Friday 14 December 2012
Thursday 6 December 2012
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Sunday 2 December 2012
Friday 30 November 2012
Sunday 25 November 2012
Thursday 22 November 2012
Saturday 17 November 2012
Monday 12 November 2012
Sunday 11 November 2012
Friday 2 November 2012
Thursday 1 November 2012
Sunday 28 October 2012
Friday 26 October 2012
Thursday 25 October 2012
PEGWELL & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AGM
A special Thank You to all those members who helped to make our Harvest Supper and A.G.M. an enjoyable and successful event.
This is the occasion when members are presented with a report of the year and Committee members are appointed and officers’ posts confirmed.
This year has marked a time of change in many ways for the Pegwell and District Association marked by the handing on of the baton at several points from one member to another.
Readers may have heard already with regret that our founder chairman, Mrs Eileen Randall has felt it the right moment to say that she did not wish to offer herself for election again as Chairman, although willing to continue to serve on the Committee, and, you will be pleased to read, as editor and publisher of the regular Newsletter.
(Needless to say, she was re-elected as a Committee member at the A.G.M. with acclamation!)
Meanwhile welcome to Mr Richard Kinzler, who everyone is glad to see elected Chairman and grateful that he is willing to undertake the position.
You will have read Richard’s contributions about the natural history of Pegwell, but more than that, in the local papers recently, because of his appointment as Trustee of the Kent Wildlife Trust.
This fresh enthusiasm and knowledge will be a great encouragement to us in Pegwell, not least because of our position in the Bay with the internationally important reserves literally in our territory.
He has shown his conservation colours already and is determined that P.D.A. should continue to lead in that direction, the strength of its membership encouraged by the wide circulation of our newsletter and by regular social gatherings.
We are more than grateful to Rod Arnold - and Joan, of course - who has looked after our finances for 18 years, he has had to remind us, but more than that receive the subscriptions and bookings, and the money, for all our outings and big meetings, a task needing lots of patience and persistence.
With Eileen he has organised many of the events and has always been there “at the door” of entry, and to see the winners draw their tickets in the raffles.
Mr Robert Gilmour has been elected to take his place as Treasurer, with the running of events shared with Mrs Sandra Gerlack, newly appointed “Social Secretary”.
Dr Michael Houghton has accepted the position of Company Secretary, in place of Mr Frank Roberts, who, unfortunately has not been well for some time and unable to get to meetings.
We wish him and Jillian well, of course, and thank him for his committee work over the years.
Dr Houghton has considerable experience in Planning matters and is a valuable asset to the Association.
We feel sure the concerns and interests of P.D.A. will continue to be upheld and that the future of the Association will continue in capable hands.
Following the business proceedings, the evening concluded with a hearty supper followed by a Picture Quiz, ably prepared and presented by Margaret Swan.
Thanks were extended to Christ Church P.C.C. for the use of the church rooms and facilities and to Brian Belsey for arranging this for us.
Mrs Eileen Randall was presented with a bouquet in appreciation of all she has done and means to us.
From a report prepared by a Committee member.
Reflections of a Committee Member.
The Pegwell and District Association began with a meeting of worried residents in the garden of “Driftwood” in 1987 and has continued ever since, intimately drawn and held together by Eileen Randall’s passion for the good of our neighbourhood and against unsuitable development in our unique environment.
Mention ‘Pegwell’ in Eileen’s absence and you think immediately of Eileen. Speak of the neighbourhood in her presence and she will tell you about anything that isn’t going quite right and her ideas for helping put it right.
The major threat that brought us together in the first place was a plan to build a railway across the Bay, with a marshalling yard, to access an ambitiously conceived Sallyport at Ramsgate Harbour for cross-Channel traffic. The railway would have crossed the fields from a junction with the present line and broken through the cliffs in a cutting where the Pegwell Hotel looks over its gardens to the shore. Truly a ‘Big Bang’ - which did not come to anything, but woke us to the need to be ever-vigilant and wary of developers.
The cliffs and sea-shore are invaluable and the rural quality of the ‘Village Separation Zone’ between us and Cliffsend to be fought for against any threats.
History will relate how campaigning brought about compromises which resulted in the building of the tunnel under Pegwell for a road for freight lorries along the Western Undercliff.
Into less contentious times, and the Association has held together with the membership encouraged by the regular programme of social events.
Driftwood has been our base for Eileen’s major part in correspondence and the Newsletter. Derek - bless him! - has been the printer and folder of the pages and overseen distribution.
Our Committee has never met anywhere else! – and probably at about half all our coffee and tea parties’ members and guests have been welcomed by the gracious lady herself there.
No one could count the number of cakes, pies and jars of jam and marmalade she has got ready to sell.
Weeks away together as a group and coach outings for a day have been brain-children of Eileen’s with a tremendous amount of planning and organising needed to make them suit as many as possible.
Can we thank her enough?
We must not begrudge her wish to step back from the major part she has taken in all these activities – but it goes without saying that she will be sadly missed.
Her health – and Derek’s – have not been one hundred percent lately and, of course we wish them well in that respect.
What a relief for all concerned that she is willing to be a Committee member still and the Editor and Publisher of the Newsletter!
Richard Kinzler Chairman
Pegwell & District Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Kinzler from Pegwell Bay as the new Chairman following his election at the Associations A.G.M. in Ramsgate, Kent, Thursday 18th October 2012.
American-born Richard Kinzler, whose profession is in the orthopaedic industry as an Orthopaedic Specialist, said: “I moved to the area in the late 70s and have a passion for Pegwell, from Natural History to its fascinating History. I am delighted to join the Pegwell & District Association Board of Trustees as Chairman dedicated to protecting Ramsgate’s Western Undercliff & Pegwell Bay’s natural environment for everyone to enjoy.”
In his spare time, Richard’s interests have focused on wildlife conservation. He took a sabbatical as a Biodiversity Warden for Sandwich & Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve in 2009 but, since 2006, has been performing a variety of volunteering roles for the Trust such as environmental management, field research. He joined the Board of Trustees for Kent Wildlife Trust in 2012.
He is married with two children.
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Friday 19 October 2012
Thursday 18 October 2012
Appointment of New Pegwell & District Association Chairman
Appointment of New Pegwell & District Association Chairman
Pegwell & District Association is
pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Kinzler from Pegwell Bay as
the new Chairman following his election at the Associations AGM in Ramsgate,Kent, Thursday 18th October 2012.
The aim of the Pegwell & District Association is to preserve the
natural environment and to protect Ramsgate's Western Undercliff
and Pegwell Bay from further development.
To preserve and promote for the public benefit the places of
archaeological historical architectural scientific ecological or other
interest within the town harbour and foreshore of Ramsgate and the
surrounding district in a manner appropriate to its archaeological
historical architectural scientific ecological or other importance;
and to promote and foster for the public benefit a wide knowledge
and understanding of the archaeological historical architectural
scientific ecological or other significance of the Area
to promote and foster for the public benefit the community and
social aspects of the Area
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Monday 15 October 2012
KENT WILDLIFE GARDENING AWARDS 2012
This years Wildlife Garden Awards were held at St Anthony's School in Margate the winners of last year's Best School Wildlife Garden and I must say after visiting the garden today it was a well deserved Award.
Good numbers attended the Awards and at the end of the ceremony John McAllister Kent Wildlife Trust Head of Reserves gave an informative and interesting presentation on the importance of Chalk Grassland.
This year I achieved a Silver Award in the 2012 Kent Garden Awards and if interested in this worthwhile scheme please contact Kent Wildlife Trust on 01622 662012 for a application form.
Sunday 14 October 2012
Saturday 13 October 2012
Friday 12 October 2012
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Monday 8 October 2012
Sunday 7 October 2012
Friday 5 October 2012
Thursday 4 October 2012
KENT WILDLIFE TRUST VOLUNTEERING
When you join Kent Wildlife Trust as a volunteer, you will be joining forces with over 800 like-minded people, all contributing invaluable skills and experience to ensure that we can continue our work as the county’s champion for all things wildlife.
And did we mention you’re likely to have great fun?
By volunteering with us, you will gain:
We can’t do it without you. Our volunteers are an essential part of our team. Where appropriate, we offer training and development to help you to help us. And as your experience grows, so can we, which is great news for the thing which brings us all together – our wildlife.
Think volunteering might be for you? Have a look at the options on the menu above.
Also take a look at Volunteering Matters, the latest volunteer newsletter below.
Other benefits
All volunteers receive:
If you would like to get involved in any aspect of our work please contact our Volunteer Development Officer, Sue Morris, telephone: 01622 662012.
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Ham Fen nature reserve, near Sandwich, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is the last remaining ancient fen in Kent
With your help, we can increase, manage and restore this unique and historic landscape.
At the time the Trust purchased the site in 1991, only half a hectare of open fen remained and most of the remaining fenland had scrubbed over and the remaining land drained and converted to intensive pasture.
The impact of a family of beaver, introduced by the Trust as a conservation tool, has led to the waterways being kept clear, the coppicing of trees, and the control of vegetation. As a 'keystone species', these beaver manage the natural habitat for their own needs, restoring wetland habitat for a variety of other plants and animals.
The beavers' ability to harvest trees and plants, raise the water table and enrich the wetland habitat, brings benefits for other rare species, such as water vole and saw sedge, as well as a plethora of wetland birds.
The Trust now has the opportunity to increase the reserve (currently 72 acres) by a third, and to do this we are aiming to raise £58,000.
This conservation project will:
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Appointment of new
Kent Wildlife Trustee
Kent Wildlife Trust is pleased
to announce the appointment of Richard Kinzler from Pegwell Bay as Trustee
following his election at the Trust’s AGM at Darwin College, University of Kent,
Canterbury, last Saturday (22nd September).
American-born Richard Kinzler,
whose profession is in the orthopaedic industry as an Orthopaedic Specialist,
said: “My interest with all aspects of wildlife started when I lived in North
America and never really stopped when I moved to Pegwell. I am delighted to
join the Kent Wildlife Trust Board of Trustees dedicated to protecting wildlife
and wild habitats for everyone to enjoy.”
In his spare time, Richard’s
interests have focused on wildlife conservation. He took a sabbatical as a
Biodiversity Warden for Sandwich & Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve in 2009 but, since
2006, has been performing a variety of volunteering roles for the Trust such as
environmental management, field recording and conducting guided walks.
Richard (centre) being congratulated on
becoming Trustee of Kent Wildlife Trust by John Bennett, Chief Executive of
Kent Wildlife Trust, along with Fidelity Weston, Chairman, at Darwin College,
University of Kent in Canterbury on 22nd September.
Saturday 22 September 2012
KENT WILDLIFE TRUST 54TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012
Kent Wildlife Trusts 54th Annual General Meeting was held this year at Darwin College,University of Kent in Canterbury.
After the welcome address by John Bennett Chief Executive for the Kent Wildlife Trust the Marsh Christian Awards were presented to Volunteers who dedicate their lives to ensuring a future for the ecology and animals of our world.
Fidelity Weston Chairman of the Kent Wildlife Trust then moved on to the work of the Trust and the importance of Volunteering.
At this point there were two proposed Trustees Carole
Souter CBE Chief Executive Heritage Lottery Fund and
myself both voted in as Trustees of the Kent Wildlife Trust.
The afternoon was entertaining and informative with talks
given by Sue Young Head of Conservation,Policy &
Evidence & Bryony Chapman Senior Marine Officer on
current campaigns.
The final talk was given by John Leigh Pemberton President
of the Kent Wildlife Trust with a potted entertaining History of
the Sweet Chestnut.
A proud & very enjoyable day for me.
Being Congratulated by John Bennett Chief Executive of the Kent Wildlife Trust
Being Congratulated by Fidelity Weston Chairman of the Kent Wildlife Trust
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Saturday 8 September 2012
Sunday 26 August 2012
Sunday 19 August 2012
Saturday 18 August 2012
Thursday 16 August 2012
Monday 16 July 2012
Wildlife Trust Disappointed at Airport Delay
Kent Wildlife Trust has expressed its disappointment that the opportunity to rule out the ‘Thames Estuary Airport’ idea once and for all has been delayed.
A Government consultation on airport capacity, expected this summer, has been delayed until the autumn.
It is expected that some individuals will be using this consultation to push for a new airport in the Estuary.
The idea has already been ruled out many times since the 1940s, but was resurrected by London Mayor, Boris Johnson, a few years ago. Architect Norman Foster, a fan of building airports, jumped on the bandwagon with his own variation, located on the North Kent Coast.
The Thames Estuary is internationally important for wildlife. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of resident, wintering and passage migrant birds that rely on the area, it is also vital for lots of other wildlife. The Estuary contains important fish breeding areas that play a major role in supporting North Sea fish populations, and it is one of the few UK locations where seahorses have been found. Harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, harbour and grey seals feed and/or breed in the Estuary. The marshes surrounding the Estuary are also home to some of our rarest mammals like the water vole, and rare bumblebees, such as the shrill carder bee.
John Bennett, Chief Executive of Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “We are vigorously opposed to the idea of an airport in or near the Thames Estuary. As the voice for all wildlife in Kent, we will be ensuring that that voice is heard in any airport debate, and we are prepared to stand up for our natural heritage, together with the communities of North Kent and other environmental organisations.”
Sunday 15 July 2012
Saturday 14 July 2012
HAM FEN THEN THE HEAVENS OPENED !
Big thank you to all those who turned up for this Months Kent Wildlife Trust Task Day at Ham Fen.
Although torrential rain stopped play mid day we managed to complete the tasks set !
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Sunday 8 July 2012
Saturday 7 July 2012
Friday 6 July 2012
Sunday 1 July 2012
Saturday 30 June 2012
Monday 25 June 2012
World loses species with death of Lonesome George
Lonesome George has died, leaving the world one species poorer.
The only remaining Pinta Island tortoise and celebrated conservation icon passed away Sunday, the Galapagos National Park Service said in a statement.
Estimated to be more than 100 years old, the creature's cause of death remains unclear and a necropsy is planned.
Lonesome George's longtime caretaker, Fausto Llerena, found the tortoise's remains stretched out in the "direction of his watering hole" on Santa Cruz Island, the statement said.
Lonesome George was discovered on Pinta Island in 1972 at a time when tortoises of his type were already believed to be extinct. Since then, the animal had been part of the park service's tortoise program.
Repeated efforts to breed Lonesome George failed.
"Later two females from the Espanola tortoise population (the species most closely related to Pinta tortoises genetically) were with George until the end," the park service said.
In honor of Lonesome George, the park service said it was convening an international workshop in July on management strategies for restoring tortoise populations over the next decade.
The Galapagos Islands, situated about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off Ecuador's coast, is considered a haven for tortoises.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Monday 18 June 2012
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