CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
Robin writes:

One of the many delights of the Spring Drinks Party was meeting one of our new members. She is the granddaughter of Charles Vyse, one of the people who sent the letter to The Times in 1947 about the threats to the architecture of Deal. It reminded me how important the three words.”Past, Present, and Future” are in the title of our Society. By understanding the history of our community, we develop that strong sense of belonging to, and responsibility for, our neighbourhood in the present. That in turn has far reaching effects on a whole range of priorities in the future. By understanding our past, we change our future.

The protection of our architectural heritage and the public amenities of the town remains a key priority for this Society. With this mailing you will receive the Society’s latest publication, “Advice for Owners of Properties in the Deal and Walmer Conservation Areas”. There will always need to be a watchdog to ensure that serious damage is not done to property in the conservation areas. This booklet also sets out the guidelines that need to be followed in restoring and renovating those properties. If you do not live in a conservation area you may wish to pass the booklet on to family or friends who do.

The present has its own challenges. If the Local Development Framework is accepted as the blueprint for the development of Deal in the next 20 years, we will face many new challenges about the character of Deal and Walmer in that time. What is essential is that we monitor that and are alert all the time to proposals that could inflict permanent damage for generations. I am delighted that the three local Councils were able to work together to secure the future of the Astor Theatre. That demonstrates the positive things that can happen when Councils and local people work together for the good of the whole community. The future of both the Quarterdeck and the Regent remain uncertain. The vision handed down to us from the past is to work for the development, conservation and improvement of those public amenities.

So what of the future? The Deal Society recently bade farewell to our President, Air Vice-Marshal Tim Lloyd, who has retired. Brian Groser pays tribute to Tim’s long years of service below. The Executive Committee has nominated Una Stanley as Acting President and will bring forward a formal nomination at next year’s AGM. Una is known to numerous members of the Society and to many others in the town. She has served the Society for many years and is eminently qualified to take on the role of President. I am sure many of you will be delighted with this decision.

I said at the beginning of this introduction that embracing our past develops a real sense of responsibility for our community of Deal and Walmer and for its future. The Deal Society must always be looking beyond itself to the responsibilities that were handed to us by the founders. We are part of a network of groups who care deeply and passionately about the future of this town. Within that, our remit set out in the Constitution also gives us a unique role. It is that remit that I will seek to maintain in my time as Chairman: the story of our history this far can nurture and inspire our future.

AIR VICE-MARSHAL TIM LLOYD CB
Brian Groser writes:
During the Society’s AGM last April, we bade farewell to Tim Lloyd who, after having served us for the past 14 years, has called it a day and stepped down as President. Prior to this, he was our Committee Chairman for at least two years, so who can say that he has not served this Society well!

In Una Stanley’s valedictory to Tim and his wife Pam, she spoke of their constant support and presence at meetings and Society events. Tim was always available for counsel and advice whenever problems arose, particularly during times of adversity, living up to the RAF motto “Per Ardua ad Astra” (Through adversity to the stars) – he certainly encouraged the Committee to strive for the best, and Una stated “I feel that, as Tim leaves his post, the Society is in good shape and moving successfully into the 21st century”.

After Una’s speech, on behalf of you all I presented Tim with a small crystal monolith engraved with the Society logo and appropriate wording. After expressing our sorrow to see him leave and appreciation for everything that he has contributed to the Society, I then presented Tim with a bottle of vintage claret (selected by John Goodban), promising that 11 more would be promptly delivered the next day. Members attending then raised their glasses in a toast of appreciation to Tim and Pam.

As Una and I expressed in our speeches, Tim served the Society in a quiet style, much in the background but always available with wise counsel and a ready wit when called upon. We offer our profound thanks to Tim for his contribution to the Society and our best wishes to him and Pam for a long and pleasant retirement.
(NB: Eleven more bottles of the vintage claret were delivered the next day).

THE CIVIC TRUST
Robin writes:
For nearly fifty years the Civic Trust played a vital national role for the network of societies like ours across Britain. Sadly it has become a victim of the international financial crisis and has gone into administration. It was especially important in monitoring successive governments and legislation about planning and development. It played a critical role in the conservation and preservation of our national heritage.

But all is not lost. The National Trust and the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England, together with people from civic societies around the country, have been working tirelessly to ensure that its work continues. A staff member has been seconded for one year to oversee the formation of the Civic Trust Initiative. Griff Rhys Jones, who was the President of the Civic Trust and a leading campaigner for the restoration of our heritage, has also agreed to take a prominent role. Hopefully the work of coordinating all the nation's civic societies and being a watchdog for national and regional planning policy will be safeguarded.

The Executive Committee, at its June meeting ,agreed to make a financial contribution to the future organisation because such a body will continue to be a vital resource to societies like our own.

SOCIETY BUSINESS
New members
Since the March 2009 News Update went to print, Christine Cheffins, Helen Conn, Mary Easter, Peter Marsh and Gillian Green, Dulcie Simpson, Robin and Michele Probert and James and Doreen Whalley have joined the Society – welcome to you all.

AGM held at the Town Hall on 7 April
A friendly and well-attended meeting got through the agenda without acrimony, but alas received the resignations of President Tim Lloyd, Committee Chairman Marianne Haslegrave, Treasurer Ann Huntley and Committee Secretary Wendy Madgwick. Tim’s replacement is reported above and the Society is fortunate to have Robin Green as Committee Chairman (in addition to his role as our Deal Planning expert), David Bridgen as Treasurer (in addition to his role as Talks Programme Secretary) and Carol Burns as Committee Secretary. You will note that a number of Committee members now have to take on two jobs in order to keep the Society functioning – as always, more help from the membership is needed.

The proposal to change the name of the Society was withdrawn, as it became clear from the comments of those present that the required two-thirds majority to approve this amendment to the Constitution would not be forthcoming.

The minutes of the 2008 AGM and the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008 were approved, and the meeting noted the Chairman’s review of the Society’s activities over the past year (printed in the March News Update).

In view of the large number of late cancellations for last year’s trips (in particular Dulwich), resulting in financial losses for the Society, the Committee has agreed that once a payment has been made for a trip it will not be refunded if the member is unable to go. After all, if you pay for a theatre ticket and then can’t attend the production, you don’t expect your money back.

Name tags
The Committee has decided to discontinue the provision of name tags for members to wear at Society events. The idea had a mixed reception and the tags themselves were impractical to wear, not to mention expensive to produce.

YELLOW CARD
Preliminary details of the 2009/10 talks and meetings programme and 2010 social programme are enclosed in the familiar Yellow Card. Thank you David Bridgen and Pat Russell.

The final prospectus for the rest of this year’s social programme, with the usual tear-off application slip, is also enclosed.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME REVIEWS
25 April: Spring Drinks Party
The evening at Glenhill, thanks as always to the Wollaston family, has fallen into a familiar pattern: plenty of room in the house, but too chilly in the garden to wander around. This year, however, the sun was out and the garden and view beyond looked stunning and, judging by smiling faces and the noise level, 90 members and friends were enjoying the ambiance. It really is the perfect place for a party. Eileen Prosser and the Strand Wine Company did us proud with excellent food and wine, and Pat Russell and Robin Green nobly took the dirty glasses to their dishwashers. Happily I heard from Prue the next day that we had left the house as we found it – ie clean and tidy!

16 May: Le Touquet
David Bridgen writes:
As the intrepid members of the Society gathered in South Street, the grey skies and heavy drizzle did not bode well for our first trip of 2009. However once on the coach and all 43 members accounted for, we soon arrived at Dover and embarked on one of Sea France’s flagship ferries. The crossing was smooth as the large vessel cut through a choppy sea and eventually the cloud began to disperse to let Calais welcome us to a sunny and blustery morning.

Fearful that the wind may be so strong as to make Le Touquet unbearable, our driver suggested that we consider staying inland at Etaples, but in true pioneering spirit the group unanimously agreed to keep to our plan and fully explore the seaside town for the afternoon. Once off the bus, with strict instructions to be sure to meet back on the promenade at 5 o’clock French time, the party split into smaller groups to go in search of the restaurant that was warmly remembered from a previous visit or recently researched on the internet. Being a small town of one main street with only 3 or 4 side streets, it was very easy to enjoy a leisurely lunch and then still see all the shops in the time available.

Clutching their bags from the chic boutiques and gift shops, the group gathered on the sea front and took in the last rays of sun and the spectacular views of the sprawling sandy beach that is such a part of Northern France and especially memorable this year being the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings. All aboard, we made our way back to Calais along the auto-route through the rolling fields of this agricultural homeland, past the Cité de l’Europe and into the port, where this “dodgy bunch of potential smugglers” were hoarded off the coach to go through passport control. Well they have to fill their day somehow, but what has happened to good old common sense?

Our return voyage was on a smaller craft of their fleet that lacked the comforts of our morning trip, but soon passed with a G & T, the preferred beverage of many. We glided across the still sea, as smooth as a millpond with the backdrop of a beautiful clear sky, that was hard to believe could have changed so dramatically in just a few hours. Safely back in Dover we were soon through customs and on our way to Walmer and Deal, in full agreement of another splendid day out, and our thanks go to the Social Committee for all their hard work to plan these events.

17 June: Faversham
Pat Russell writes:
Our two centre trip to Faversham started at Belmont House, the elegant home of clocks and so much more. The warmth emanating from this gorgeous 18th century creation reflects the personalities of the handsome Harris family through the generations, who played a leading role in the development of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The neo-classical style of Belmont is an unspoilt and distinctive example of the work of the architect Samuel Wyatt. The house is studded with false windows and doors, both inside and out, as Wyatt was obsessed with symmetry. This must have confused visitors over the years. The fifth Lord Harris collected most of the extraordinary clocks, and he set up the Harris Belmont Trust in the 19th century to preserve the future of the house and contents. The house, though lavishly furnished, is not pompous in any way. Most of the rooms have examples of wonderful clocks, and furniture from around the world. Each room has a distinctive personality - the cosy library, painted in warm shades of brown with aged leather bound books; the cool elegance of the drawing room; the red walls and mahogany furniture in the dining room create yet another atmosphere. The most impressive room, for me, is the staircase hall, which rises the full height of the building to the glass dome, sending light cascading down the curved staircase; the walls are decorated in restful blues and white and carry family portraits.

The clock museum is housed in two rooms. One room represents the “golden age” of clock making (1650-1750) and the French maker Abraham Louis Breguet (1748–1823). The second room houses English and French 19th century clocks. The collection is not equalled in any other English country house open to the public - they are truly staggering in their beauty and uniqueness.

The gardens are a mixture of formal and informal. The walled garden is ablaze with colourful herbaceous borders, climbers, a rectangular pond and rockery. The mouth-watering kitchen garden was designed in 2001, with innovative hop arbours and well-tended vegetable and fruit areas.

Our second port of call was the Shepherd Neame Brewery. The scent of hops, yeast and barley followed us throughout our tour (we were given the chance to sample all three ingredients, which provoked varied reactions). I remember passing the brewery years ago, and the site was a buzz, with people dashing about like ants, but the processes are now so automated that few people are needed. However, it was a fascinating tour, which culminated in a very welcome and pleasant tasting session. One thing I learnt was not to empty a bottle of beer completely into a glass, as there is a sediment of yeast.

A very tired but happy (I think) group trooped back onto the coach for our drive home.

TALKS PROGRAMME REVIEW
5 May: “Towards 2029: what future for Deal?”
Robin writes:

Last year there was a question in my mind: is it ever possible to make planning and development exciting and interesting? So often it reeks of bureaucracy and tedium, yet many of the matters it deals with radically affect our futures and the quality of life in Deal and Walmer. So the Question Time held on 5 May in the Town Hall was conceived. It was inspired by the BBC1 Programme. The panel consisted of Valerie Owen, a local planning consultant, Bill Gardner, Mayor of Deal, Mike Ebbs, the head of Forward Planning at DDC and Mike Eddy, who at the time was a County Councillor but on the night appeared just as himself.

The first question focussed on all the issues to do with Minters Yard in middle Deal: the use of industrial land, building in the flood plain and the games that developers play. One of the most controversial statements of the evening came from our Mayor: “Do not believe what the developer is telling you about new plans for a community church and a home for patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimers; it is all a game to see if you will agree to high levels of traffic. If you do, then he will say that it is alright to have a builder's yard and industrial units which will only produce the same amount of traffic.” Other members of the panel stressed that Deal and Walmer would certainly need a certain level of new housing and the flood plain meant that this might have to be built in locations that might not prove popular.

There was a very interesting question from a member who is partially sighted wanting to know how the planned developments by DDC in the next 20 years would help her to live independently. A lot of frustration was expressed by the whole panel about the relocation of the health centres to the west of the town. Most had been quite central and were on good bus routes. Now there are increasingly low levels of public transport and the removal of the Queen Street surgery to the fringes of Great Mongeham would exacerbate the problems. The panel stressed that the increase in the 65+ age group in the next twenty years would mean that housing had to be adapted to the needs of an increasingly ageing population, but that developers had to be persuaded to build for independent living.

Not surprisingly there was a question about the public halls and leisure facilities in the town. What would happen to the Astor, the Quarterdeck, the Regent - and who cares about resources for young people? Valerie Owen made a spirited defence of the facilities in the town, including those for young people. “Deal and Walmer are great places for me and my family to live - there is a great richness of resources here”, she declared to applause from the audience. The Mayor outlined the plans for the Astor Theatre and stressed that leases with the Deal Arts Management Group were about to be signed. Since the Question Time, Deal Arts Management has taken over the theatre and is aiming to have it open by 1 September 2009. Mike Ebbs made a telling point: “If you want to have your public spaces used creatively you will have to work hard to ensure that.” It was good to be reminded what a vital role the Deal Society has to play in the conservation and use of our historic buildings.

From the floor Deryck Murray also made it clear that Mike’s point also applied to the drains of our town. They were not fit for purpose in the twenty first century.

With plenty of questions still waiting to be asked, the panel was asked what kind of Blue Plaque they would hope for! Responses ranged from “I saved the Astor for the people of Deal” to “Architect of the Local Development Plan 2010-26 - he did his best”.

A number of members have expressed the hope that this kind of Question Time could feature in our programme every two years. There are very few other opportunities in Deal to debate those matters that will radically affect all our futures.

Download the complete Newsletter in PDF Format