prospect of improved local bus service punctuality in a scheme that will work towards increasing local bus use, now and in the future.” Bus Station Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5723/busPIP.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5717 21 Mar 2014 10:15:50 UT A man who fly-tipped at a beauty spot was caught out after an eagle-eyed member of the public got his number plate. Matthew Towers, 34, of Forge Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, was seen dumping an oil drum, plastics, buckets and sheeting at Darland Banks Nature Reserve in Gillingham – a site of special scientific interest. A member of the public watched Towers, noted his licence plate and called police, who then notified Medway Council. When interviewed, Towers said he had been paid £40 to remove the waste from a business in Gillingham. But he did not hold a waste carriers licence and decided to fly-tip. Towers was fined £525 after admitting two charges under the Environmental Protection Act and Control of Pollution Act at Medway Magistrates’ Court. With costs, he will end up paying more than £1,000. Cllr Peter Hicks, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “Fly-tipping is a scourge on our society. This man had the audacity to fly-tip at a nature reserve and think he could get away with it. “The public won’t tolerate fly-tipping and the message is very clear – if you dump your rubbish where you shouldn’t you will get caught out.” Waste that is collected by unlicensed carriers carries a higher risk of being disposed of illegally. Unlike this case, little or no evidence leaves council taxpayers picking up the cost of clearing fly-tipping. During 2011/2012, Medway Council cleared nearly 1,864 tonnes of fly-tipping and almost 2,195 tonnes of litter from the streets of Medway. The total cost to clear and dispose of such waste was £3.8million. Enforcement Communications True http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5717/Darland Banks.Darland.DL.b.jpg http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5717/Darland Banks.Darland.DL.c.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5718 20 Mar 2014 13:33:35 UT Dog owners can play a part in protecting their precious pooches this Spring by taking advantage of free micro-chipping. The Medway Community Safety Partnership will be popping up around Medway throughout April and May to offer micro-chipping, which allows dogs to be found quickly if missing. The team will also be giving away personal safety gadgets and recycling products and the police will be on hand to offer a bike and property marking service. Representatives from Medway Council, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and the Public Health team will be present to answer any questions. Medway Community Safety Partnership session will run from 10am to 3pm at the following locations: Tuesday 1 April - Rainham, Longley Road car park Tuesday 8 April - Chatham High Street Tuesday 15 April - Gillingham High Street Wednesday 23 April - Strood High Street Wednesday 30 April - Twydall, green shopping parade Tuesday 6 May - Hoo High Street Thursday 22 May - Walderslade Village Friday 16 May - Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, near Argos Free dog chipping is made possible thanks to Dogs Trust, who have donated the micro-chips. It is anticipated that there will be high demand and therefore queues are likely. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact Cllr Peter Hicks said: “I would encourage people in Medway to go along to these community engagement events to get free advice, recycling bags, safety items and dog chipping. “For dog owners it is very important to have your pet chipped as this means they can be easily found if missing, and at the same time it saves the council money dealing with fewer stray animals. “I am very grateful to Dogs Trust for making it possible for us to offer this service.” For more information please call 333333. Enforcement Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5715 18 Mar 2014 17:23:36 UT The world will soon be at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere in Medway. Over the next 12 months free Wifi will be rolled out, giving anyone in Medway 30 minutes free internet surfing every day, and 24 hour access to online council services. Wifi is tecnhology that allows electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and computers to connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves. High streets and other busy areas will be the first to get connected and within one year, the whole of Medway will be online. The move is set to benefit residents and local businesses alike. Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Economic Development said: “This is great news for Medway. It will provide people with great freedom to surf the internet and open up online council services to everyone, all day every day. This is really going to help keep Medway connected. “This is an example of how Medway Council is keeping up with technology in order to provide the best services for people in the area.” The project is in the very early stages of development and it expected to be complete by this time next year. Economic Development Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5711 14 Mar 2014 12:15:28 UT Pack up your picnic and fly the Union flag for the grand finale of Rochester’s Castle Concerts. The Proms, as ever, will provide a perfectly patriotic ending to what is set to be an explosive festival of music. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will take to the stage on Saturday, 19 July, to perform a selection of classical flag-waving favourites, including the Sailor’s Hornpipe, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. The orchestra will be joined on stage by soloist soprano Jo Appleby as well as the Hertfordshire Chorus, one of the country’s finest large choirs. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “The Proms has become a signature part of the Castle Concerts line up and I can’t think of a better and more dramatic way of rounding off the concerts than with the sound of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. “It’s going to be spectacular as always, so be sure to book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.” The Proms is the second of the 2014 line up to be announced. On Wednesday it was revealed that UB40 will be headlining on Friday, 18 July. UB40 tickets have now sold out. Tickets for the Proms go on general sale at 10am on Monday, 17 March. To buy tickets visit www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk, call 01634 338338 or drop in to the Central Theatre Box Office, The Brook Theatre Box Office or Medway Visitor Information Centre. Don’t forget to visit www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk for the latest on this year’s line-up including ticket prices, booking details and other essential information. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter (#castleconcerts) Events Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5710 14 Mar 2014 12:05:23 UT The Medway Governor of the Year was announced at a ceremony on Monday. David Mead, Vice Chair of Governors at Strood Academy, claimed the winning title for his passion and commitment to the governing body. David was also praised for going above and beyond in his support for the school, regularly spending time with staff and encouraging students’ aspirations. In a closely contested award, Mike Griffin, Vice Chair of Governors at Cedar Primary School in Strood, came second place. Mike was given the accolade for his proactive and personal approach to school life, particularly during leadership changes and the recent amalgamation of Sherwin Knight infant and junior schools to form the integrated Cedar Primary. The winner’s prize is a trip on the Eurostar to Paris for an overnight stay and the runner up will also be awarded with a cheque for £100 to spend on the school library. David Meade, said: “I am delighted to receive this award following the nomination from our Principal, Kim Gunn. It has been a privilege to be part of the amazing development and progress achieved by the Academy through the dedication and hard work of the staff and students." Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Mike O’Brien, said: “I would like to thank governors across Medway for their tireless commitment and the fantastic results they achieve in our schools. “I’m very proud to have been a part of the ceremony which recognised the time, dedication and undeniable loyalty these two gentlemen put into their roles – all assets that are vital to successful governance.” The annual Medway Governor of the Year Award, sponsored by Medway Council and The Medway Governors’ Association, honours the work of school governors who go that extra mile to improve schools in the Towns. School governor’s work closely with headteachers and staff to raise the standards of a school and approve the school policies, budget and objectives. For more information on how to become a school governor email governor.services@medway.gov.uk Events Communications True http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5710/Governor of the Year.bmp