Delegated Decisions

The report sets out the council’s proposed strategy for its service and commercial investments in 2020/21 to be approved by the Director of Corporate Services.

RESOLVED:

1.       That the 2020/21 Investment Strategy, including the Investment Indicators, set out in the appendix to the report, be approved.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

a)    The Council must have regard to both CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities and the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government Investment Guidance when carrying out its duties under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003.

b)    The Council is required to approve an Investment Strategy for the forthcoming year.

This report sets out the detail of applications recommended for approved funding via the Folkestone and Hythe High Street Fund initiative and seeks confirmation for the grant award

DECISION:

a)         To receive and note Report C/19/77.

b)         To approve the recommended High Street Fund grant applications as summarised in the report be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The Leader is asked to agree to the recommendations of the Decision Panel on grant awards, as set out below, because agreement is needed on these applications to the Folkestone & Hythe District High Streets Fund.

This report sets out the council’s proposed strategy in relation to capital expenditure, financing and treasury management in 2020/21 to be approved by the Director of Corporate Services. The report also sets out the Prudential Indicators for capital expenditure to be approved.

DECISIONS:

1.        That the 2020/21 Capital Strategy, including the Prudential Indicators, set out in the appendix to the report be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

a)    The Council must have regard to both CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities and the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government Investment Guidance when carrying out its duties under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003.

b)    The Council is required to approve a Capital Strategy for the forthcoming year.

Kent Coast Volunteering - To support the Volunteer Taskforce Gardening project by contributing to the coordinator costs.

To provide funding of £420.69 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Statistics show that 23.5% of the population in Folkestone & Hythe is aged 65+ (2019). Statistics also show high levels of home ownership among that age group (73%) and that just under a quarter are living alone (Office of National Statistics). Folkestone & Hythe’s Healthier Housing Strategy 2018-2023 states that approximately 21% of all households (around 10,500) in the district contain at least one person with a long-term disability or illness. Many of these householders have gardens. We know from our work across a range of projects, that many householders struggle to maintain their outdoor spaces, and that being unable to do so is often one of the tipping points at which older people decide that they can no longer continue living in their homes. Poorly maintained outside space represents a potential tripping hazard and can be a source of shame. It can also mark out a home as lived in by a vulnerable person, thus making it more vulnerable to criminals. Continuing high levels of demand for our service demonstrate that it is needed and could even be scaled up. There are also few projects locally for people with learning disabilities to undertake meaningful work which develops their skills.

Folkestone Arrows Wheelchair Basketball Club - For our club to continue we need help with costs such as facility hire and costs for referees and table officials when we have our home matches. We also need help with items such as new tyres for our wheelchairs and an electronic scoreboard for when we have home matches. Also we need smaller items such as new basketball and training aids.

To provide funding of £485.13 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Before I founded Folkestone Arrows I realised that the closest wheelchair basketball club was towards London. Being local myself I wanted to create a club where disabled people could come and try basketball and meet other likeminded people. I think it is so important to have somewhere that disabled people can go so that they are not isolated, they can make new friends, share experiences and enjoy some sport. The majority of the people who come are from around the Folkestone area.

Enterprise Garden Project – materials to build raised beds for the children to grow vegetables and flowers to provide to the local community.

To provide funding of £635.22 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

1^st Lydd Scout Group – to build a disabled toilet.

To provide funding of £462 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Lydd Club Day – Dresses and accessories for the queen and princesses.

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Cheriton Shop refresh –

Improve the visual appeal of the South Kent Mind Cheriton charity shop through replacing the plastic signage with our old name and brand with a new South Kent Mind signwritten front and some vinyl window graphics

DECISION:

To provide funding of £460 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Our Cheriton shop is not just a successful trading outlet (which it is), but it also acts as a community hub for us enabling a contact point for people with mental health challenges to know they can come and receive information to help them face their challenge. The shop is looking tired and a facelift could help improve the perception of us on the high street, and of the high street itself.

This decision relates to the making of an offer to purchase property in Folkestone Town Centre.

DECISIONS:

1.        That the Council make an offer to purchase of the property identified in the record for the reasons for my decision for the sum (together with fees) set out in paragraph 3.6 of that record

2.    That should the offer be accepted the council progress the acquisition of the property.

3.    The acquisition be funded as set out in the record.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The reasons for the decision are set out in the record.  This is exempt from publication at this stage by virtue of paragraph 3 of schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972

Alternative Options (if any)

The alternative for the decision are set out in the record.  This is exempt from publication at this stage

Folkestone East Cliff Play area –

To provide funding of £600 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone East Cliff Play area –

To provide funding of £868 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Mini Bus - We aim to purchase a minibus to enable the cadets to attend

events for the good of the community as well as internal training within

the aims of the Air Training Corps.

To provide funding of £1000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

 As already referenced above, the bus will have a huge impact on the cadets at the

squadron. This will in turn lead to more new recruits coming through (word of mouth and social media) which means more proactive young people in the local community doing good and developing skills for life.

In a more direct sense this bus will allow us to attend community events with bigger numbers, such as remembrance, youth festival, step short and Armed Forces Day to mention just a few. In the last year we have also attended old people’s homes visiting ex RAF personnel on their birthday when they didn’t have any family as well as funerals of ex personnel at Hawkinge cemetery. This is something we’d like to do more often and with bigger numbers which the bus would allow.

Helping the homeless and vulnerable – Freezer.

To provide funding of £599 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Tayne Field Play Park - Equipment for the play parks.

To provide funding of £1200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In 2016 we conducted a parent and pupil questionnaire at the local primary and pre-school to ascertain the use of the play area as it currently is and whether there was a desire to have it replaced. Despite it being the only play area for children aged over 6 in the village and in a prime location next to the primary school, the vast majority of parents stated that they do not use the park because they are concerned about its safety. The equipment, having been installed in the 1960s, is still reviewed against the safety regulations of this period. When asked whether they would like and would use a new play park built in the same location, the response was an overwhelming yes, with over 95% of parents and 100% of pupils stating that they would.

Our bid to bring a new park to the village is being supported by both the Parish Council and local residence association, with the Parish agreeing to take on the on-going maintenance upon completion. Our planning application, made through the Parish Council (who own the land), was granted in November 2019.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £150 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

DECISION:

To provide funding of £150 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

DECISION:

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Pavement Pounders -

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Pavement Pounders -

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Pavement Pounders -

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Pavement Pounders -

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Pavement Pounders -

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Lydd Dementia Café – Laser Printer and a frame notice board.

To provide funding of £406.35 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

To date the dementia café in lydd supports over 36/40 people who are carers or those living with dementia. Our work operates with the support of volunteers. We have now secured volunteers to help operate the café on the coast. We are also working within the community making retailers aware of dementia and are now offering dementia friendly sessions to promote the work.

Profound Sound Festival –

DECISION:

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This report sets out the detail of applications recommended for approved funding via the Folkestone and Hythe High Street Fund initiative and seeks confirmation for the grant award

DECISION:

a)         To receive and note Report C/19/72.

b)         To approve the recommended High Street Fund grant applications as summarised in the report be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The Leader is asked to agree to the recommendations of the Decision Panel on grant awards, as set out below, because agreement is needed on these applications to the Folkestone & Hythe District High Streets Fund.

99 (Folkestone) Squadron ATC

To provide funding of £136 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

99 (Folkestone) Squadron ATC –

To provide funding of £206 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

99 (Folkestone) Squadron ATC –

To provide funding of £687 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

For young People –

To provide funding of £150 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Everywhere Means Something to Someone – the people’s guidebook to the Romney Marsh.  Printed publicity matter to spread the word about the opportunity for local people to participate in the making of EMSTS Romney Marsh Guidebook.  

To provide funding of £275 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Strange Cargo is very aware of the need for this project because of the thorough research that has been done to prepare to create this new artwork.  Strange Cargo has learned that the Romney Marsh would benefit from the guidebook being created, as it would provide the wider public with an information resource that could open up the region more fully to both local residents and visitors.  Local organisations including JAM, the Fifth Continent, service providers and councillors and council

Folkeshare –

o provide funding of £868 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Charivari Day Folkestone School for Girls workshops

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Living Warriors participant screening - The grant will pay for the premiere screening of our co-created short films that tell the stories of people who came close to ending their lives, but survived. All films feature Folkestone locals. The screening will include a Q&A.

To provide funding of £436 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Last year saw the Kent suicide rates rise for the first time in 4 years. In our town of

Folkestone, suicide and suicide attempts have also risen. When we started this project we had to turn people away. We have people wanting to do this work. The participants wanted their words to reach further than via their song and books in 2019, and we felt cinema and then website was the way to go – to have further reach.

We also researched the type of films on this topic ‘out there’. Participants felt message films often ‘othered’ the person whose story it was, or made out that life is wonderful after not taking your life. What our Warriors want people to hear – and from the horse’s mouth – is that you can overcome that moment, and it might not just go away, you have to work at it, but there are many of us ‘Living Warriors’ out in

every town, keeping going. And we need to be seen and heard.

The screening is an important moment for the team and was not in our initial budget. Hiring the main cinema in town, having a red carpet, and photographers capture the event will add to the legacy.

To update the clients IT equipment including software for their needs in relation to their rehabilitation programme.

To provide funding of £300 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

On-going funding for equipment.

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

It is a known fact that good CPR saves lives. Over the years my team and I have attended a number of cardiac arrests on and around the marsh were good CPR may made a difference. We would like to see this in school, youth groups and clubs around the marsh.

Bandstand Band Concerts – To host extensive entertaining programmes of 17 concerts during the summer, including some Saturdays.  To maintain tradition, promote history of Folkestone and Bandstand.  This will attract new visitors. 

To provide funding of £2000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Audience numbers range from 125 to 400 with more than double that number passing by and stopping for some time to hear the band play.  A strong core of the audience is made up of local residents of all ages from the Third Age to families with young children, and the friends/family/members travelling with the band.  An increasing number are also coming from the Continent taking away leaflets to plan their next weekend trip.  An increasing number of bands we have sourced have some quite young players and this encourages other young people to show an interest and take part in music making.  Local businesses benefit from increased trade providing lunch/teas and drinks, including the Leas Cliff Hall. 

Maintaining the tradition of seaside resorts having summer bands playing a wide variety of music on the historic Leas Bandstand to suit all ages.  The band conductor always gives an introduction to each piece of music being played which is educational.  We promote the history of the bandstand and Folkestone during events.

Charivari Day carnival workshops

The grant will be spent on artists time to deliver the carnival workshops in schools to create large scale costumes at Strange Cargo that will be worn in the Charivari Day carnival in Folkestone on 4th July.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This event is now 24 years old and has continued to attract participation from both schools and members of the public since 1997. It is a significant community event for Folkestone and brings together participants and spectators from many backgrounds and walks of life. The route from the Fishmarket to The Leas Bandstand is lined with thousands of spectators who come along to enjoy this free event and to enjoy watching the parade.

Lympne Playing Field improvements:

DECISION:

To provide funding of £600 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

YO Songsters! Sessions - an inclusive music & dementia group, bringing together staff, family, friends and people living with a young onset diagnosis through singing, songwriting and care sector training.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

YO Songsters! was devised as an expansion and development of my specialism in music and dementia, with a new focus on early intervention. Initially, the project was mooted during a meeting between myself and Shepway Community Mental Health Service for Older People facilitated by Yvette Kusel, Principal Clinical Psychologist. Anne-Marie Tate, Senior Occupational Therapist, explained the higher than usual instance of young onset dementia in Shepway. The whole team concluded that the young onset community lacked local provision, least of all through beneficial music groups, and encouraged me to build something to meet the local YO community needs

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There are now decades of scientific evidence proving the benefits of music to health and wellbeing. The gaps to utility lie in the lack of legislative change around care budgets, and the reluctance of non professionals to deliver musical interventions.

On this latter point, the disconnect between the enjoyment music brings, and the perception of it’s accessibility is an obstacle that can be removed with relatively little initial participation. YO Songsters! promotes the fact that music is not only open to all, but indiscriminate – the more people making music, at whatever level of experience, in whatever form or way, the better for all.

Reprint of the Romney Marsh leaflet.  Via the Romney Marsh Forum, it was supported by all town/parish councils on the Marsh that a promotional leaflet on social, cultural and leisure activities on the Marsh would be beneficial for local residents and visitors alike.  A promotional leaflet will help to promote smaller voluntary groups, activities and provide wider publicity.  Visitors to the Romney Marsh are unlikely to stay in one village and by promoting community activities will offer wider support for local community and offer greater choices for those visiting.  The leaflet will provide information to help the residents of Romney Marsh to enjoy an improved quality of life and more people will benefit from greater social, cultural and leisure opportunities.  Promoting the Romney Marsh will attract more visitors that will benefit the town and village communities’ economic growth. 

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

There are 11 parishes on the Romney Marsh and, apart from the website theromneymarsh.net there is no one combined source of information about social, cultural and leisure opportunities on the Marsh for residents, businesses and visitors.  A combined source of information in one leaflet is the opportunity to promote the area as a whole. 

Pannell Drive Youth Council Car Park improvements – To buy and install two picnic benches for families on Pannell Drive Park

To provide funding of £800 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The youth council spent weeks asking the neighbours to fill in a questionnaire and ask how they could improve the park, everyone wanted benches to help people use the park more and have picnics.  Hawkinge Town Council has approved the benches to be installed, the local KCC warden is in support and most important, the local people who live in the area

The Channel Triathlon – to create a major event by and promoting the district, for health and fitness, raising funds for Rotary and others.  Majoring 2020 on mental health, uniting businesses and individuals. 

To provide funding of £615 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In the first two years the event attracted 200 athletes, many for their first Tri.  A team event is also promoted which encourages participation.  In 2019 one team raised over £4000 for the Hospice.  Other teams similarly, in addition to the funds which Channel Rotary raised approx. £9000 in 2019.  The event draws together up to 80 volunteers as well as many local businesses to enable it.  There are so many benefits. 

Kitchen – Appliances for the kitchen refurbishment – oven and hob to be integrated into the worktop, plus extractor hood. 

To provide funding of £752.50 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The current users of the hall include Girlguiding girls aged 5 – 15, the WI, craft club, keep fit and weekly Bingo session.  This project will benefit all ages and give the potential to reach out to other community groups and offer support to the rural ward of Hythe.  There is a diminishing number of community spaces available and we feel it is important that the hall is refurbished to ensure it is a viable space for all of the community to benefit from. 

The Gore – To purchase materials to finish external works to the newly refurbished pavilion at The Gore, Elham. 

To provide funding of £743.45 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

There are smaller groups within the village that would like a meeting/social area, that do not require a venu the size of the village hall.  These smaller groups benefit a wide range of age groups with a variety of activities

Cycle Shepway website build and quarterly updates.  Website build, website hosting and quarterly updates (two years).  To include website hosting and domain renewal for that period. 

To provide funding of £240 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In line with both government and local policy Cycle Shepway campaigns to create a safer environment for cyclists through a cohesive, useful network of cycle paths; to promote cycling as a viable transport option for everyday journeys to school, to work, to the railway station and shops etc; to encourage cycling as a safe and enjoyable leisure activity for local people and for visitors to the area.  A cycle-friendly Folkestone and Hythe District would contribute to the health and well-being of residents; would encourage ‘green’ tourists to the area and assist the Council’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. 

Forest/outdoor learning development – grant will be spent on developing an outside area into a designated outdoor learning environment. The environment will help support children that need extra support with building confidence and independent.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £1937.48 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Outdoor learning is needed and proven to develop reflective and inquisitive thinking along with problem solving approaches in real situations. This type of learning encourages holistic development of children, develop resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances.  It is needed to support those children who require this type of learning, getting them outside to build their confidence and resilience.  It is supported that such learning can decrease behaviour problems, reduce symptoms of ADHD, anxiety and worries.

External handicapped lift – attaching a lift to the outside of the building and providing access to the upper floor by creating a door through the existing wall.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £2000.00 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

To ensure any wheelchair bound or disabled person has access to the upper floor of the club house, which encompasses the bar, catering and functions area. Also provides access to the viewing balcony overlooking the club playing area. The clubhouse is used for multiple functions from children’s parties, birthday and anniversary parties plus wedding receptions, club dinners, disco’s and dances. Any person associated with any of those activities who is handicapped is deprived of access if they cannot climb the internal stairs. A lift capable of carrying a person confined to a wheelchair, plus carer, would remove that restriction.

This would make the club an inclusive environment free from exclusion of a certain proportion of the community.

Folkestone and Hythe Safe Haven - Capital funding is needed to upgrade and install accessible toilets and baby changing facilities at the new Safe Haven project in Folkestone which is being delivered in the Folkestone Rainbow Centre premises in the evenings and weekends

DECISION:

To provide funding of £540 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The prevalence of serious mental health conditions in Folkestone & Hythe is higher than in the other districts in Kent. The percentage of patients recorded on GP QOF (Quality of Outcome) registers as having schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, other psychoses or on lithium therapy is 0.9%, the second highest in Kent. The average across Kent is 0.8%.

There is no other service operating out of hours, 365 days per year, to support people in mental health need in Folkestone & Hythe district, nor in any other part of Kent

Tayne Field Play Park - A complete renewal and expansion of the Tayne Field play park in Lyminge, through which safe and attractive new play parks for under 5s and for children aged 5-14 will be created, and a small amphitheatre also created as a multi-use venue for the whole local community

DECISION:

To provide funding of £1200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In 2016 we conducted a parent and pupil questionnaire at the local primary and pre-school to ascertain the use of the play area as it currently is and whether there was a desire to have it replaced.

Despite it being the only play area for children aged over 6 in the village and in a prime location next to the primary school, the vast majority of parents stated that they do not use the park because they are concerned about its safety. The equipment, having been installed in the 1960s, is still reviewed against the safety regulations of this period. When asked whether they would like and would use a new play park built in the same location, the response was an overwhelming yes, with over 95% of parents and 100% of pupils stating that they would.

Words from the Lower East Side –

The grant will pay for the creation of 4 -6 podcasts and the launch of Words from the Lower East Side podcasts.

This a new podcast about the people of Folkestone, for the people of Folkestone. At a time when the town faces a new phase of regeneration –with increasing numbers of people who are comfortable with accessing the arts and making their voices heard moving in – we are creating this flagship podcast to keep all of our voices on the airwaves!

DECISION:

To provide funding of £300 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In our project work around mental health and isolation we have found that we are constantly having to turn people away who would like to take part in one of our projects. People trust us as an organisation, and they know we have integrity in helping people tell their story and be heard. We are trusted to co-create work of quality, and we are known to be part of the town.

With the town’s highest deprivation area being cheek by jowl with the new development, the friction of the haves and the haves nots needs to be given voice – so we can hear and then see each other behind the demographics/stereotype.

We will engage people not bound by accessing a building but face to face. Our aim is that participants be positively affected through the validation and empowerment one experiences through quality arts engagement. And that listeners share, connect and are encouraged to reengage with the beautiful diversity in our town.

We have an increasing volunteer base who have joined us after involvement in our mental health work, and this project is one all of these volunteers would like to participate in either behind or in front of the mic. This project also enables us to invest in our young team, by training English Lit graduate Olivia Franklin, who has returned home to Folkestone following a degree at Kings in London.

Folkestone StoryMap – The funds will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools. 

Folkestone StoryMap is seven short story podcasts celebrating the town’s people, coastline, history and literary connections accessed via QR codes in the Coastal Park, aiming to inspire future storytellers and encourage children and the community to rediscover the joy of listening to and reading stories. 

The town’s museum is providing a free room to hold workshops for schools and for the rest of the community and is keen for writers to use its collections as inspiration for stories. 

We will open submission for stories from May to end of June with seven stories chosen blind by a panel of judges.  Submissions need to come from people living locally, or anyone with a strong connection to the town. 

To provide funding of £200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates.  It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books at aged 11.  Reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances. 

Excellent responses from schools so far.  St Mary’s literacy lead said ‘the StoryMap project sounds fantastic, we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.’ 

A teacher at the Beacon School said ‘as a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community.  I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.’ 

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has written a letter of support.

Folkestone StoryMap – The funds will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools. 

Folkestone StoryMap is seven short story podcasts celebrating the town’s people, coastline, history and literary connections accessed via QR codes in the Coastal Park, aiming to inspire future storytellers and encourage children and the community to rediscover the joy of listening to and reading stories. 

The town’s museum is providing a free room to hold workshops for schools and for the rest of the community and is keen for writers to use its collections as inspiration for stories. 

We will open submission for stories from May to end of June with seven stories chosen blind by a panel of judges.  Submissions need to come from people living locally, or anyone with a strong connection to the town. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates.  It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books at aged 11.  Reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances. 

Excellent responses from schools so far.  St Mary’s literacy lead said ‘the StoryMap project sounds fantastic, we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.’ 

A teacher at the Beacon School said ‘as a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community.  I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.’ 

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has written a letter of support.

Folkestone StoryMap – The funds will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools. 

Folkestone StoryMap is seven short story podcasts celebrating the town’s people, coastline, history and literary connections accessed via QR codes in the Coastal Park, aiming to inspire future storytellers and encourage children and the community to rediscover the joy of listening to and reading stories. 

The town’s museum is providing a free room to hold workshops for schools and for the rest of the community and is keen for writers to use its collections as inspiration for stories. 

We will open submission for stories from May to end of June with seven stories chosen blind by a panel of judges.  Submissions need to come from people living locally, or anyone with a strong connection to the town. 

To provide funding of £200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates.  It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books at aged 11.  Reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances. 

Excellent responses from schools so far.  St Mary’s literacy lead said ‘the StoryMap project sounds fantastic, we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.’ 

A teacher at the Beacon School said ‘as a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community.  I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.’ 

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has written a letter of support.

Folkestone StoryMap – The funds will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools. 

Folkestone StoryMap is seven short story podcasts celebrating the town’s people, coastline, history and literary connections accessed via QR codes in the Coastal Park, aiming to inspire future storytellers and encourage children and the community to rediscover the joy of listening to and reading stories. 

The town’s museum is providing a free room to hold workshops for schools and for the rest of the community and is keen for writers to use its collections as inspiration for stories. 

We will open submission for stories from May to end of June with seven stories chosen blind by a panel of judges.  Submissions need to come from people living locally, or anyone with a strong connection to the town. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates.  It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books at aged 11.  Reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances. 

Excellent responses from schools so far.  St Mary’s literacy lead said ‘the StoryMap project sounds fantastic, we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.’ 

A teacher at the Beacon School said ‘as a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community.  I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.’ 

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has written a letter of support. 

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Take Up Space Festival – Community Project

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Charivari Day Folkestone School for Girls carnival workshops - The grant will be spent on art supplies and materials for carnival workshops to create large scale costumes at Strange Cargo that will be worn in the Charivari Day carnival in Folkestone on 4th July.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £360 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This event is now 24 years old and has continued to attract participation from both schools and members of the public since 1997. It is a significant community event for Folkestone and brings together participants and spectators from many backgrounds and walks of life. The route from the Fishmarket to The Leas Bandstand is lined with thousands of spectators who come along to enjoy this free event and to enjoy watching the parade.

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Hand of Doom Productions CIC - The grant will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools and the community.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates. It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books aged 11.

Yet reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances.

We’ve had an excellent response from schools so far. St Mary's literacy lead Ms Longley said: “The StoryMap project sounds fantastic - we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.”

Caroline Pratt, a teacher at the Beacon School, said: “As a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community, I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.”

Replacement seating in village play area.

To provide funding of £551.28 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The play area is a fenced, soft surfaced area within the King George V Playing Field and comprises swings, a climbing frame, a slide and seating.

The play area is adjacent to the village hall and is a well-used facility in the village centre.

To replace till like for like. To purchase a chest freezer for the kitchen.

To provide funding of £245.93 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Building of Cycle Shepway website and quarterly updates.

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Building of Cycle Shepway website and quarterly updates.

Hythe Festival Company – hire of marquee

To provide funding of £900.00 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Charivari Day Folkestone School for Girls carnival workshops - The grant will be spent on art supplies and materials for carnival workshops to create large scale costumes at Strange Cargo that will be worn in the Charivari Day carnival in Folkestone on 4th July.

To provide funding of £300 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This event is now 24 years old and has continued to attract participation from both schools and members of the public since 1997. It is a significant community event for Folkestone and brings together participants and spectators from many backgrounds and walks of life. The route from the Fishmarket to The Leas Bandstand is lined with thousands of spectators who come along to enjoy this free event and to enjoy watching the parade.

Engaging Tourism South East to deliver bespoke training to local businesses, community groups and volunteers, supporting them to communicate the rich history and culture of Romney Marsh, through Welcome Host presentation skills and incorporating the medium of story.

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Romney Marsh is a beautiful area with a rich heritage, yet it faces a number of challenges; In particular, it suffers from high unemployment; high levels of poor health and obesity and an above average elderly population. The charity CARM reports that residents can experience increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The Fifth Continent scheme is striving to engage as many local people and visitors as possible.  Feedback from the project to date has been incredibly positive, and many local people are taking part in the opportunities created. For example, the scheme’s Heritage projects have so far attracted three times (and in one case four times) the amount of anticipated volunteers.

We are always looking to engage more people and to connect them to their local area and community, which can bring many benefits. We want to leave a lasting legacy of enriched local knowledge and community momentum. Tourism South East training will help local businesses and groups to develop new and innovative ways to engage people and to showcase Romney and all it has to offer to locals and tourists alike.

Seapoint Canoe Centre - Replacing canoes which have reached the end of their safe life for centre use.

To provide funding of £1054 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have been pleased to provide activities in over 1300 client sessions so far this year, 61% of whom are children and young people. Nearly 50 people have come to us for the first time in 2019 as we are continually looking for new ways to encourage people to try paddling as a way of combatting inactivity and improving fitness levels.

In order to continue to provide this service and resource for our community we need to buy new boats and buoyancy aids.

Funding for more equipment.

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Hand of Doom Productions CIC - The grant will go towards the cost of storytelling workshops in Folkestone’s 24 schools and the community.

To provide funding of £615 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone has two wards in the top ten of the most deprived areas in Kent and low literacy rates. It is also recognised that children stop engaging with books aged 11.

Yet reading and listening to stories increases concentration, confidence, vocabulary, communication skills and empathy, leading to increased life chances.

We’ve had an excellent response from schools so far. St Mary's literacy lead Ms Longley said: “The StoryMap project sounds fantastic - we currently have a big push on reading and so this would fit in perfectly with our plan for the year.”

Caroline Pratt, a teacher at the Beacon School, said: “As a teacher in an area with the most deprived sector of our community, I believe the Folkestone StoryMap will provide children with experiences that take them outside of their normality and enable them to realise that they too can achieve in life and that their voices are important and deserve to be heard.”

Upgrading and replacement of IT equipment in client interview rooms.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Upgrading and replacement of IT equipment in client interview rooms.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Upgrading and replacement of IT equipment in client interview rooms.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Upgrading and replacement of IT equipment in client interview rooms.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Upgrading and replacement of IT equipment in client interview rooms.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone & Hythe District Scout Association - Hire of Leas Cliff Hall.

To provide funding of £975 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The Scout Association provides skills for life for over 700 young people in the Folkestone and Hythe area through 10 scout groups, which include Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. The organisation is a registered charity and all the leaders give freely their time to support the daily activities of children from the age of 6 years through to 18 years and beyond. Hythe Scout Group in particular has 119 youth members supported by 29 adult volunteers and is one of the biggest in

the area.

Cycle Shepway website build and quarterly updates.

To provide funding of £190 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

In line with both government and local policy Cycle Shepway campaigns to create a safer environment for cyclists through a cohesive, useful network of cycle paths; to promote cycling as a viable transport option for everyday journeys to school, to work, to the railway station and shops etc; to encourage cycling as a safe and enjoyable leisure activity for local people and for visitors to the area. A cycle-friendly Folkestone and Hythe District would contribute to the health and well-being of residents; would encourage ‘green’ tourists to the area and assist the Council’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Garden to table cookery club for children using produce from our own locavore garden (free to user).

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Garden to table cookery club for children using produce from our own locavore garden (free to user).

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved. 

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved. 

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved. 

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved. 

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved. 

2020 Cheriton Light Festival – The grant will contribute towards artist time to deliver sculptural lantern making workshops at All Souls, Morehall, St Martins, Harcourt and Cheriton Primary Schools in Cheriton. 

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This will be the fifth Cheriton Ligh Festival and the event has grown in popularity since it first took place in 2013.  Cheriton High Street will be closed to traffic to enable people to roam freely and will use art to transform spaces to encourage people to view and be involved with the artworks.  The event will be opened with a community lantern parade and close with fireworks, as both of these activities have been requested by local people. 

The Cheriton Light Festival (CLF) shows that art can be a catalyst for bringing the community together.  This aspect of the event has proved to be of supreme importance to people over the four years.  CLF makes it possible for people to come together at a very cold and dark time of year and celebrate as a community in the same space.  The event has become a much anticipated part of the town’s cultural calendar and there has been lots of enquiries already regarding people looking forward to being involved.