howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Ian, can you tell us why English Heritage advised Mr Mahoney to use paint when it is not their property? Vandalised is the right word having seen the daubings on a listed structure, similar to drawing a moustache and glasses on the Mona Lisa. Notice that free labour was being used on this project and Mr Mahoney admitted that his remit was to clean and tidy the Grand Shaft not turn it into a Disney style attraction.
Reginald Barrington
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 17 Dec 2014
- Posts: 3,259
Good post Ian though biased
I don't doubt Richard had both his and Dovers interests in mind, why not any business would and should do the same.
I must agree with regard to the vandalism of the grand shaft entrance though, the moats and tunnels of the napoleonic fortress are daubed with chalk graffiti ( some of it mine from childhood when the tunnels were my playground) it took the maturity of adulthood to realise that it was vandalism. Richard should have realised the same. It would have been simple enough to do the paintings on plywood and cheaper in terms of paint.
But as you say he has made a few mistakes, I see it as a shame that we are going to lose one of Dovers successful tourist attractions it will be a real shame for the visitors on the cruise ships who have always thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience of seeing the white cliffs up close and personal.
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Arte et Marte
Guest 770- Registered: 11 Sep 2012
- Posts: 19
Howard although it is owned by DDC Mr Iverson at the time had little interest in having it opened and advice was not forth coming so the responsible solution was to contact EH as they have vast experience on how restoration should be done due to the historical significance of the site.
I don't deny that in hindsight the paintings of period soldiers was not a good judgement but having said that, all the proposed work was put in writing prior to work being carried out to DDC.
No ones perfect Howard, mistakes do get made but you seem to be under the impression this is all about money when it's not. Do you know Richard, or is it a case of you think you know Richard.
Yes he's a businessman but you need to see the bigger pictured and not be tunnel visioned.
May be I am a little bias as Richard is a good friend of mine but I tell you this, you may see him as a fly by night get rich quick type of person but this couldn't be further from the truth, he only ever wanted to boost tourism in Dover, as I said with the Kiosk, he even promoted Dover Sea Safaris, infact still does because often people come to the marina looking for the Sea Safari and they're redirected to the right place, alternatively people come to the boat tours but want the outer harbour experience so of course they are sent to Sea Safari.
It's easy to sit behind a keyboard and point out people's faults but many of these people are the very people that are helping to kill our town.
Personally, I love Dover, I'm proud of being a Dovorian and if Hitler couldn't destroy us I'll be damned if anyone else can, albeit DHB are putting in a good effort!
Also it might be worth mentioning that if DDC were that concerned initially then they should have made clear the Do's and Don'ts in the T&C for the Grand Shaft.
Reginald Barrington, Guest 649 and Guest 1831 like this
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Guest 1831- Registered: 1 Sep 2016
- Posts: 395
Thing is - does Richard Mahoney have a small case, a pinny and an intricate handshake?
You are sunk in Dovers' subterranean business world if you don't.
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Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
tut tut Christine are you saying he is in the ministry of funny hand shakes.naughty.
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howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Perish the thought Christine my lodge would not have a chap like that, sorry I meant to say their lodge.
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Guest 1849- Registered: 12 Sep 2016
- Posts: 440
I'm surprised legal action has never been taken against people on this forum
Ross Miller likes this
Guest 1831- Registered: 1 Sep 2016
- Posts: 395
#27 Why would you say that?
People are only expressing a point of view.
Legal Action is possible, if you are whiter than white yourself. Mostly, people have skeletons in their cupboards they do not wish to be revealed.
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Guest 1850- Registered: 13 Sep 2016
- Posts: 5
It will be sad to see this Dover attraction go to Folkestone. It has always been popular with tourists and it is totally amazing to be out on the boat tour inside the Dover Harbour on a beautiful day.
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Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
all down to a bunch of kill joys who put profit before people.
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Guest 1849- Registered: 12 Sep 2016
- Posts: 440
#28, that's the problem with people hiding behind pseudonyms.
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