Monday, 28 March 2011
Off Again
No not me - broadband - just when I thought everything had been fixed it went off last Friday and came on, albeit stutteringly, half an hour ago. Thanks for various responses to obtianing a better broadband coverage. We are actively seeking funding through local government grants but that seems long winded. We have been advised that the local exchange could be 'upgraded' for £100,000.00 but no-one will confirm what difference this would make. We still have the copper wires with a maximum 6.5 kms suitable to carry a reasonable broadband signal (all of 1/2 meg if we are lucky). BET (broadband enabling technology) could stretch this to 12 kms at a cost of a thousand pounds per line. A far cheaper option if local funding is thinly spread. We shall see.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Broadband - or lack of it
How we get lost when the technology we have become to rely on isnt there any more. Broadband went off over 2 months ago and has only just been re-established albeit at a paltry 1/4 meg - well what can one expect we are over 60 miles from the capital of England.
Credit where credit is due though to BT's Open Reach team. They spent a lot of time on my line even though my service provider is not BT. Finally they replaced the copper wiring to the largest diameter wire they could find and low and behold 'back on line' - that nice thick copper cable should also act as a good conductor for lightening strikes - can't have everything I suppose.
There are numerous villages and small hamlets throughout the UK that are in excess of 6 kilometres from the local exchange, who also do not benefit from the fibre optics of the 'big boys' and simply cannot get broadband. Local Parish councils do have funds from central government to assist rural communities in 'speeding up' broadband speeds - but it would be useful to be able to get it in the first place. We understand there is something called BET - Broadband Enhanced Technology which, whilst costly to an individual is or should be free if there are over 15 subscribers wanting the service. Anyone know anything more about this?
Anyway spring is here (for today) lots of sunshine, clear blue skies but still only 8 degrees. Downside of the clear skies is the site of all the vapour trails frome the aircraft taking the lucky ones to sunnier climes in Spain and beyond.
Credit where credit is due though to BT's Open Reach team. They spent a lot of time on my line even though my service provider is not BT. Finally they replaced the copper wiring to the largest diameter wire they could find and low and behold 'back on line' - that nice thick copper cable should also act as a good conductor for lightening strikes - can't have everything I suppose.
There are numerous villages and small hamlets throughout the UK that are in excess of 6 kilometres from the local exchange, who also do not benefit from the fibre optics of the 'big boys' and simply cannot get broadband. Local Parish councils do have funds from central government to assist rural communities in 'speeding up' broadband speeds - but it would be useful to be able to get it in the first place. We understand there is something called BET - Broadband Enhanced Technology which, whilst costly to an individual is or should be free if there are over 15 subscribers wanting the service. Anyone know anything more about this?
Anyway spring is here (for today) lots of sunshine, clear blue skies but still only 8 degrees. Downside of the clear skies is the site of all the vapour trails frome the aircraft taking the lucky ones to sunnier climes in Spain and beyond.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Dungeness 'Talent' - Snoo Wilson
Snoo Wilson, writer extraordinaire, noted internationally for his plays and script writing (google him for more), lives and creates locally. He currently has a play running in the old 'Rose Theatre' on the banks of the Thames. Entitled 'More Light' it is impossible to provide a synopsis but is described as 'a satirical take on the works of Shakespeare'.
My first visit to 'The Rose' or rather what is left of it (built in 1586 and opened in 1587). Forerunner of the more famous Globe Theatre, also on the banks of the Thames, 'The Rose' does provide an inspirational backdrop to the small and very personal stage - with actors only a few feet in front of the audience. 'More Light'- brilliantly performed by a cast who quite clearly enjoy the flow and rhythm of the 'old way of speaking English' - well worth a visit.
For more information on 'The Rose' theatre visit www.rosetheatre.org.uk.
Snoo was also the script writer of the recent film, entitled 'Eichmann', filmed in Budapest and Malta in which local girl Tilly O'Neil appeared.
My first visit to 'The Rose' or rather what is left of it (built in 1586 and opened in 1587). Forerunner of the more famous Globe Theatre, also on the banks of the Thames, 'The Rose' does provide an inspirational backdrop to the small and very personal stage - with actors only a few feet in front of the audience. 'More Light'- brilliantly performed by a cast who quite clearly enjoy the flow and rhythm of the 'old way of speaking English' - well worth a visit.
For more information on 'The Rose' theatre visit www.rosetheatre.org.uk.
Snoo was also the script writer of the recent film, entitled 'Eichmann', filmed in Budapest and Malta in which local girl Tilly O'Neil appeared.
Snow again and Kevin Brown
And Kevin Brown? One of the UK's foremost and proficient blues slide guitarists - who just happens to love the desolation, peace, quiet and uniqueness of Dungeness. In between gigs on Friday night and this afternoon in Rye, Kevin came down for a few hours with Mike Prince - a driving force in keeping the blues alive here in the south east.
Paris
There has always been negative publicity with regards to the suburbs of London being shabby and a disgrace and the first thing travellers (by train particularly) see when they approach the Capital.
Went to Paris by train last Saturday and was taken aback at the degradation one sees on the approach to Guard de Nord - far worse than the approach into south London stations. And the streets - unclean, tons of leaves from the autumn fallout - in summary - made London quite respectable. Nothing to with Dungeness I know - just proving the point I can travel unattended the 20 miles to Ashford International rail station!
Went to Paris by train last Saturday and was taken aback at the degradation one sees on the approach to Guard de Nord - far worse than the approach into south London stations. And the streets - unclean, tons of leaves from the autumn fallout - in summary - made London quite respectable. Nothing to with Dungeness I know - just proving the point I can travel unattended the 20 miles to Ashford International rail station!
Willie Richardson
As a confirmation of the respect and popularity of William, the church at Lydd was packed - standing room only. RIP
Friday, 12 November 2010
William (Willie) Richardson
Flags are at half mast following the sad passing of William (Willie) Richardson, after a long term fight with cancer. Only 64 he was still active in his business and related council matters until last week. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Born and bred in Dungeness, William not only ran a successful fishing and retail business, he was a local and Kent County councillor but probably best remembered for the sterling work with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) being attributed with the saving of over 200 lives during his 40 years with the lifeboat service.
It has been a pleasure to know him. He was always at the end of a telephone if needed and was one of those people who would help anyone out if he could.
There are many tributes in the local newspapers and indeed one on the Lifeboat website - see links for further information on this well liked, well respected family man and ,in the true sense of the word, gentleman.
William's funeral is next Wednesday, 17th November and the family has requested 'no flowers'. Any donations made will go to the Dungeness (Lifeboat) Crew Fund to purchase a memorial standard in his honour to be located at the Dungeness Lifeboat Station.
Born and bred in Dungeness, William not only ran a successful fishing and retail business, he was a local and Kent County councillor but probably best remembered for the sterling work with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) being attributed with the saving of over 200 lives during his 40 years with the lifeboat service.
It has been a pleasure to know him. He was always at the end of a telephone if needed and was one of those people who would help anyone out if he could.
There are many tributes in the local newspapers and indeed one on the Lifeboat website - see links for further information on this well liked, well respected family man and ,in the true sense of the word, gentleman.
William's funeral is next Wednesday, 17th November and the family has requested 'no flowers'. Any donations made will go to the Dungeness (Lifeboat) Crew Fund to purchase a memorial standard in his honour to be located at the Dungeness Lifeboat Station.
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