The start of a new era

YOU’RE right. Another bulletin date-lined August 2011 has to mean there’s important news to deliver. There is – and it’s good, very good. Summarised, it’s that we have entered into a partnership with Visit Kent which will strengthen our activities to promote Destination Shepway in UK and mainland Europe markets.

We have been working with the county organisation on a number of fronts for some time.

Now we are a full operating partner – indeed, DFHRM is the first district public/commercial tourism agency in Kent to become so – and have a broader platform from which to proclaim the unique appeal of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh as a quality holiday, short break, touring, recreation and leisure, festivals and events destination.

The new agreement covers the provision of marketing and information services as well as customer service training and the development of the inter-active website. It opens up new opportunities to extend the impact and reach of our promotion activities and, thus, to raise the profile of the DFHRM brand. In short, it spells benefits for every enterprise and community which depends on the spending of visitors.

The decision to set up the new partnership is a huge vote of confidence by the public authorities which fund DFHRM – Shepway District Council, Folkestone Town Council, Sandgate Parish Council and Visit Kent – in the way we serve the interests not only of our commercial members but also of the very many other businesses and organisations with a stake in Shepway tourism. It has been good to receive positive response to that decision from DFHRM subscribers. Their loyal support is much appreciated.

Closer association with Visit Kent doesn’t mean reduction of our local focus or visibility. We continue to work with Folkestone Town Centre Management, sharing office space in the Bouverie Place Shopping Centre, assisting in the organisation and promotion of the Multi-Cultural Festival, Christmas season celebrations and other FTCM events, and participating in projects with near-Continent neighbours to encourage two-way across-Channel tourism. FTCM manager John Barber continues as a member of the DFHRM management team.

Our energetic marketing and PR programme to attract visitors for the rest of this year and into the future goes on as planned. We are adding to our network of literature pick-up points for visitors already arrived. To inform those in transit, we maintain brochure racks at Eurotunnel terminals. We also keep a number of visitor centres at near-Continent holiday resorts supplied with Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh guides.

So, it’s on with the show – and then some!

Chris Kirkham, manager, Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh

Hitting the headlines

THERE have been some up-beat media references to Folkestone and Hythe in recent days. Notably: that the towns ranked eighth in a survey of best seaside holiday and leisure destinations by the Civil Service Motoring Association; Folkestone took third place in a Cool Weekend supplement in The Times; Hythe and Sandgate came in for much praise in a Guardian feature. That’s a welcome change from the negative perceptions reported by certain media only two or three years ago.

The tired old lunch box may soon be a thing of the past, with the arrival of a new venture in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter that aims to tempt the palate with exciting tastes from across the world. Partners Philippe Vialon and Daryl Hodgkins will open “Fresh & Easy” as tenants of the Creative Foundation at 17-19 The Old High Street in mid May, offering a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, pastries and chocolate, amongst other temptations.

Philippe was born and trained in France, where his family owned and ran a restaurant, and has extensive experience as a senior chef in locations around the world, principally in Australia and across Europe, and including London’s prestigious One Aldwych. He has worked in businesses varying from small patisseries to five star hotels and restaurants, and has managed large corporate kitchens and restaurants. Daryl, who will provide management support to the business, is an experienced event, bar and restaurant manager.

Fresh & Easy will offer nutritious food using fresh ingredients. Central to the concept will be a typical lunch box, consisting of a choice of fresh fruit juice, a main course and a dessert, based on a variety of dishes from around the world. Examples include: baby octopus & marinated in chilli & coriander salad, duck & orange pate with a green salad and a slice of crusty fresh bread, roasted mixed vegetables with French bleu d’auvergne cheese baguette, spinach & ricotta cheese with herbs de provence quiche, and for dessert raspberry tart, pineapple & vanilla crumble. Customers can also choose from a range of croissants, yogurts, fruit salads, homemade chocolate and truffles, cakes for special occasions, homemade jams, pickles and sauces, fresh fruit juices, smoothies and milkshakes. Wherever possible produce and meats will be sourced locally.  Even dog owners are not forgotten: Fresh & Easy will offer a variety of homemade nutritious treats for dogs!

Fresh & Easy will also provide catering for special occasion lunches, parties and for local businesses in the area.  And to complement the lunchtime service, Fresh & Easy will be open a few evenings during the week to offer a relaxed environment where people of all backgrounds can meet to socialise and discuss issues that affect the community.

Philippe said: “We are re-locating to Folkestone from London to take advantage of the exciting opportunity that Folkestone offers, and in particular the attractive premises and terms on offer from The Creative Foundation. We believe that we bring a new dimension in food to Folkestone with our attention to hospitality and friendly service and our determination to serve a wide choice of fresh and interesting food in a creative manner.”

Daryl added: “We believe our passion and enthusiasm, combined with our very different formula, will create a very convivial atmosphere in which our customers can eat, drink and chat. We shall work with local community groups and with schools, and in time we hope to be recognised as a venue where people can meet people from all walks of life over a good cup of coffee and an even better slice of cake!”

The Creative Foundation is recruiting for a number of summer positions for the Folkestone Triennial. The roles include Visitor Centre Manager, Invigilator Team Coordinator, Invigilators and Tour Assistants. Hours, pay and closing dates for applications vary for each role – details are in each Job Description. Applications are by application form, covering letter and CV which need to be returned to the email address shown on the application form. Anyone who is interested, please find full details at www.creativefoundation.org.uk/job_opportunities.html or for an informal conversation about the roles, please call 01227 811777 or email maryann.lelean@yearoneconsulting.com.

On Saturday 16 April, A Town Unearthed will be putting on a finds day at its visitors and finds processing centre, 65 Tontine Street, Folkestone between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm. Two archaeologists, Andrew Richardson from Canterbury Archaeological Trust and Jennifer Jackson from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, are inviting anyone to bring along objects they consider ancient so that they can be identified and recorded on the spot. They would like to examine anything discovered in the area of the Roman Villa on East Cliff - fragments of pottery, coins, Roman tiles or unidentified metal objects.

Andrew Richardson said “We would be keen to see anything that has been found as the result of people digging their gardens in the Wear bay area or anyone who has found something walking along the beach below the Roman Villa. What they have found may well help us to add to the history of this important area”.

The piece of Roman tile and the fragments of the Roman Flagon, illustrated here, were found on foreshore below the Roman villa by Adrian Weston.

A Town Unearthed is a three year project of community archaeology in Folkestone, organised by Canterbury Christ Church University, the Folkestone People’s History Centre and Canterbury Archaeological Trust. It is funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust with additional contributions by Folkestone Town Council, Kent Archaeological Society and Shepway District Council.

For further information please contact: Hannah Lewis on 01303-850614 or Nick Spurrier on 01303-240236

Dear community groups, businesses & people of Folkestone,

2012 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for Britain with both the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

An opportunity like this is not to be missed and Folkestone Town Centre Management think that a grand festival over this 3 month period would be a great idea and really benefit the town and our community.

Starting on the 2nd June with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and finishing at the end of the Olympics on the 12th August. This period would also include the Multicultural Festival from the 7th to 10th June and the Green Fair on the 6th & 7th July.

Clearly this is a massive undertaking which FTCM would not be able to handle alone. What we propose to do is act as the hub and co-ordinator for all local activities which could be arranged by the various groups and businesses for this period. This would give this festival cohesion and make publicity much easier if it is all done together.

Before we can go any further, we need to see that this will be supported. We would be very keen to hear your feedback and suggestions on what you are or could be planning. If this proves positive we will arrange a meeting between all the local community groups and businesses to see how we take this further.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and would be a shame to be missed. It is vital the ball starts rolling now so we can begin publicising it nationally and informing coach tour operators etc.

Thank you for your help and support,

John Barber
Folkestone Town Centre Management

Dear all,

a new drama series of Great Expectations is in the offing and location scouts are on the lookout of a property for Mrs Haversham.

Any of you know a nice down at heel and crumbling country or manor house? Or even if inside is nice, do you know one with a really wild and overgrown garden?

Hints are most welcome!!!

Gabrielle