Guest 699- Registered: 3 Jun 2010
- Posts: 292
see in paper dover sea sports place overdue on rent could be boarded up at anytime
but on next page --- eastwell manor take over cafe from now --- so believe what you want !!
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Two different things, the cafe is separate from the sports centre.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
I am not surprised at the news in this week's Express. I would have expected to see a lot more activity in the harbour with all the investment that has gone into the Sea Sports Centre. With the Olympics, etc. coming up you would have thought this facility would be used constantly to encourage the young folk (and the not so young!) to take to the water. I'm surprised the local schools don't use this facility, particuarly as Sport England were one of the financial backers.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
The story is an exaggeration - the ones in trouble are the sailing club - the other clubs have paid their rent (rowing club etc.) so the centre will not be boarded up etc. though the sailing club may be barred from using the facilities
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 662- Registered: 18 Mar 2008
- Posts: 325
I am assuming we are talking about The Watersports Centre who until that building was built managed quite well from their old building further up the beach. The Sea Sports Centre was built to bring them all together and it is my understanding that once this had happened the rent became so high they have struggled to sustain it.
The Sea Sports Centre is now owned by Vista Leisure and the Cafe has been sub let. It was built with money raised from various charities and sport England and should not be the reason we lose the watersports centre.
However, the cynic in me has to ask should the current watersports centre have to close how long will it take vista leisure to reopen this enterprise under their own name?
I feel very strongly abiut this chain of events having worked at least three charity auctions at the old Churchill Hotel where local business men and women raised alot of money towards the project.
I'm sure the Watersports Centrd will be a huge part of Regatta this weekend and it would be a great support to them if people take advantage if their taster sessions to try something new.
They need our support or we will lose them x
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
It would be very sad news if the sailing club were barred from using the facilities, it is lovely to see the kids out there on the water enjoying themselves and learning the associated skills. Perhaps a sponsor might come forward.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
PAULB;
The rowing club needs to find ways to foot the bills,
i run a club on a very small budget, but always make sure any bills are paid
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I have been down to talk them over two weeks ago,and yes they are finding it very hard to stay open for the summer weeks and must find new funding very soon or yes it could close.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
It's a business decision i suppose, but a number of senior citizens would use the place more if the centre maybe offered a variety of cakes or such like.
its a great view, sipping your coffee whlst looking out to sea.
long may it continue
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 715- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 2,438
The writing was on the wall when the clubs were moved to the new facility, they doubted they could afford the massive rise in rent and it looks like that is how it is working out.
Audere est facere.
Guest 659- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 331
The story is not an exaggeration. The Water Sports people are the ones who owe the rent to the Sea Sports Centre and they came to us because they hoped someone might help with sponsorship. It was made clear what group it was
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
What Kathy is saying ,I am sorry to say is right they need funding and need it now,just maybe the D.T.C. could help ,they are the only ones at this time that have the kind of funding needed ,you might add what about the D.H.B.?I have be told they said no to a bail out.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
I think this is another case of lack of marketing/PR. Someone needs to be out promoting the facility to every school and youth club in East Kent. I suspect most people outside of Dover are probably not even aware we have such a marvellous facility. ne has to ask what Sport England are doing to promote the centre? Surely they must have a vested interest in ensuring that it is a success.
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
Kathy ref post #1 - this was the exact interpretation many put on your story
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 659- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 331
Unfortunately I just have to hope people know the difference between the water sports organisation - a charity- and the sea sports centre, a business. I realise they sound similar but naming one as a group in financial trouble and the other as the building now run by Vista I'm not sure what else I could have asked Marion (our reporter for that story) to do. Anyway, hopefully someone will sponsor them which is the aim
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
Absolutely that is what we would all hope for
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
It would be a shame to lose the Watersports Association, which brings sailing to local children who would never have the option taking up this wonderful pastime.
Whilst in Weymouth/Portland a few weeks back I noticed that so many youngsters were involved with the Sailing Association which receives backing from local businesses and the council. It would be sad lose this great asset.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
I don't know about Dover but the schools over here take the kids kayaking which is popular with residents and tourists.
The lightweight cheap plastic non-sinkable durable kayaks are so much easier to strap onto the roof rack and are making that water sport accessable and affordable.
Who remembers lugging the heavy canoes around and having to use a trailer to transport them. One hour in the sea and about 6 hours loading and unloading.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
The sailing club has always been very popular, Over the last few years friends of mine from Hythe, Folkestone and Cheriton all enrolled their children there for sailing lessons which gave them a great start to this pastime.
Lets hope they find a way to continuue for future generations.
I think that is a real shame. I used to go to the centre when getting a divorce and it was great to go down there and mingle with all the people in charge . I used to help out a bit and the guy who was in charge was fantastic.. had curly hair but for the life of me cant remember his name. Help someone?
He organised it brilliantly. maybe a bit happy go lucky but I learned to sail(a bit), went out with the rescue boats on several occasions and we even went on a wild boat trip to the Goodwin sands. There were so many people that we took all the boats it was one of the best days of my life. I have a fab photo of that day.
It was BEFORE red tape when people just enjoyed themselves.
After that I ran a sailing club at a local school for a term which again was the most brilliant fun I have ever had with teachers and students after that I organised another local school with the rowing club.
It is so beautiful down there What can we do? I wish I could go to the regatta tomorrow but still in Whitstabel hospital.