THE TENTH HYTHE FESTIVAL - 29 JUNE to 8 JULY - DON’T MISS IT!

SOCIETY NEWS AND EVENTS

Summer Outing. There are still some places available for our Summer Evening Garden Visit to Olantigh Gardens in Wye on the evening of 27th June 2012 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm followed by a buffet meal at The Tickled Trout, also in Wye. The coach will leave The Red Lion, Hythe at 4.45pm. It may be possible to arrange other pick-up points if you mention your needs when booking. This year we are indebted to Ros Carey (Tel: 01303 238664) for organising this event and you should send your cheque (payable to Hythe Civic Society) for the inclusive cost of £21.00 per person together with your address and telephone number, to her at 18, Worthington Lodge, 2,East Street, Hythe, CT21 5NG.

CORRECTION AND REVISED TEXT (as shown) - 21 June 2012

Our Annual Autumn Lunch will be on Saturday 13th October at Hythe Bay School and Margaret King will be doing the catering as usual. The menu is:

Potted Crab with Toast

Braised Lamb Shank with Apricots*

Dark Chocolate Torte with Brandy

Cheese & Biscuits

Coffee & Mints

Vegetarian Dishes if ordered in advance

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WINE OR OTHER DRINKS, WINE GLASSES AND WATER WILL BE PROVIDED
The guest speaker will be Viscount De L’Isle
Lord Lieutenant of Kent

The price is £17.00 per head. Please make cheques payable to Hythe Civic Society and send them to D.H.Amans, 4, The Maltings, High Street, Hythe CT21 5AB. Each table will be for six diners so, on booking, please, if you have a preference, tell us with whom you would like to sit. A refund is possible if you cancel before 28th September

THE STORY OF ST LEONARD’S CHURCH

The Friends of St Leonard’s Church and Hythe Civic Society (HCS) invite you to a special event on Tuesday 19 June at 7.30pm in the Church. It will consist of:

• an introductory presentation by Mike Umbers on the history of the church in the context of Hythe’s secular growth, severe decline and subsequent resurgence;
• opportunities to view and learn about the clergy vestments, Breeches Bible, ‘Armada’ chest, etc;
• visits to the less accessible parts of the building, including the round tower, triforium organ gallery and chancel roof; the crypt (‘bonehouse’); the bell tower including ringing chamber; and the parvise (the old town hall until the late 18th century and now the parish office);
• a short demonstration of the organ.

Light refreshments and a cash bar will provide a suitably convivial conclusion to what should be a fascinating way to spend a summer’s evening. Tickets will be £1 for HCS members and £3 for non-members.

A Town Unearthed. Although our season of talks does not start until October, there is a talk about the archaeological investigations at Folkestone which links in with one of our own planned for next year. It is a lecture that HCS has arranged for the Hythe Festival in July. Details below.
 

FRIENDS OF ST. LEONARDS CHURCH - 2012 CONCERTS

The renowned Grier Trio – father Francis (piano) and daughters Savitri (violin) and Indira (cello) – return by popular request on Sunday July 22nd at 3.00pm to perform works by Prokofiev, Schubert, Cassado and Francis Grier himself.

A sequence of organ recitals then follows:

On Wednesday July 25th at 12 noon, George Chittenden, organist at Dunedin Cathedral, New Zealand performs Widor’s Symphony No 1 in C minor. Nigel Ogden makes a welcome return on Saturday July 25th at 7.30pm to perform light classics and popular music in his own inimitable style. Finally, David Poulter, Director of Music at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, plays on Saturday August 25th at 7.30pm. Programme to be announced.

You are also invited to note that the A.G.M. of the Friends of St Leonard’s Church will take place on Monday 18 June at 6.00pm in the north transept of St Leonard’s Church.

A full, varied and exciting series of concerts and lunchtime recitals is scheduled as part of the Hythe Festival during June 30th to July 8th – see details below.

Tickets available in advance from Brandon's Music Shop, 55 High Street, Hythe or at door on evening of the concert.

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HYTHE CIVIC SOCIETY'S AGM

Our 67th Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 8th May at the Town Hall and we are publishing this version of the Minutes for the benefit of members who were unable to attend. Click here for some photos from the evening.
The Chairman welcomed a full house of members.
Before the formalities commenced he presented the Capon Shield and Plaque to Mr Tim Warren, the Town and Country Housing Association’s New Initiatives Manager and Mr Stephen Neal, their consultant, in respect of the conversion of the Church of England School in St. Leonard’s Road into houses now called Molyneux Terrace.
Similar recognition was then presented to David Ramsey, a director of the freeholders company of “The Maltings” 1 - 3 High Street, a Georgian building dating from 1757 which has been sympathetically converted into apartments.
A talk on “The Hythe Neighbourhood Plan” was given by member, Mrs Rosemary Griffiths, who is coordinating this important new work being undertaken under the provisions of the recent local government legislation.

The meeting then proceeded to the AGM business:
Minutes: The Minutes of the 66th AGM, available at the meeting, were taken as read and were signed as a true record.
Matters Arising: There were no matters arising.
Committee Reports
Treasurer, Alan Joyce, reported that our balance sheet shows that our funds of £7,649.03 continue to be in a healthy state, although our expenditure exceeded our income by £497.30 this year. The significant differences on expenditure were:
1. Civic Voice: The increasing number of Civic Societies joining the Civic Voice has enabled the membership fee to remain at £500. There are advantages in continuing with the membership. It provides amongst other things updated information on relevant political and it provides a bloc insurance policy for the Society, which gives a slightly better cover than before. Also there is membership of the National Council for Voluntary Organisation, and free legal advice .The scheme for free day passes for all members, to National Trust sites has been renewed as have the reduced rates for entrance to English Heritage sites..
2. Lecture Fees This will continue to vary but one speaker this year was somewhat higher than the average
3. Society Donations The bulk was a donation of £250 to Help for Heroes Fund in memory of John Holman .
4. Administration We have managed to reduce our administration costs significantly.
The Treasurer closed by thanking Mr Peter Fassbender for examining the accounts as well as continuing to provide some very valuable advice.
There being no questions the meeting voted to accept the Accounts.

Alan Joyce then reported on his other responsibilities:
Trees: The Society organised the planting of an oak tree in the area on the south side of the canal, opposite Sainsburys, in memory of Ken Howell who contributed much to the Hythe Community. The other trees the Society planted over the past 5 years are all thriving. The hedgerow planting, alongside the Twiss Road allotments was not a success but we anticipate starting again this coming Autumn, when we hope there will be more favourable weather conditions.
Cycling: I have been actively involved in the development of the Shepway Cycle Plan for Kent Highway Services. The upgraded bridleway along the north side of the Canal between West Hythe Dam and Aldergate Bridge has proved to be a tremendous success judging by the number of walker & cyclists using it, and the National Cycle Network Route 2 has been re-routed to use it.
St. Leonard’s Churchyard: Significant work here has already been reported in earlier Newsletters.
Eaton Lands: Ade Jupp (a Society member ) and I recently met up with Hythe Town Clerk, Judith McCormick to discuss possible projects for Eaton Lands, particularly the wildflower meadow, and a site in the top end of the quarry ravine, which Ade thinks would be ideal for developing a wildlife area, and a possible community orchard located near the southern allotments. We have been asked to submit proposals to the Trustees. The area is much enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike and Ian Hill continues to monitor its condition on a regular basis on our behalf.

The Chairman then introduced Doug Amans for his report on Talks and Events:
The talks programme has again had a good response with usually over 100 members and visitors attending, come rain or shine. Some speakers were suggested by members and if any of you know of a good speaker on an interesting subject please let me know. The committee has fixed the programme for next year and my thanks to Ian Hill, John Keeffe and Tim Lawrence for arranging their speakers. This will be my last year and in 2013 Valerie Mercer will be joining the team.
We had a pleasant summer outing to Godinton House gardens on a beautiful June evening, followed by an excellent finger buffet at the Good Intent Inn, Aldington. After 30 years of organising outings I am pleased to say that Ros. Carney will arrange the visit in 2012 and you will have read her plan in the Newsletter.
114 members attended the Autumn lunch, which most members found enjoyable. The speaker was our own Judge Mike O’Sullivan. After 14 Autumn Lunches I have decided to call it a day so thanks to you all for your support over the years. If anyone would like to arrange in 2013 please form an orderly queue after this meeting!

Crispin Davies then reported on Planning Matters after his first full year on to the committee:
Over the last year there have been significant changes to the national planning system through the Localism Act 2011 which abolished Regional Strategies, thus leaving Shepway’s Local Development Framework as the overriding statutory policy document for Hythe. The LDF must take account of national planning policy and SDC is currently reviewing the Core Strategy document. Once completed this will mean that Shepway has an up to date LDF. The detailed policies and land use proposals in the Shepway Local Plan are being “rolled over on a temporary basis” and will eventually be replaced by detailed plans.
The Localism Act introduced the new concept of neighbourhood plans and Rosemary Griffiths has just explained their critical importance. At last there is a very real opportunity of Hythe having its planning voice heard. I hope that you, and the Civic Society, will support this opportunity. Your Society continues to monitor ALL planning applications in Hythe but only comments to S.D.C. about major and significant proposals of which this year there are four:
Sainsburys: although now open the Society remains watchful of traffic implications, adverse effects upon the High Street and small applications altering the original proposal i.e. “planning creep”. We are also making suggestions on the use of the s106 monies given by Sainsburys to mitigate the adverse effect of their development upon the High Street.
At Imperial Green we will keep a close eye on the work to ensure it is consistent with the planning consent. We have expressed severe disappointment to S.D.C. that the housing benefits in the s106 agreement have been watered down.
Thirdly, at Fisherman’s Beach members will be aware that, contrary to our views and many hundreds of Hythe residents, SDC gave consent in November 2010. However, the beach front of the development site is now the subject of an application to register it as a “village green” under the Commons Act of 2006. The developer has already made an alternative application excluding the village green site which has been approved.
Lastly, even with S.D.C.’s support, the recent successful appeal at 102 North Road illustrates how decisions are made that appear to be against good planning judgement and common sense. The developer’s costs have to be paid by S.D.C. which means that they may be less willing to refuse in future.
Among smaller issues HCS has asked SDC if the shop front at the High Street gambling arcade complies the planning consent. A reply is awaited.

John Keefe then gave his report on the Archives, mentioning several interesting donations including the original architects drawing for the 1875 Town Bridge generously given by Mrs. Molly Griggs.

As Sally Chesters was unable to be present, the Chairman read her report: Guided Walks: 2011 was quite a good year for guided walks with 116 individual walkers and 152 in parties. The total of 268 is good for a year which did not include the Hythe Festival. Our excellent guides are: Brian Doorne; Thelma Harding; Sue Cox; David Paton; David Woodward; Chris Melchers and Simon Hamilton – the last of whom is retiring with our thanks for all his hard work as well as to Doug Amans who always helps out over the Summer.
Hythe in Bloom: The troughs in the High Street looked fabulous last year and were well re-stocked for the Winter. The volunteer waterers again did a brilliant job and our sponsors remain so we plan a full set of floral displays again this year.
Discussions with Veolia who are in charge of weed spraying resulted in the hollyhocks in the Conservation area being saved.
Town Centre Projects: Many more projects have been initiated this year mainly thanks to grants received from KCC via our County Member, Chris Capon. However, many of them are delayed due to the gas supply works in the High Street. We have applied for funds from the Sainsburys Section 106 money to re-generate the north side of Red Lion Square as well as for a new wooden bus shelter there. We persuaded SDC to improve the grassed area to the north of Mackeson Court car park including new seats.

The Chairman then turned to the vital work of Membership Secretary, Anne Woodward, who reports that we have managed to maintain member numbers very satisfactorily, usually recording between 830 & 840 throughout the year. Some 56 members left during the year but they were almost entirely replaced by 51 new ones giving a small net reduction of 5 to 832. Anne also prepares some 5,000 newsletters and other papers for delivery mainly via the volunteer distributors to whom she, and the rest of the committee, extend their grateful thanks. A conservative estimate suggests that together they now save the Society at least £1,500.00 a year in postage!

The HCS Website has been faithfully maintained by Tony Hill who, following his move to Folkestone, has decided to resign from the committee. We have been fortunate in securing the help of Linda Macdonald, whom many of you may know from her work with the computers at the Library. She has volunteered to take over Tony’s role, initially as a consultant rather than full committee member.

Alan Crowe-White has been keeping a close eye for us on the Lydd Airport and Martello Lakes Developments. Apart from importing much soil to raise the levels at Martello Lakes there really hasn’t been a lot of activity this year. The airport public enquiry opened early last year, is still going on - its findings are expected to be published later this year.

On the Newsletter front the editor continues to appeal for more contributions and ideas for topics – it is the only way to maintain an interesting publication and also preserves many things that will interest future generations so please do let him have any items you can muster.

In his summary of 2011/12 the Chairman said that activity continued at a very high level. The outcome of the Fisherman’s Beach planning application was extremely disappointing. The year also saw the publication of the book “Hythe Celebrities” which was prepared by John Woodward and John Keefe and distributed to all members. Overall, he continued, it is fair to say that our relationship with the local authorities, both the councilors and their employees, has improved quite a lot recently, thanks in no small measure to the foundations laid by his predecessor, John Holman.

Election of Officers for the Forthcoming Year
The Hon. Secretary then took the chair for the election of the Chairman. There being no other candidates, Christopher Melchers was duly re-elected.
The Chairman then announced that Alan Joyce is willing to continue as Vice-Chairman and Treasurer and Mary Hunter is willing to continue as Secretary. They were proposed by the Chairman and seconded by the Executive Committee. As there were no other nominations members duly re-elected them.

Election of Executive Committee Members The Chairman thanked Sue Kewer, who joined the Committee last year but is presently unable to continue and Tony Hill, mentioned above. The remaining members of the committee, D. Amans; S. Chesters; C. Davies; I. Hill; T. Lawrence; J. Keeffe; M. O’Sullivan; J. Twist; A. Woodward & A. Crowe-White, have all indicated that they are willing to stand for re-election. They have been proposed by the Chairman and seconded by the Vice-Chairman. As there were no other nominations members duly re-elected them.
The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking all members and the Committee for their continuing support and encouragement and promised that, if re-elected, they will continue to do their best for Hythe.

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THE TENTH HYTHE FESTIVAL 29 JUNE to 8 JULY - DON’T MISS IT!

LOOK OUT FOR THE FESTIVAL BROCHURE IN THE SHOPS DURING JUNE
OR VISIT www.hythe-festival.com

Hythe Civic Society will be participating with:
Town Walks, Daily, except Sunday, from the Town Hall (Sat 7th July only at Hythe Library) at 10.30am
Walks finish at St. Leonard’s Church with optional extension tours of the Crypt and, except Tuesday & Wednesday, of the Church.
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A Talk by Dr Lesley Hardy at 7.30 pm in the Town Hall – on Thursday 5 July entitled
“The Romans in Folkestone: The extraordinary story of Folkestone's Roman Villa”

We are also sponsoring the popular Poetry Prom at St. Michaels Church Centre on Friday 6 July at 3.00pm.
The Prom is free and followed by afternoon tea for £3.00.

The Friends of St. Leonards have a full concert programme in St. Leonard’s Church:

30 June at 7.30pm: Folkestone Choral Society – Haydn Nelson Mass, Bach Double Violin Concerto, etc.
Tickets - £12.00

1 July at 6.30pm: Festival Evensong – Combined choirs of St. Leonard’s and Holy Trinity, Folkestone.
Retiring collection

2 July at 7.30pm: Norton Knatchbull Jazz and Ashford Guitar Ensemble
Tickets - £8.00

3 July at 12 noon: Lunchtime organ recital – Janet Hughes. Music by Handel, Bach, Dubois, Widor, etc.
Tickets - £5.00       Ploughman’s lunches available - £5.00

4 July at 12 noon: Dorothee Jansen (soprano) & Ensemble – Italian arias through three centuries.
Tickets - £5.00       Ploughman’s lunches available - £5.00

5 July at 2.00pm: JAM Family Concert – A Sporting Chance – with Onyx Brass, Children
 of Hythe C of E Primary School, Daniel Cook (organ) and Bob Chilcott (animateur)
Tickets - £5.00

6 July at 7.30pm: Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment with Daniel Cook (organ), Claire Seaton £20.00 & £12.00 (soprano), Andrew Radley (countertenor) conducted by Nicholas Cleobury.   Music by Pergolesi, Handel, Bingham and a new work “The Hythe”
Tickets - £20.00 & £12.00

8 July at 6.00pm: Utrecht Student Choir and Orchestra – Bach Mass in B minor
Tickets - £8.00

Tickets available from Brandon's Music Shop, 55 High Street, Hythe or at the church door on day of event.

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