Covid-19 Information for Residents

Please note that all meetings of the Westgate and Westbrook Residents Association are cancelled until further notice.

Message from Ash Ashbee:

The April 2020 issue of the WWRA magazine "The Record" has been printed and ready to go out but as we are all following the Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives they will stay in my office until we are giving the ok to make delivery.

Details that are in the magazine that could be helpful are as follows:

The new WWRA email address is  info@wwra.net and also the new mobile 07899 222993 is also up and running being answered at present by Jane.

Other useful information is that
Westgate Town Council with their volunteers are co-ordinating assistance for Westgate residents that are in self isolation.

Should anyone that you hear of is in need of help, Thanet District
Council has now set up and running this Dedicated Helpline: 01843 577330. 

Please see the TDC web site for more details:
https://www.thanet.gov.uk/info-pages/community-advice-and-support/

Are you having Trouble Getting those daily essentials?Age UK are still running their Buddy Box Meal Delivery service and for £8 per day we can deliver a tasty hot main course and a dessert straight to your door. They also offer an Afternoon Tea Box consisting of a sandwich, fruit, drink and some snacks. This is £5 and gets delivered with the hot meal to be eaten later.

For further information please phone 01843 223881.

Or email: info@ageukthanet.org.uk

Please contact me on info@wwra.net if you have any questions.

Stay Safe & Kind regards

Ash Ashbee

Residents Association Continues as New Committee Elected.

 WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING HELD AT  THE SWAN HOTEL ON MONDAY 13TH  January 2020 AT 7.15P.M.

PRESENT

Gina May (Ch), and seventy two members.

APOLOGIES

There were no apologies.

Gina May opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.

The code of conduct was then read out.

RESIGNATIONS

The following committee resignations were handed in with regret and read out as follows: Gina May, Jacquie Agnew, Laura Shawyer, Clare Hastings, Mandy Rickett, and Linda Kiddell.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO VACANCIES

The following nominees had been proposed and seconded and were duly elected:--

Chairman                                 Tom King

Secretary                                 Stephanie Sutton

Treasurer                                  Jane Ashbee-Welch

Editor                                      No Nomination

Social Organiser                      Ron Rolfe

Membership Secretary            No Nomination

Press Officer                           Ash Ashbee-Welch

The new committee members then introduced themselves to those present.

Tom King, the new chairman, expressed his wish that the W&WRA will continue and will be rebuilt, and reviewed some of what it had achieved over the sixty one years of existence.

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION

Accounts.  Richard Banning, of R&B Solutions, and other members asked how members’ money had been spent, value for money and accountability.

Tom King replied that a full set of audited accounts would be made available for the AGM in May as had always been the practice, and would be available on paper or in the magazine when re-introduced.

Website.  A request for a W&WRA website was made from the floor.

Constitution.  This will be carefully looked up and recommendations made to bring it up to date.

For £3 per year subscription what do members get?  In answer to the question Tom King said there were files of issues that the W&WRA had fought on behalf of members, there is social inclusion, and representation and there will again be a magazine, and social events.

Magazine.  Derek Smith a previous editor of the W&WRA magazine said it had been difficult to obtain sufficient copy for this and had had to write up some articles himself.  A newsletter or magazine was an excellent way of maintaining communication with members.

Venue.  Several members from the floor expressed regret at the loss of the regular meeting and coffee place at the Bake House as this had facilitated contact and communication, one member had made many friends there after moving to Westgate.

Road Stewards.  Hopefully this system will be re-introduced.

Noticeboards. The one near “Krusty Cobs” will be in use, and a second one may be sought.

Councillors at Meetings.  In answer to a question councilors will be invited and welcome to attend general meetings.

MEETINGS

Next monthly general meeting will be held at the Westbrook Bowls Club on Monday 10^th February at 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

The meeting for March will be held in Westgate, and the venues will alternate as before.

Chairman Tom King thanked all for attending.

The meeting concluded at 8.09pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION January 2019 minutes.

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 14^th  JANUARY 2019 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), twenty two members, TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee. and WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford and Matthew Scott.

The chairman initiated a few moments of silence in memory of Simon Moores, who had died in an aeroplane accident the previous week, and members of the W&WRA who had died during the last year.  Simon  Moores had been a local TDC councillor and very helpful to the W&WRA. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Pat Sawyer-Jones, and TDC Cllrs Sam Bambridge and Carol Messenger.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (10/12/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Mavis Vaughan sec. by Tony Snow, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      There were no matters arising.

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge, (Report sent in and read by the chairman):

1)      Westgate Pavilion.  This now had a new owner who told Cllr Bambridge that the building was in a poor state and would need £200,000 to restore.  Work will start as soon as possible so that it will be available to local people.

2)      Manston Airport.  The preliminary hearing of the DCO by the inspectorate has taken place at the Winter Gardens

3)      Ramsgate Port/Seaborne Freight.   The move to open up the port again had been opposed by some (KCC) councillors.

4)      Local Plan.  This has been submitted for independent inspection, and any queries should be sent in  before the hearing in April/May to Annette Feeney, (programme officer).

5)      Planning – 14 Suffolk Avenue (Fairdales).  This has been called in by head of planning.  

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:

1)      Manston Airport.  Cllr Ashbee had spoken at the DCO examination as a resident, business person, and councillor.  Most present supported the airport, some from Ramsgate were against.  After three months the information goes to the secretary of state.

2)      Ramsgate Port.  This has lost money, as it has been kept in a state of readiness, and government backing could be good news.  TDC has to wait on the government decision.  If the port  is not required it will be “moth balled”.

3)      Dog Fouling.  This seems to have escalated resulting in many e-mails.  The enforcement officer has been patrolling, particularly round Westbrook Green, but the culprit has disappeared.

4)      St Mildred's Car Park Recycling Bins.  Some have been removed as the cleansing officer felt there were adequate domestic collections in the area, and some commercial waste was being deposited there.

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:

1)      Defibrillator Placement.  The Town Clerk has been pushing to find the best location for this with maximum availability.  The likely place will be Edwards.  There is to be training for councillors this week and later on also for residents.

2)      Criminal Activity.  There has been a recent increase, and the local PCSO can be contacted through 101.  WTC is very keen to help, and the Town Clerk may be contacted.

3)      Speedwatch.  There is to be a session this Saturday, and further training for more local people will be provided.

4)      Planning Application 14 Suffolk Avenue (Fairdales).  This has been fully discussed by WTC, (and may be seen on the video of the meeting).  The application is under review. 

5)      WTC Surgeries.  These are held on the third Saturday of the month, at the library, the next one being the 19^th January.

6)      Westgate Library.  The consultation ends soon.  WTC  supports the library and needs local residents also to show support.

7)      South and South East in Bloom.  There is to be a meeting on 30^th January at 7.00pm.

8)      Westgate Day.  To be held on 18^th July.  A meeting is to be held on 7^th February.

9)      Knitted Poppies.  Cllr Robert Micallef is organising the knitting of poppies for the next remembrance day commemorations.

10)  Pancake Race.  This will take place as usual this year.

Cllr Scott said that the WTC wishes to work with the W&WRA to benefit the area.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      From the Police by E-mail.  Residents are advised to make properties and cars as secure as possible as there have been some burglaries.  A TV licence e-mail scam is being received, stating there is a direct debit problem, and asks the recipient to enter personal details.   Also a telephone scam to say the internet will be cut off by BT unless you press certain keys as the voice directs.  Both scams appear very convincing but do not engage with them.

2)      The Sunken Garden Group are meeting on 26^th January 10.00am to 1.00pm for snow drop planting, all welcome. 

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      14, Suffolk Avenue, (Fairdales).  Application for change of use from light industrial to residential including conversion of barrel vault building into 8x2 bed dwellings together with erection of 12x2bed and 3x1bed dwellings following demolition of existing office building, showroom and workshop.   This application has been called in.

2)      52, Station Road.  Application for change of use of basement to 1x1bed self contained flat.

3)      19, St Crispins Road.  Application for single storey side extension and front porch with formation of vehicular access and parking area.  GRANTED

TREASURER'S REPORT  

No Report.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor reminded the meeting that the next magazine would be going out at the end of March, when the subscriptions for the coming year would be collected.

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that one card had been sent this month to a  member who had been unwell.

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported there was no new information.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 2^nd February at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, a talk by Heritage Centre Member Jean Cook of “Memories of Westgate over the years”.

Civic Society: Thursday 7^th February at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm, a talk about the Black Death and its aftermath by Imogen Corrigan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

SOCIAL REPORT

1)      New Year Lunch.  This went well, and those making the arrangements were congratulated and thanked.  St Augustines would be informed that many of those who had  the steak found it tough and dry.

2)      Next social lunch at The Swan will be February, date TBA.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The Bake House:  It had been agreed that the W&WRA would vacate the Bake House to allow for repairs and decoration.  The return date for the W&WRA had been given as 5^th November which would have given time to reinstate the furniture and erect the poppy tribute.  Subsequently the chairman was informed that further works were necessary, and on 2^nd January received a text stating that the Bake House would be available to us from 21^st January.  Ray had then asked if committee members could move in on 18^th January to reinstate the furniture and tidy up prior to opening the doors.  A reply asked for a meeting to discuss this further, at which he was told that there would no longer be a monthly agreement, but the W&WRA would be charged on an hourly basis, (and would not have sole use of the Bake House).  On this basis the cost of the hire for each coffee morning would considerably exceed the average takings and we would lose the income from sub-letting the Bake House to other groups.  The reason given for this change was that the Bake House was under utilised and unfriendly.

Subsequently the chairman informed the committee and it was agreed to put our thoughts to the membership and ask for their ideas.  Possible ideas from the committee were:

1)      Remain in the Bake House and seek community funding.

2)      Create a rotating coffee morning schedule around Westgate and Westbrook.

3)      The W&WRA has been offered use of the Ice House for £50 per week (there would be restrictions in the summer).

4)      Create a social programme instead of coffee mornings, which could include functions trips and tours. 

Joanna Cornford replied that the Bake House could have been available for 5^th November except for final adjustments, but the work people were called away for an emergency.  She thought that the better option for the W&WRA would be by hourly rental, and the Bake House would be open to all organisations.  It would be acceptable for the W&WRA to leave their furniture and items in the Bake House, and the Bake House now has WiFi and  a reconditioned PC that residents may use for training and learning  The previous rent was £260 per month plus utilities and insurance, which would all be covered by the new hourly payments.

Following discussion it was agreed that a cost comparison and breakdown of potential out goings should be made (by the treasurer if possible) to see if it would be viable for the W&WRA.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Refuse Collections.  Chris Wyer reported that the refuse lorry was sent back to his road to collect rubbish left behind, but no equipment was available to those  giving this service.  Cllr Ash Ashbee agreed to take this up.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

2)      Tree Problem, Street Court Private.  A large tree was causing damage to buildings and a boundary wall.  Advice from the floor was to contact the Thanet Planning website, then move to the Site Protection Officer, then forms will be available to fill in for TPO Officers for the job to be done.   The clerk of Westgate Town Council could also be contacted for advice.                                        

NEXT MEETING

Monday 11^th February at The Bake House (Hopefully?).  

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.40pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes November 2018

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 12^th  NOVEMBER 2018 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), nineteen members, TDC Cllr Carol Messenger, and WTC Cllr Matthew Scott. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Vivien Osborne, Sam Secomb, and TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (08/10/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Mavis Vaughan sec. by Pat Sawyer-Jones, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Road Surface, Canterbury Road.  Cllr Carol Messenger had made enquiries and was informed that remedial works are due next year.

2)      Vans with Duplicate Number Plates.  The police are investigating this, one of the vans appears to have gone.  No further update given to Cllr Messenger. 

3)      Inconsiderate Parking in Lymington Road Area.  The enforcement team has been asked to monitor this.   

4)      Drain Problems.  The exact location of any drain problem should be given in order to clarify if the responsibility is that of KCC or Southern Water.  There is a considerable problem with the road adjacent to The Swan where a local resident has been removing leaves to prevent flooding.

5)      Question from the floor.  Parking on Verges.  This is still ongoing, some posts have been put up and some enforcement has been carried out by TDC.  The problem is particularly noticeable in Westbrook Avenue near Bridge Road.

6)      Planning Application  18 – 20A Station Road.  This has been passed, most of the trees did not have a preservation order.  One member was concerned that a tall sycamore had soil removed from the base and some root damage, which could cause  it to fall.

7)      The Knot.  Where the micropub had been proposed under the original planning application  a flat is now proposed.  There have been objections to alterations to the original plan.

8)      Cllr Messenger congratulated and thanked the WTC for the beacon event.   

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger: Report has been covered under matters arising.

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:

1)      Drains.  The Town Clerk has asked operatives to keep drains clear to prevent flooding.

2)      Litter bins.  New bins have been installed in Westgate where needed.

3)      Speedwatch.  Two sets of equipment have been obtained that show vehicle speeds.  More volunteers are required

4)      Beacon 11^th November.  This was a good event and there has been positive feed back.  

Questions arose as to the frequency of bin emptying, and the closure of toilets on the front whilst some short term rental on beach huts continued.  Cllr Messenger informed the meeting that a review across the district is to take place concerning  toilets.  Cllr Scott had no further news about the equipment stolen from the blue shed. The defibrillators are awaiting fixings at Edwards shop and the Lymington Road Community Centre.

KCC WARDEN Laura Bungard: (October report sent in and read out by the chairman).

1)      Roads.  Quite a few potholes filled by KCC , and blocked drains reported, sometimes the contractor has difficulty accessing the drains due to car parking.

2)      Vehicles without MOT.  These are reported to police for action.

3)      Heating for Retired/Elderly.  A scheme “Kent and Medway Warm Homes”, a partnership between KCC and district councils may give grants and help to those eligible.  Contact for this is Tel 0800 1701174 or htts://kentccself.achieveservice.com/service/warmhomesreferrals.

4)      One House in Westgate is still dealing drugs and has been reported to council, police, and DVLA, any residents with concerns or caused nuisance should report this to the police and Gordon Hunt at TDC.

5)      Residents who may be elderly/vulnerable are visited in co-ordination with Trading Standards who can help victims of scams.

6)      Laura may be contacted by phone 07969 583922 or by email laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk .

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 

1)      Bake House.  The original opening date has had to be postponed due to  further work, but it is hoped to open again soon.  Don Eacott had noticed some of the bricks and lime mortar were in poor condition.  Ray confirmed that there would be new air bricks.

2)      Remembrance Display. The W&WRA display is excellent and has kindly been given space in the Westgate USC, and will  be there until 15^th November.  Cllr  Bob Micallef has asked to keep the poppies for display next year.

3)      Festive New Year Lunch.  This will be on 13^th January 2019 at St Augustines.  There will be tables of ten and booking/menu forms will be available which should be returned by 7^th December.

4)      Summer Beach Party.  On 9^th June 2019, at West Bay with snacks and hot dogs etc available from the cafe.

5)      Flooding.  This has been mainly due to leaves and litter in various venues.  Due to parking the operatives have not been able to reach all the drains.

6)      Christmas Lights Switch-on in Westgate.  This is on Friday 2^nd December.  The W&WRA usually wrap the presents and has been offered use of the WTC room should the Bake House not be open.  Some water has got into a few of the lights and an electrician is looking at the problem. The grotto will be at Evans Fencing.

CORRESPONDENCE

The police had advised all to take care to reduce vehicle crime, by removing all valuables, and suction marks made by sat nav systems, and checking that vehicles are securely locked.  Prowlers in thee night have been trying car doors, and have been seen on CCTV doing this and stealing door step milk.   

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      11, Audley Avenue.  Part retrospective application for single storey pitched roof rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory.

2)      29, Royal Esplanade.  Application for change of use of existing dwelling to 3 x 2-bed and 2 x 1-bed self contained flats.

3)      19, St Crispins Road.  Application for single storey side extension and front porch with formation of vehicle access and parking area.

4)      11, Royal Esplanade.  Application for erection of 2 storey 2 bed attached dwelling with dormers to front and rear.

5)      73, St Mildred's Road.  Application for balcony and replacement of window to French doors at first floor.

6)      25, Fitzmary Avenue.  Application for single storey side and rear extensions.

7)      Westgate-on-Sea United Services Club. Application for installation of solar panels.

8)      Land N/W of former Seabathing Hospital.  Application for 9 x 2-bed two storey dwellings with parking, access, and landscaping.

9)      Lockwoods Yard.  Application for part 2/3/4 storey 1200sqm extension light industrial use to E and N perimeters with parking and demolition of paint store.  GRANTED

10)  Land Adjacent to Old School Hall, Dent de Lion Road.  Outline application for two semi-detached dwellings with parking and access.  REFUSED

11)  197, Westbrook Avenue.  Application for single storey side and rear extension to provide annex.  GRANTED

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Bank balance stands at £7,157.  Refunds due to the AA £71.50 and EKIDS £18 for sessions cancelled  due to the Bake House closure.  There are no monies coming in for refreshments at present.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor reported that the magazines were out and had been mostly delivered.  Improvement in the legibility of some parts would be sought for the next issue.

The editor was congratulated by the meeting for a good magazine.

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported the only card required this month was for a member who had  broken a knee cap.

MEMBERSHIP

Christina thanked road stewards for prompt delivery of the magazine to members.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 1^st December at 10.00am at THE SWAN, “Memories of Fairdales” - by members of the Heritage Centre with slides of events by Colin Osborne.

Civic Society: 13^th December at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm , Christmas  Social and 50^th Anniversary celebration with  1960s films , music, and photo quiz, raffle and refreshments.  All welcome, there will be a small charge for non-members.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle had sent in a print of the poppy display as well as notification of the next meeting.

SOCIAL REPORT

1)      New Year Lunch.  Christina confirmed the date is  Sunday 13^th January 2019, and there would be four options for each course, tickets are £24.

2)      Next social lunch at The Swan is Sunday 18^th November, contact Viv Osborne for reservations.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      New Litter Bins.  Chris Wyer was concerned that any of these near food outlets could be subject to dumping.                                                                                                                       

2)      Barnes Car Park.  The over night parking has continued.                                            

3)      Draft Local Plan Consultation.  The objections have been sent through and also the CPRE have sent many objections.   

4)      Chairman Ray Taylor announced that he would not be seeking re-election as chairman or editor at the AGM in May.  This was noted with great regret by the meeting.

NEXT MEETING

Monday 10^th December at The Bake House.  

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Meeting October 2018

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 8^th  OCTOBER 2018 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), eighteen members, and TDC Cllr Carol Messenger. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Pam O'Toole, Sam Secomb, Sylvia and Tony Sykes, Mavis Vaughan, TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge, WTC Cllr Matthew Scott, and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (10/09/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Tony Snow sec. by Cllr Carol Messenger, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Letter Boxes.  Chris Wyer informed the meeting that in Herne Bay a few of their letter boxes had been repainted, the refurbishment appears to be proceeding in a haphazard way.

2)      Planning Applications.  129, Sea Road,  application for demolition had been refused, and Cllr Carol Messenger confirmed there was no precedent for such demolitions.   

3)      Westgate-on-Sea town Council.  A vote for the co-option of a new councillor had taken place from three candidates and Robert Micallef had been elected.

4)      Trees at Meade's.  No further information available.    

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger:

1)      Bin Collections.  There had been a good improvement in this service.

2)      Lymington Road Traffic.  Complaints had been made concerning the speed  of cars, and the pedestrian crossing was not very well marked or lit.

3)      Fund Raising for British Legion/Poppy Appeal.  To mark one hundred years since WW1 and in memory of more than seventy men from Westgate who lost their lives, an event will take place at The Swan on 17^th November which will include entertainment and a buffet.  Also the following week there will be  a quiz at the Community Centre to mark the one hundred years, the proceeds of this will go to the Community Centre.

4)      Grass Verges and Parking. In answer to a question  Cllr Carol Messenger said that KCC were responsible for the verges, but TDC councillors could investigate this and she would liaise with KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

5)      State of the Roads.  It was noted from the floor that some of the drains on the dual carriageway were blocked, and the surface of Canterbury Road by the BP garage was in poor condition.

6)      Possible Micropub at “The Nott”.  No further information available.  

KCC WARDEN Laura Bungard: (Sent in and read out by the chairman).

1)      Horse Lorry Parked Opposite Christ Church.  This is  partly on the pavement with one flat tyre and apparently abandoned has no MOT, and should be removed soon.

2)      Untaxed Cars.  Quite a few seen in Adrian Square, Victoria Avenue, and Cambourne Avenue, and other roads reported to DVLA.

3)      Pot Holes.  A number of small but deep ones seen in Garlinge Westbrook and Westgate.  All reported and awaiting repair.

4)      Two vehicles seen with the same registration number in the Linksfield  Road area reported to police.

5)      One House in Westgate is dealing drugs between 2.00am and 5.00am.  All registration numbers reported to Kent Police.

6)      KCC contacted again about pedestrian crossing in Westgate Bay Avenue where there is danger due to speed of cars.

7)      Blocked Drains.  There is a problem clearing these as cars are parked over them.  Laura has reported blocked drains again.

8)      Free Yoga and cooking for weight loss/diabetes is offered by Thanet Ageless at the Community Centre and Library.  Call 01843 296687 or email wellbeing@yourleisure.uk.com for information.

9)      Laura may be contacted by phone 07969 583922 or by email laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk .

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 

1)      Bake House.  This will be closed for October for redecoration, and is to reopen on 5^th November.  It is also hoped to improve the acoustics by reducing the echos with wall hangings and fibre notice boards.

2)      Remembrance Day.  The W&WRA will be laying a wreath at the Westgate Memorial, Sea Road, and there will  be an appropriate display in the Bake House for two weeks.

3)      Dedication of Memorial in Lymington Road Recreation Ground.  This is to take place on Friday 2^nd November at 2.00pm.  The memorial is by the entrance, and Dr Dawn Crouch is making all necessary arrangements.

4)      Stroke Centre Policy Demonstration.  This went well until it became political.

5)      QEQM Hospital A&E.  There is talk of downgrading this in spite of all the new proposed houses.

6)      Local Plan and Proposed Houses.  The letter writing took placed as arranged in the Bake House and the thirty letters were delivered.  Others wrote and posted their letters from home.  Cllr Carol messenger had leafletted many houses and surprisingly found numerous households oblivious to the proposals.

7)      MacMillan Coffee Morning.  This had raised £226 and was made up to £230.

A question from the floor about the lighting of beacons as part of Remembrance Day at 7.00pm, asked if it was known  if  a beacon is to be installed in the Rounder in St Mildred's Bay.  It was thought this was the case, and there may be a choir and piper near Millie's Bar.

CORRESPONDENCE  Nil.  

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      44, Westfield Road.  Application for erection of dormer window to front and rear to facilitate loft conversion.

2)      115A, Canterbury Road, (Opposite Dot's Cafe).  Application for erection of attached two storey building to accommodate 2-bed self contained maisonette, and ground floor office use following demolition of existing building.

3)      Unit 1, 18-20A, Station Road.  Proposed variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission, change of use from storage and distribution to community use to allow alterations to fenestration.  This is the former Meade's building and some members felt that an objection should be made as there are residents nearby, but this is not for community use of local people.

4)      16, Pembroke Avenue.  Application for erection of single storey front extension with change of use of garage to living accommodation.

5)      28, Argyle Avenue.  Application for erection of 2M high boundary fence to George V Avenue.

6)      Tamerisk, 105, Sea Road.  Application for erection of first floor balcony and terrace with UPVC french doors.

7)      Ursuline College, 225, Canterbury Road.  Application for listed building consent for refurbishment of “block C” including new door for fire exit and demolition of two storey building and single storey buildings by Canterbury Road to provide additional parking.

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Bank balance stands at £7,171.  Advertising revenues are now paid, there is a bill to pay for the last magazine printing of £319.  

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor reported that the next magazine should be out before Remembrance Day, and invited any more articles from members that could be included.

SUNSHINE REPORT

No report.

MEMBERSHIP

No new information.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 3^rd November at 10.30am at CHRIST CHURCH, “Commemorating the Centenary of the Great War” - A short talk by Dr Dawn Crouch on Westgate-on-Sea in November 1918, followed by a tribute to the men who lost their lives in the Great War.

Civic Society: 1^st November at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm there will be a talk by  John Drewy, Patron of The Nursing Memorial Appeal, “Time to Thank Them”.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle confirmed the monthly meeting report, and details of the lunch at The Swan had been sent in to the local press.

SOCIAL REPORT

1)      New Year Lunch.  Christina informed the meeting that the requested date of Sunday 13^th January 2019 still awaited confirmation from St Augustines.

2)      Next social lunch at The Swan is Sunday 21^st October.  

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Fence by Green at St Mildred's Bay.  A member pointed out that this was falling down near the blue hut.  It was thought to be the responsibility of TDC. Ray agreed to look into this.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

2)      Pedestrian Crossing Survey in Westbrook Avenue.  The average speed had shown  as 36mph in the report which means some vehicles are travelling considerably faster, and member Bob Loxley asked if  the speedwatch team could include this in their rota of venues.                                             

3)      Defibrillators.  These had not as yet been placed around the town, it was believed that one was in the WTC offices.  Shops that are open for extended hours could make good venues.   

4)      Remembrance.  A suggestion of silhouettes for beaches or cliffs of outlines of soldiers was made.

5)      Sunken Gardens.  The planting in this previously neglected venue by volunteers was proceeding well.

NEXT MEETING

Monday 12^th November at The Bake House.  

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.28pm.