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I have been involved with Fowlmead for the last 5 years and like many others can see the potential for enhancing the park. Myself and other's were approached with the idea of putting a bid in for running Fowlmead, Power to the People, Big Society stuff.
We have got nowhere, the only serious negotiations that have taken place is between DDC and Hadlow College. We are very disappointed that our formular was not given the same interest as afforded to Hadlow.
Our proposals have been dismissed in favour of Hadlow College. I was informed a short while ago that the deal is nearly done, funds from coalfield regeneration had been secured.
So forgive me if I seem apathetic to all this People Power stuff, as it seems that Fowlmead, built on our Betteshanger Colliery tip, using coalfield regeneration money, is looking like being taken over by an outside college also funded by coalfield regeneration money.
I have added some parts of our plans below.
PROPOSALS FOR THE FORMATION: (REVISED September2010)
A TRUST MANAGEMENT -CHARITY BASED SOLUTION FOR FOWLMEAD / BETTESHANGER.
There is an obvious lack of enterprise being developed at Fowlmead / Betteshanger and with the potential loss of SEEDA, Political entities are already vying to take over control of the pie. Should this happen Both FOWLMEAD and Betteshanger Park will suffer as will the Local populations spanning the Mining Towns and Villages of South East Kent. It has happened over many years whereby allocated funds have gone to centralised projects many of which have failed and wasted millions which could have benefitted ALL.
Therefore the Original provisions for Fowlmead / Betteshanger should be enhanced and grown for self sustaining status over the next 3/5 years. They should retain the LEISURE and Themed enterprise format whilst generating self sustaining attraction values. They must also develop local Business and Craft enterprise with potential for Manufacturing and Service enterprises, many of which have been lost to the region over recent years.
For me the only TRUE solution is for us the People to develop a management TRUST based on a Charity status that will and can develop the Facilities and provide for all members, be the 8 or 80 years. There should be no Discrimination or Border conflicts and all procedures should be constitutionally formatted under statute laws.
We must accept that the Trust status has benefitted the Port of Dover for some 400 years and can continue to do Provided that some basic strategies are followed which can maintain the Trust formula and enhance local benefits.
THE MISSION - FOWLMEAD / BETTESHANGER
Our Mission should be to; Develop a Management TRUST directed at Charity status so that ALL Benefits are for the Future of our Communities. Such should ensure Free Enterprise and growth of the facilities so as to provide greater Education and Values whilst producing Jobs and Benefits for ALL AGES.
This must be based on Private sector Management formulas with no political associations and directed at supporting UK benefitting charities and local events.
The goals being to produce Community Facilities for all not least to encompass Historical links via a Museum and Virtual Education Centre. It is also proposed that the Country Park name be changed to incorporate local values and links. Its present name fails to prove attractive and reduces promotional and Tourism potentials. These associated with the Cottage Industrial format will ensure growth, jobs and a sustainable future on these sites, without impeding the natural presentation or potential.
