Two magnificent speeches today at Hartsdown Park

[Cookie]

Its possible that the club will post something on this in due course but until such time, those that weren't there or couldn't make it might want to know what was said today.

Okay,today went well I thought & without getting peoples hopes up at this stage & without making any assumptions (we could never dare do that do could we?) I thought overall what was said from both sides was very constructive & should have been helpful to the councillors present.

Those speaking on behalf of the development spoke exceptionally well & I am about to post TWO sets of speeches which were given to the councillors in attendance today.

Please bear with me & I will eventually get around to posting exactly what was said on behalf of the development by our two main spokesmen Keith Piper (KP) & Keith Lewis (KL) word for word.

KP's speech will come first followed by KL' s Speech. Both incidentally with the two Keiths' permission. Am doing so right now & should be up soon (today).

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[BlueGate Alan]

Well done Tony, look forward to reading them.

[Cookie]

They are coming,be patient!

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[NEW BOY BLUE]

Thanks tony

Sounded good to me .shame I couldn't be there as had to work

Hope there were significant numbers that were able to show there support

Look forwsd to reading the next

 

Rick

[Cookie]

Keith Piper

 

Ladies & Gentleman,

My name is Keith Piper,a Director of the club.

 

Margate FC has leased this site from it's landlord,Thanet District Council for nearly 100 years.

The site for the proposed Hotel and other commercial buildings all fall within the curtilage for the existing site and the only additional land required is for the full sized 3G pitch and the remainder of the Car Park.

 

OBJECTORS WILL SAY that our proposal will take over the majority of Hartsdown Park. In fact the additional land required for the full sized 3G pitch is no more than 5% of the Parkland and we have offered to fully re-instate the Nursey land area,which is currently overgrown,back to Parkland to replace the area taken for the new pitch.

OBJECTORS WILL SAY that under the clubs proposed plans Tivoli Park will become a Car Park. In fact the Car Park,which was a requirement of the Kent Highways,if completed,will see an additional land take of just 2% of the Park.

OBJECTORS WILL SAY the location of the Hotel is wrong and that there is no need for additional hotels in the area.Travelodge,the largest Hotel operator in the country would disagree.

OBJECTORS WILL SAY they have lodged a petition of 548 signatures against the proposals.The Club will say that whilst it is not mentioned in the officers report to the Cabinet,a petition of over 5000 signatures was received by the Council in support of the proposals.

 

Members,

It is no co-incidence that over the past few years the Pitch & Putt,the Cricket square and the Tennis Courts have all been closed due to lack of use.

 

Our proposal for a full sized 3G pitch in the Park,if approved,will provide a safe,managed facility for our children and their families,to play the the most popular outside ball game,52 weeks a year and will generate interest in the Park as the Town's Centre of sport.

 

This new facility complete with Community use agreement,already approved by the Council,will provide free daytime use for schools.

 

The smaller pitches already in place,have been used by over 25 schools and 5000 children,all free of charge and has been an outstanding success in the community.

 

Whilst many sports facilities in Thanet have been closed for lack of use there remains a reall shortage of full sized pitches with changing facilities and it is a fact that Margate is the only Thanet town that does not have a full sized 3G all weather pitch.

 

This project will breathe new life into Hartsdown Park.The economic benefit from a new stadium will create a micro economy, based around the Hotel restaurant and with other start-up operations.

 

It will bring visitors to the town,provide a footfall which will help the town grow and thrive,bring 38 new jobs and new money into the local economy and not just re-circulate it.

 

Members of the Cabinet,

We ask you for you support.

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Cookie]

Speech 2 coming up soon.

[Eastside Urchin]

Hurry up,the next series of x factor will be starting soon.

[Cookie]

Wait!

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Coffin Ender]

I'm guessing Keith Lewis said: "Give us the [censored] new stadium or I'll send the boys round."

[Blue Banshee]

Wait!

 

come on hurry up!!!

[Cookie]

Keith Lewis

 

Good afternoon,

 

Keith Lewis,secretary and treasurer for MISA and supporter since the 1950s.

 

Margate FC is a commuinty football club.Not only does it provide entertainment to many fans,young & old,on a weekly or fortnightly basis but also organizes and manages youth football.

 

Margate FC has focused on improving and expanding relationships with the community with the creation of a structure of football teams ranging from primary school age to late teens with the exsisting amenities,including the five-a-side pitches,being available to children with under-privileged backgrounds.

 

The inclusion of the 3G all weather pitch in the development will allow groups from all spectrums of society to have use of a playing field seven days a week without suffering from the vagarities of the British climate that affect traditional grass surfaces.

The 3G pitch will allow a safe and unique environment for children of all ages to participate in sport.

 

The advancement the club has made in the area of youth football has been recognized with the reward of the "FA Charter Standard Community Club Association",the highest community award given to any club by the FA of which Margate FC is rightly & immensely proud.

 

Successive governments have acknowledged the importance of sport in the development of youngsters health and well-being,along with the added value of team building associated with sports such as football.

 

However,a study by the FA has identified a reduction in the numbers playing the game,in part due to fewer pitches being available.

 

Traditionally,most of these facilities have been provided by local and education authorities but they have found it increasingly difficult to fund,manage and maintain in the current financial climate.

 

It makes sense that the private sector works alongside councils to replace the shortfall.

 

Margate FC has existed for over 100 years with their home for more than 80 years being Hartsdown Park.

 

Long may it continue

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Cookie]

Okay, just for you ma cherie! My fingers are worn out!

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[dannyriding]

Its possible that the club will post something on this in due course but until such time, those that weren't there or couldn't make it might want to know what was said today.

Okay,today went well I thought & without getting peoples hopes up at this stage & without making any assumptions (we could never dare do that do could we?) I thought overall what was said from both sides was very constructive & should have been helpful to the councillors present.

Those speaking on behalf of the development spoke exceptionally well & I am about to post TWO sets of speeches which were given to the councillors in attendance today.

Please bear with me & I will eventually get around to posting exactly what was said on behalf of the development by our two main spokesmen Keith Piper (KP) & Keith Lewis (KL) word for word.

KP's speech will come first followed by KL' s Speech. Both incidentally with the two Keiths' permission. Am doing so right now & should be up soon (today).

 

 

Whilst Cookie is typing another speech I felt the meeting was both adult (no screamers) and well mannered. Only time will tell if it has waylaid any fears people may have - up the gate

[Bill in USA]

Must admit, good speeches on your club's behalf

[Cookie]

Good turn out too. Not quite the 300 or so I was hoping for but not far short.

[Cookie]

After the speeches & those from the anti development brigade,(about 2 or 3 of them I think), rather luke warm too I thought in contrast & even slightly & surprisingly PRO development too might I add on this occasion,the Council officers took a walk round to see for themselves.

I'm sure,having done so,they will now know the exact measurements/extent of the full development & not those inflated figures/measurements that had previously & wrongly been banded around by the opposition.

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Cookie]

The flying doctor turned up too with the previous Council chairman.I was fully expecting some sort of speech from "he" but after about 10 minutes I looked round & they had flown (excuse the pun)

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Cookie]

There was also another speech from another on our behalf but I forget his name. I think he too was a politician/councillor but I'm not sure on that one. Maybe someone can confirm or correct me on his status.

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie

[Blue Banshee]

so where is the third speech then? slacking there Cookie!

[Cookie]

Finally well done the two Ks.Well spoken.Nothing is guaranteed,nothing is assumed, but you both must have given them food for thought,although that applying to our Mayor is probably not the case as she was & is fully aware of what has been happening & as to the specifications & details of this development throughout the past years anyway .

Edited December 22, 2011 by Cookie