Vic, that year there was no physical contribution toward Dover Carnival despite the nice words at the meetings. Apart from business sponsorships the only real help we got was financial from Dover Town Council. They are always very supportive to DCAL and I sincerely thank them for that support. DDC help too in a way, but I didn't and won't count DDC officer time as sponsorship (DDC thought I should) as they are just doing their job.
I attended some of the evening meetings but realised I was just wasting my time. Others attended in my place but made the same observation. Most commenting on how chaotic th whole thing was. In fact, "shambles" was the word they used.
It was also obvious that some were there just to preen their ego's.
I also chatted with DTC and DDC Councillors and a couple of other event managers who all expressed the same frustration. You probably saw it differently and enjoyed it, but being at the top of the table can lead one to miss the room dynamic if not careful.
As for sitting on my backside Vic, I remind you I have been out of the country for over 2 years mate. Difficult under that circumstance to make any real contribution. On my return I find nothing in Dover has changed for the better.
Lastly, I gave 4 years of my skill, time, effort and money to build a first class team leading to the reinvigoration of the annual carnival in Dover, taking it to the point where:
1. The Selection of Miss Dover was the among the largest attended event of its kind in the country, as opposed to our predecessors handful of close firends.
2. The Dover Carnival re-establioshd itself as the event to attend, second only to those of Margate (Council sponsored) and Deal Carnival, which coincides with their regatta and annual fair.
3. Organisations from Wales, Birmingham, Essex, Hertforshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, Kent and others came to attend our events bringing some small revnue to the town, and takign back a very positive image.
4. We also trained and mentored over 100 boys and girls during that time to conduct themselves with pride and dignity and represent their town, Dover, as best they could, and they responded magnificently. They continue to do so under Mandie's leadership.
5. The carnival became one of the main attractions, bringing thousands onto the streets and front gardens of Dover to enjoy the parade.
So, not just playing political games Vic, but actually doing some hard graft to make something good for Dover. Oh yes, I also held down a full time job and had 3 angiograms and 2 angioplatys during that period too.
I'm not looking for medals or plaudits as I chose to take it on, but don't give me any of your cheap shots about sitting on my backside, please.
It is a wonderful ship, the lights in ceiling of the restaurant were something to behold