‘A Town Unearthed’ is a community archaeological project taking place in Folkestone, Kent, England this summer and lasting for 3 years. It is a joint project between the Folkestone Peoples History Centre, Christ Church University Canterbury and Canterbury Archaeological Trust, with contributions from numerous other organizations.

It is hoped that more will be learnt about Folkestone Roman Villa, located on the East Cliff, and its surrounding area plus the Bayle area. Excavations will be undertaken at the Villa site and test pits (1m square trenches) in a variety of locals back gardens! This is a community event, not just for ‘professionals’ and we hope that as many Folkestonians will get involved in all aspects of this event.

A geophysics survey took place during late June - although the location of the villa is known it is not known what other structures may be nearby. Ash samples were also taken from the villa site to ascertain whether there is anything toxic on it.

Following this work there will be a public meeting at the UCF (University Centre Folkestone at the bottom of Grace Hill) on 29th July at 6.30pm to show the Geophysics results and what the next step is - i.e. when the dig will begin!!!

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Kent Free Trees Scheme - Begins Mid July

This scheme offers individuals and organisations up to 25 native trees each, free of charge. All you have to do is collect them, plant them and care for them as they grow.

It is easy to apply for your free trees, and make your personal contribution to Kent’s natural environment. [READ MORE]

Why are you giving trees away for free?

Trees have a positive effect on the landscape and biodiversity of Kent’s countryside. Planting trees also helps to reduce carbon emissions.

What are the trees like?

The trees are two-to-three year old ‘whips’, typically up to 1metre tall. They may be supplied bare-rooted. Twenty-five trees will easily pack into a bin bag and fit into the boot of a car.

How do I apply for my free trees?

The 2010 Free Trees Scheme will be launched in mid-July, with a closing date for applications for trees at the end of October 2010. Look out for details in the press or on the Kent County Council website.

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Art Beat e-newsletter - July 2010

Now to 14^th July: URBAN ON THE LEAS at The Grand, Folkestone. An exhibition of paintings by Dee Taylor. www.grand-uk.com.

Now to 25^th July: Thursday – Sunday 10am-5.00pm. Exhibition of Birds at the West End House Gallery, Water Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QB. This is an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and ceramics by John Eveleigh, David Koster, Robert Greenhalf, Anne-Catherine Phillips, Sara Wicks, Lynda Hukins, Linda Warrick, Stephen Message, Victoria Edwards, Alan Woollett, Ian Kent, Jean McCree, Annie Soudain, Jonathan Chiswell-Jones etc. There is more besides at affordable prices for the collector or for presents. Tel: 01233 770261; www.wehg.co.uk.

11^th & 12^th: AFFORDABLE ART AT THE TIMBER BATTS, Bodsham. For further information: 01303 247458 or 07860 278774; www.AffordART.co.uk; www.pundole.co.uk.

12^th to 31^st: ROCHELLE HYMERS and ALISON SHERWOOD at Chimaera Gallery, Folkestone. For more info 01303 211621.

17^th to 31^st, 10am to 5pm: HYTHE ART SOCIETY’S ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION at Hythe Town Hall, High Street, Hythe – opportunity to purchase original works of art by local artists at reasonable prices. Entrance fee 30p; accompanied children free. For use of the stair lift, please phone 01303 261093.

31^st July to 8^th August, open daily 10am to 4pm: FORGE ART SOCIETY’S EXHIBITION at R.N.L.I, Dungeness. Free admission – contributions in collecting box, always gratefully appreciated by R.N.L.I.

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The Leas Lift is still being worked on but if all goes according to plan it will be back insitu over the next week or so. Before it can be open to the public again it has to be re assembled back onto the tracks and onsite training will take place for the staff and volunteers - so the opening date is looking like being the end of July.

Here are some pictures of ‘Before’ and ‘More Recently’ pictures which allows you to see some of the deterioration: the bearings on the rollers were worn out and the pillars on the lower porch were rotten behind the panelling - and then pictures taken at the end of June you can see the carriages as they are now.

BEFORE

LATEST PICTURES

The British Gurkha Welfare Society (BGWS) have already made contact with recently elected Bob Blackman MP, Robert Buckland MP and Damian Collins MP for Folkestone & Hythe to discuss the Gurkha situation and to hightlight the needs of retired Gurkhas in their respective constituencies.

Major Tikendra Dal Dewan (retired) said “I have been delighted with the reception we have received from the MPs we have met in recent weeks. Each of these MPs has shown genuine concern for the situation of the Gurkhas, an awareness of the issues and a willingness to support the efforts of the BGWS to achieve a solution.”

Further to this meeting an All-Party Parliamentary Group will be established to discuss and raise awareness of Gurkha issues, including pensions and welfare concerns. A press release issues by BGWS said “The Gurkha All-Party group is an important tool to making sure Gurkha concerns are heard,” said Major Dewan.  “We hope that this will be chaired by Mr David Anderson MP, and that the Group’s members will be confirmed at its first Annual General Meeting on 13 July.”