tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57498959324626416272024-03-13T09:53:12.890-07:00London to Istanbul on Scott the BikeNick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-3504575578773955702016-09-18T08:56:00.001-07:002016-09-18T08:57:24.078-07:00Catha's Seat Awards 2016 Recipients Announced<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipients of our first ever Catha's Seat Awards have been announced: Wye Scouts and Wheel Potential. These organisations are doing great work to promote safe and active cycling along Route 18 for all ages and abilities. We look forward to sharing their stories and what they have been up to with their award funds at the Catha's Seat Picnic next year on 29th April.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read all about it <a href="http://us13.campaign-archive1.com/?u=f7f62b6e9ece58affaa5e4c1e&id=d5a0f29857&e=26b3840d00">here</a> </span></div>
Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-13687138641676770892016-05-09T16:30:00.001-07:002016-05-10T15:23:02.856-07:00Cycling grant scheme launched at the 3rd Annual Catha’s Seat Picnic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">On 30<sup>th</sup> April 2016 over 80 cyclists, walkers and runners met for the
third annual Catha’s Seat Picnic on National Cycle Route 18 near Chilham. Whilst
eating their lunches at this peaceful, rural spot the gathered were treated
to music from fantastic local 9-piece band Ashford Folk Community and witnessed
the launch of the Catha’s Seat Cycling Awards; a grant scheme with fund of £500
open to local groups, schools and individuals to support projects that
encourage safety and increased use of Route 18 between Ashford and Canterbury.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cyclists set off from Wye to the 3rd Annual Catha's Seat Picnic</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ashford Folk Community entertain the picnickers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Patrick Keegan, Awards Officer for
the Catha’s Seat Group, launched the awards scheme, encouraging local community
groups, schools and individuals to register their interest and submit ideas via
the website </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.cathas-seat.org/awards"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">www.cathas-seat.org/awards</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> by 31st
May 2016. During his address, he recognised the huge contribution - over many years -
of the numerous local campaigners and organisations (including Spokes and
Sustrans) that have pushed to make, so far, nearly half of this 17-mile section
of route 18 ‘traffic free’, at the same time extending gratitude to the landowners
and local authorities. He restated national cycling charity Sustrans’ original
goal that these routes should offer the safety levels needed to allow school
children and their parents, also commuters, to feel comfortable using it daily
for sustainable and healthy transport.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Patrick Keegan launches the Catha's Seat Cycling Awards</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">With the back roads in the area becoming
busier and more dangerous Patrick set out the vision that everyone should
continue pushing to make route 18 between Ashford and Canterbury 100% ‘traffic
free’. He was keen to receive ideas towards these safety goals but also
highlighted other examples for the awards to encourage use, such as parent /
child cycle events or organisations that provide specialist equipment and
training for the disabled to use the route.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Earlier in the day, Patrick and
fellow Catha’s Seat Group member Jane Blatt started the Group’s own safety
campaign on the roads out of Wye by alerting motorists to the fact they were on
a national cycle route, and thanking them for driving carefully. Of the 20 cars
that stopped to chat, very few were aware they were on a cycle route, and
agreed that a ‘traffic free’ alternative should be sought, but in the meantime
better signage and awareness raising was imperative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Awards winners will be announced in
September this year and mark your calendars for next year’s picnic on 29<sup>th</sup>
April 2017 where their achievements will be showcased. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.cathas-seat.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">www.cathas-seat.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> will have all the details and you can register on the
website to receive updates directly to your email inbox.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If you can’t wait that long then why
not plan a picnic of your own – just type “Catha’s Seat” into <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/a7pGFbtS9np">Google Maps</a> to
find a route.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Patrick Keegan and Jane Blatt alert motorists in Wye that they are driving on National Cycle Route 18</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">About Catha’s Seat:</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Catha’s Seat is named
after Catharine 'Catha' Keegan, a dedicated cycling campaigner who lived in Wye
and who was involved in planning the Ashford to Canterbury section of National
Cycle Route 18 before sadly passing away in 1998. Her mission was to create
safer cycling routes and encourage their use, so Catha's Seat and the annual
picnic provide opportunities for everyone to discover or re-discover this route
as well as the joys of cycling and walking in the glorious Kentish countryside.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Catha’s Seat was developed
by her son Nick and husband Patrick, and has been supported by Kent County
Council, Ashford Borough Council, Godmersham Parish Council, Chilham Parish
Council, Councillor Andrew Wickham and over 70 private donors. Catha’s Seat was
built by ARC Creative Design. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-40639036380993112822014-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:002014-10-15T15:01:36.750-07:00Catha's Seat Launch Picnic Film by Funder Films<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am delighted to be able to share a wonderful film from the Catha's Seat Launch Picnic back in May that will hopefully warm the laurels as the longer nights draw in. For those that were there on the day you will have noticed Jasper Bouverie of Funder Films manning some serious camera equipment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has managed to curate some lovely moments that capture the spirit of the day and Catha's Seat. Many thanks to Jasper for this. Note - music on the film by Arlet, who performed live at the launch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you have been enjoying Catha's Seat over the summer and make sure you secure Saturday 2nd May 2015 in your diary for the 2nd annual Catha's Seat picnic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...also, in other news - I've been asked to do a talk next week on my cycle tour to Istanbul in Canterbury next Thursday 23rd October - see the flier below. The "Around the World with..." events are being run by Hattie Oliver (<a href="http://hattieoliver.wordpress.com/"><span class="s1">Hattieoliver.WordPress.com</span></a>), who's raising funds to go on a month long expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos with her school. She's been very entrepreneurial setting up events, bake sales and jobs as she's got to raise £4,420 - quite a feat for anyone let alone someone with full time school / exams to deal with - and a cause I was keen to get behind in the name of adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be great to see you there if you can make it. Thursday 23rd October at 7pm. Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury.</span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-38735113308603588542014-06-01T12:52:00.003-07:002014-06-01T12:52:39.408-07:00Catha's Seat and SusTrans @ Wye Farmers Market - 7th June!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5B0Hvs4JMhU4ArYAyjupnMgOb0tAYOvlIzmbtNHrpDQVHeUtKfFnoxcyAH-hTm14j3wsn7Ti4TdNOuRv10YCI3NSZH0pEWTS5kq8-q07qmXJTC1JauT-rQgcPZToGI-5MzMrKFsYtCI/s1600/20140607+Cycling+events+at+Wye+Farmers+Market+v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5B0Hvs4JMhU4ArYAyjupnMgOb0tAYOvlIzmbtNHrpDQVHeUtKfFnoxcyAH-hTm14j3wsn7Ti4TdNOuRv10YCI3NSZH0pEWTS5kq8-q07qmXJTC1JauT-rQgcPZToGI-5MzMrKFsYtCI/s1600/20140607+Cycling+events+at+Wye+Farmers+Market+v3.png" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-16149198543689741902014-05-12T00:17:00.003-07:002014-05-12T00:31:07.193-07:00Catha's Seat Launch Picnic hits the headlines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Catha's Seat Launch Picnic hit the headlines last Thursday in the Kentish Express. If you are in the Kent area, pick up a souvenir copy and you'll find the article on page 14. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those further afield see the article below. <a href="http://www.wyeweb.org/?p=23522">Wyeweb</a> have also covered the event and there's some great footage on Youtube from 1066 cyclist Dale Wheeler, which really captures the spirt of the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><<BREAKING NEWS>> Suz from the Kentish Express just routed me to the article now on Kent Online as well, with more pictures! <a href="http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/this-is-more-than-just-a-family-memorial-17071/">http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/this-is-more-than-just-a-family-memorial-17071/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again to everyone who has supported the project and the event. We look forward to seeing you next year same place, same time, where we will be announcing the first winners of the Catha's Seat award. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kentish Express - 8th May 2014 p.14. Many thanks to Suz Elvey for a fantastic article.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage on YouTube, thanks to Dale Wheeler</span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-16896603604841715062014-05-05T16:22:00.000-07:002014-05-05T16:32:18.101-07:00Catha's Seat Launch Picnic - First View Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a day! Catha's Seat was launched in style. Thank you to everyone who participated, helped and donated. See below for some of the photos I've collected so far. If you have any of your own please do get in touch and / or use social media - post on Instagram #cathasseat , post on twitter @cathasseat </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#cathasseat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> , or post on facebook </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#cathasseat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> .......</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walk from Wye leaves the Farmers Market at 10.30am, led by Daniel Wood</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cycle from Wye leaves Wye at 11.45am, led by Louise Laker. Thanks also to Paul Rees who led the SPOKES cycle from Canterbury and Pat White who led the very popular walk from Chilham Station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Locally sourced foods and drinks awaited. Produce from Ripple Farm Organics, Wye Butchers and Delicatessen, The Wooden Spoon, Wye Bakery and Perry Court Farm was put together by Alex Gow and his team of helpers, along with Catha's own Lemon Drizzle cake made by Patrick Keegan (Dad) and further cakes from Caroline Spencer. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry go round! Punters took it in turns to have a nice sit down!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Site Manager Caroline Spencer and her team of ushers (Kit, Dani, Eliza, Yean, Phin and Hilary) prepared a fantastic festive site complete with bunting and the all important ribbon!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul, the photographer from the Kentish Messenger Group sets up a couple of shots to hit the press. Hopefully seeing this in the paper will inspire people out on their bikes or hikes for a visit.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Musical chairs. Local band Arlet serenade the masses, and are let out to roam free range in the woods!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speeches aplenty. Councillor Andrew Wickham talks about the success of Route 18 and how his ride up to Catha's Seat has inspired him to do more cycling. Sheila Webb gives a moving version of the words she used at Catha's funeral service. And I say a lot of thank yous!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....and the ribbon is cut, Catha's Seat is officially open. The hard work doesn't stop here though - we need you to help us spread the word about this fantastic place and cycle route. Tell your friends, take them there for a sit down or picnic, share your photos and experiences on social media. We will be continuing too by raising money for our first annual Catha's Seat award, which will be announced at the 2015 event to be held as this year on Mayday bank holiday Saturday.</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-7607741445973500212014-05-02T00:38:00.001-07:002014-05-02T00:39:24.435-07:00Catha's Seat Launch Picnic - one day to go and things are hotting up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catha's Seat now complete with arms and plaque</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.and more greenery in the view!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott models a "I cycled to Catha's Seat" sticker - pick one up at the Launch Picnic for your bike!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write up in today's Kentish Express (p.14) - many thanks to Suz Elvey </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....and also on Jasper Bouverie's <a href="http://jasperbouverie.com/2014/05/01/bums-on-seats/">blog </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to check the google map (see right hand side >>>>) and start times and locations for the organised walks & rides on the <a href="http://nickandscottgobiking.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/cathas-seat-launch-picnic-3rd-may-1-3pm_17.html">ePoster</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you tomorrow!</span><br />
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-55250022080370416242014-04-27T21:43:00.002-07:002014-04-27T21:43:46.722-07:00The story of how the Catha's Seat community came together to secure £1,000 grant from Ashford Borough Council's Single Grants Gateway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the launch event for the new section of Route 18 back on 31st May 2013 I briefly met Ashford Borough Council's (ABC) Deputy Leader Michael Claughton, and left him with a copy of our flyer. As he arrived for the event on a bike I felt compelled to write him a letter to ask if the ABC could support Catha's Seat. Mum had put a considerable amount of effort into ABC consultations including the Ashford Local Plan and so it seemed like there was something there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mP3OUw-vTtPcYkFa5gJsrgqsSeIv_6RYTrZwgc_weBlE_m7muQPqtrxD-4PVqsgnXpxK3i0dVndrqjr0uzRJi6wN7jNk8zkjkP7a8ua8MfGj_usrddSYv-S3JEq_BQpbB-5YWWnqPdE/s1600/585_logo_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mP3OUw-vTtPcYkFa5gJsrgqsSeIv_6RYTrZwgc_weBlE_m7muQPqtrxD-4PVqsgnXpxK3i0dVndrqjr0uzRJi6wN7jNk8zkjkP7a8ua8MfGj_usrddSYv-S3JEq_BQpbB-5YWWnqPdE/s320/585_logo_small.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I set to work on writing a letter that explained background to Mum's work and what we were looking to do to celebrate it and promote cycling. To get the facts I enlisted help from Sue Powell (one of Mum's closest friends in Wye and a colleague on many of the Wye planning groups), Catherine Hughes (previously a planner at ABC when Mum was on the scene) and Sheila.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon reading my letter Cllr Claughton responded promptly and guided me to the Single Grants Gateway and the Council's funding officer Michelle Byrne.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle was very helpful and explained the hoops through which we would have to jump. There were quite a lot of criteria and I thought it was a long shot at the time but considering Michelle's positivity for the project I thought it was worth a punt. So then we embarked on a journey....... </span><br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We weren't going to get anywhere without becoming a bona fide community group with a constitution and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a community bank account so Alex Gow, Dad and I agreed the paperwork and rocked into Ashford to set up an account - it took Dad over 10 attempts to get his arty signature in the box!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An initial expression of interest form got us through the front door with the Grant scheme, which unlocked a more comprehensive application document. I was glad for the practice I had in my professional life completing submissions for public sector tenders!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You need support from the local Borough Councillor so I finally built up courage to speak with Cllr Doug Marriott. I had been nervous about approaching figures in positions like these - you only have one shot, what if they don't like it? Doug turned out to be a fantastic person, very easy to talk to and already a supporter of Route 18. He also is a mover and shaker in my preferred professional circle of energy efficiency so we had plenty to chat about. He promptly gave his seal of approval to the project and I ploughed on refuelled with confidence.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written letters of support are also needed from the local Parish Councils (PCs) - after explaining the project, Chilham and Godmersham PCs kindly gave their backing. I was even able to join Godmersham's meeting to give a short talk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After submitting Michelle came back to me very promptly to say that we had been successful in applying for a £1,000 grant towards the costs of Catha's Seat and that the funds would be transferred on receipt of the final invoice. As I wanted to tell the full story when publicising I am ashamed to say that, with starting my new job at the same time, I have sat on this golden news since 1st October - sorry readers!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that this was one of the most valuable processes in the whole campaign. Not only is the money vital but the support and reach we have been able to achieve has taken it to another dimension. All these groups have now invested in Catha's Seat so it is really a community owned and approved project. Even though it has been challenging and took time to get through I couldn't be happier with this outcome.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0BpPGfGy0m-INOVzctFFdKBsND2CzSGLJI1VrYlMP8BNQIlLd4zRIBkSAgsbU8iRrw3I3p4oSqm5tObX7RggL6SogFGCytO4M_v2pWAgYr7ByhAnp80TB2lI1NDRwqtB5rngaVZXmaU/s1600/IMAG3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0BpPGfGy0m-INOVzctFFdKBsND2CzSGLJI1VrYlMP8BNQIlLd4zRIBkSAgsbU8iRrw3I3p4oSqm5tObX7RggL6SogFGCytO4M_v2pWAgYr7ByhAnp80TB2lI1NDRwqtB5rngaVZXmaU/s400/IMAG3717.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Board of the Catha's Seat Group agree its constitution</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to thank Cllr Michael Claughton, Michelle Byrne, Cllr Doug Marriott, Caroline Spencer and the members of Godmersham PC, Geoff Dear and the members of Chilham PC, as well as Sue Powell, Catherine Hughes and Sheila Webb for their support with the content and Alex Gow and Dad for forming the first Board of the Catha's Seat Group. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks also goes out to all of you that are supporting the project - your involvement, donors and readers alike, was recognised in the submission to show what we are made of. This is a community project, made to benefit the community and recognise the work of the members of our community that have facilitated our fantastic cycle routes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a team effort. Thank you.</span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-68743527315820633632014-04-17T07:44:00.003-07:002014-04-26T10:28:44.430-07:00Catha's Seat Launch Picnic - 3rd May 1-3pm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To download the Catha's Seat Launch Picnic eposter - click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/b9lujccylv3uocl/Catha%27s%20Seat%20Launch%20Picnic%203rd%20May%20-%20ePOSTER%20v2%20%28no%20links%29.pdf">here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/168893559/Cathas-Seat-Launch-Picnic-3rd-May---ePOSTER-v2-_no-links_">Catha's Seat Launch Picnic 3rd May - ePOSTER v2 _no links_</a></span><br />
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-52873487827646418992014-04-12T04:25:00.001-07:002014-04-12T05:13:56.600-07:00Catha's Seat - planting for the hive of activity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring has sprung up at Catha's Seat! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends and contributors to Catha's Seat, Piers and Jadie who work for Natural England and the Woodland Trust respectively have created a bee-licious offering, planting the following to reinstate the hedge / tree corridor behind the seats:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Guelder Rose – Viburnum opulus</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Wayfaring Tree – Viburnum lantana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Whitebeam – Sorbus aria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Wild Rose</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Apple<span class="s3"> </span>–<span class="s3"> </span>Queen Cox</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Apple – Sunrise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">·</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3"> </span>Cherry – Sweeheart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many thanks to them for this and for humping the plants up there from the A28 in a wheelbarrow! I look forward to sitting up there in the Autumn enjoying the most locally sourced fruit I can find! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....and it's not just the bees, Catha's Seat is already a hive of activity with cyclists and walkers. If you haven't visited yet, what are you waiting for!!?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0gau4_iSzO6q7AZLklZ3O-MkGV-B-uPDARTj1py4chRazIUhdF_F2KHBO2b_JCNZ_y0wqnxHQgE4hENpu_juE61_4Tgs-npc3SMXF20a_l9aN2pS_tgSmuF-4bJajuAesGM_JEisD0E/s1600/Bk8pfZgIIAAaFeK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0gau4_iSzO6q7AZLklZ3O-MkGV-B-uPDARTj1py4chRazIUhdF_F2KHBO2b_JCNZ_y0wqnxHQgE4hENpu_juE61_4Tgs-npc3SMXF20a_l9aN2pS_tgSmuF-4bJajuAesGM_JEisD0E/s1600/Bk8pfZgIIAAaFeK.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shelia Webb, inspiration for Catha's Seat and avid supporter throughout the project, takes her first visit with a small group, only to find that there is a hive of activity at their destination!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iGayJ0uEREtJFECJy5LVFI_fUELhKTLn35B9imEPbMYDNJSyCD9ZGJyO9YqFXYhsxEoKA8EGdHy7Rkm7xKoWZHIQtGR0f1J2F_n2BE8wxXwuE9Tad-tp_Gl7f3uXut6iKWHtVaSOdmA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iGayJ0uEREtJFECJy5LVFI_fUELhKTLn35B9imEPbMYDNJSyCD9ZGJyO9YqFXYhsxEoKA8EGdHy7Rkm7xKoWZHIQtGR0f1J2F_n2BE8wxXwuE9Tad-tp_Gl7f3uXut6iKWHtVaSOdmA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sheila was joined by Rachel, local handcyclist and cycle campaigners from Cambridge <a href="http://www.youcanbiketoo.org/">"You Can Bike Too"</a> - check them out on twitter (@youcanbike2) [while you are on twitter why not follow @cathasseat as well!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5y6TjCuBPDlHqjoUJ1vfFIwomCeIz25gJQG_Y6nPjZKFZRonm-vIcaoFOdUiPBFmX7YSRARurAEDW-dbgW97fjCxHjVDSgnEUgRJvX8H6EYZIA0IY6s3YT4Lc1pU3v-o5WoJXwQjB7w/s1600/Bk8ulinIAAAvCa8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5y6TjCuBPDlHqjoUJ1vfFIwomCeIz25gJQG_Y6nPjZKFZRonm-vIcaoFOdUiPBFmX7YSRARurAEDW-dbgW97fjCxHjVDSgnEUgRJvX8H6EYZIA0IY6s3YT4Lc1pU3v-o5WoJXwQjB7w/s1600/Bk8ulinIAAAvCa8.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth from You Can Bike Too spots that the Catha's Seat Launch on 3rd May is already hitting the news! Featured in the Kentish Gazette</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZPNp0pRhAdvyxMggpB-bxV-BLQLgJq4jNKI7dEzC0DOHbwE4ObJcJkwqigN4gLB2VZl1O1xo_7MtXuLilp1IFkAGjVXxThUKU2m3F4KjPAq4RVcXd6eOeimEk69AXU63Y1yvUg8zitc/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZPNp0pRhAdvyxMggpB-bxV-BLQLgJq4jNKI7dEzC0DOHbwE4ObJcJkwqigN4gLB2VZl1O1xo_7MtXuLilp1IFkAGjVXxThUKU2m3F4KjPAq4RVcXd6eOeimEk69AXU63Y1yvUg8zitc/s1600/photo1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phil Rutt from <a href="http://www.arccreativedesign.com/">ARC Creative Design</a> (the man who drew the Artist's Impression for Catha's Seat as well as many other things) visits Catha's Seat with his wife for a picnic. They went from Hythe to Wye, then to Catha's Seat for lunch, onto Chartham and then followed the old route 18 back to Sole Street across Stone Street to Stelling Minnis and back to Hythe.</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-40075175337998039392014-04-03T15:48:00.003-07:002014-04-03T15:48:55.299-07:00Catha's Seat Installation - Day 3 (Nearly There!) - Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 3 on site at Catha's Seat and the meat of the work is done. Both seats are in the ground, a fresh covering of ragstone dust on the ground and the boards that retain the earth around the site are all in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The team will return to site at their next opportunity to attach the arms, finish and oil the wood, and fit the all important plaque.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />See the latest photos below but better still get on your bike, or get your walking boots on and go and give Catha's Seat a test drive as soon as you can. Take a friend, take a snack and a drink, your favourite book or a newspaper. Don't let Catha's Seat get lonely!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HkS2iH3pSnZz5nWiStNkujypUu-s497Naya0EPmvK6IM2g8Jm1CC2gUExe3nBHkXvhiyqlzlLWbhxN-DRODpxGfwo_nQFhv3MYQRVpE0S8VBBXEdsi2HqlSoxn30O6QVdd543mUUwpA/s1600/20140403_115425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HkS2iH3pSnZz5nWiStNkujypUu-s497Naya0EPmvK6IM2g8Jm1CC2gUExe3nBHkXvhiyqlzlLWbhxN-DRODpxGfwo_nQFhv3MYQRVpE0S8VBBXEdsi2HqlSoxn30O6QVdd543mUUwpA/s1600/20140403_115425.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Customers! - a group of walkers visit Catha's Seat</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loogix.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="go to www.loogix.com"><img alt="go to www.loogix.com" src="http://www.loogix.com/img/res/1/3/9/6/5/6/13965668943134347.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hand crafted - Jason sculpts the curve in the backrest of Seat #1</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.loogix.com/">go to www.loogix.com</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUCw1Krq9T2FNPQuFlaBAlDBxoqfcO0AF_ZXWYvJ23RUFvDgpzEG-NCAN2NsqQNA5rmkhC8YKjlsUiS7ZiFBP19Y_vHh991gMSrF8ImXa4rQfwrPjwxWkkdfLKoA6ViUU5Nn8mO_VIa4/s1600/CSPlaque.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUCw1Krq9T2FNPQuFlaBAlDBxoqfcO0AF_ZXWYvJ23RUFvDgpzEG-NCAN2NsqQNA5rmkhC8YKjlsUiS7ZiFBP19Y_vHh991gMSrF8ImXa4rQfwrPjwxWkkdfLKoA6ViUU5Nn8mO_VIa4/s1600/CSPlaque.png" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plaque - soon to be fitted</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBKoY6OSH3ZSe2B9FKGZW8SoxvqbpV1BaCZiM8E12isNmI4o8IzR0UcV18tWQyANZMbIxi4btgf8xC9Bj_37jdnrBka2x9K490ZtN0PCaKVzdeEG7me-zFhxtZveCLlL7PZut27-tW_A/s1600/team+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBKoY6OSH3ZSe2B9FKGZW8SoxvqbpV1BaCZiM8E12isNmI4o8IzR0UcV18tWQyANZMbIxi4btgf8xC9Bj_37jdnrBka2x9K490ZtN0PCaKVzdeEG7me-zFhxtZveCLlL7PZut27-tW_A/s1600/team+photo.png" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After three hard days on the trot the team get a chance to sit down (swiftly followed by a well deserved beer!). Many thanks to the team from <a href="http://www.arccreativedesign.com/">Arc Creative Design</a> for their hard graft and craftsmanship.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><br /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAW8efPiO53VHr0qBJWrhnxUGxvWHhixSrXpqW3ZnSMsVNR3mHodRtjy4ttf2SXJqY3OWoVFZJkGmd7zCqxOrMXeYnStPmxC7VgRTWx3eiBTIW7H7H8GMbUHqN18AwZoWH4UEP0Ug7ls/s1600/20140403_175640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAW8efPiO53VHr0qBJWrhnxUGxvWHhixSrXpqW3ZnSMsVNR3mHodRtjy4ttf2SXJqY3OWoVFZJkGmd7zCqxOrMXeYnStPmxC7VgRTWx3eiBTIW7H7H8GMbUHqN18AwZoWH4UEP0Ug7ls/s1600/20140403_175640.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catha's Seat - nearly there!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><br /></a></div>
Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-2348265707021527452014-04-02T16:04:00.005-07:002014-04-02T16:04:57.712-07:00Catha's Seat Installation - Day 2 - Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was delighted to be on site today as Chris and the team from <a href="http://www.arccreativedesign.com/%20">ARC Creative Design</a> pulled out the stops for another long day to get seat #2 in.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0gxk_T65M0m-_gV70cu8QbtC19tFzWJkfEj1YV8yF8IE9W6UjXCzY4Uub6AKnFozemqzD3ZU2E9wfm6dtiY6I9nf7lD2By8Sf8G03DDlZ2jU8WkGFV-0tGu-y-hmR1XDFpV2QAWH11s/s1600/20140402_094626_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0gxk_T65M0m-_gV70cu8QbtC19tFzWJkfEj1YV8yF8IE9W6UjXCzY4Uub6AKnFozemqzD3ZU2E9wfm6dtiY6I9nf7lD2By8Sf8G03DDlZ2jU8WkGFV-0tGu-y-hmR1XDFpV2QAWH11s/s1600/20140402_094626_resized_1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning view</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoxawWNJJnYjK_5oPIIVUCJAcXBxznet95BcQryf5gqh7W6wXih7zj6ZuqyzvfwTJtnzB0koPu_BrZM3vDvZLoyBeH0zTAEekObtVbd2BEGLnNMi1MJH3osgHrvvTpdl9J1WAeY1-U2s/s1600/20140402_114659_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoxawWNJJnYjK_5oPIIVUCJAcXBxznet95BcQryf5gqh7W6wXih7zj6ZuqyzvfwTJtnzB0koPu_BrZM3vDvZLoyBeH0zTAEekObtVbd2BEGLnNMi1MJH3osgHrvvTpdl9J1WAeY1-U2s/s1600/20140402_114659_resized.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a gap of 700mm between seats is agreed work starts on #2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdtrpK3Ea8VIJ5ID38_eoTmwdZrHsv-3mPhbtupKlrjxBF_IyYXu7rzNgsUD-dS1pSMVnMdQ5X58-paJuLrvX9i0N1KAVkpSlehZtX8RSW_xaPzAEijEpbLY-DSt76zRcmx3HO5GQ0Eg/s1600/20140402_133750_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdtrpK3Ea8VIJ5ID38_eoTmwdZrHsv-3mPhbtupKlrjxBF_IyYXu7rzNgsUD-dS1pSMVnMdQ5X58-paJuLrvX9i0N1KAVkpSlehZtX8RSW_xaPzAEijEpbLY-DSt76zRcmx3HO5GQ0Eg/s1600/20140402_133750_resized.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason - the wood sculptor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y7FdW_LmhyhPBLz0APEJvLv7lLtzFOBeWY70ZYwVtOsWerNwUCPTewPscfYw3IGHDBMGNfAassRWeNUPR4mZBlAPE8G8g1t9A3JftyavMK-YYifk3xWlAL4E8aScP3MJlqY72Ktthsc/s1600/20140402_170953_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y7FdW_LmhyhPBLz0APEJvLv7lLtzFOBeWY70ZYwVtOsWerNwUCPTewPscfYw3IGHDBMGNfAassRWeNUPR4mZBlAPE8G8g1t9A3JftyavMK-YYifk3xWlAL4E8aScP3MJlqY72Ktthsc/s1600/20140402_170953_resized.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there were two!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eliza and I road test Seat #1</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-21278444354159228922014-04-01T15:44:00.001-07:002014-04-01T15:45:12.357-07:00Catha's Seat Installation - Day 1 - Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installation started successfully today, spring sprung and our frontline photographer (dad!) was on site to capture the action...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And they're off!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdfyqOCqPl584thumDqYFZ4sgh7Ilr3ov1mxPtxn0q-DffK5jWyj_xTT2S4lblPf8t2Ucv31ZxuhPWjZFm1vs_QL-4Njc4I4p92jU4kmTHyU-pPnRZY_CXasMoRNzck8PbcYSXnT0Y58/s1600/P1010229.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdfyqOCqPl584thumDqYFZ4sgh7Ilr3ov1mxPtxn0q-DffK5jWyj_xTT2S4lblPf8t2Ucv31ZxuhPWjZFm1vs_QL-4Njc4I4p92jU4kmTHyU-pPnRZY_CXasMoRNzck8PbcYSXnT0Y58/s1600/P1010229.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7am to 7pm - no 9 to 5 when you have a good weather window!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2JMoVoj0_pAYItRLcIvZv8XocyrKlZtku_-wW2WnsY1hSNQM0zNMAMSJ-NL1vTFGWdPb2L0LwKBcQQqQ6ZMH-lCRUzrK17Yg4LweY9EN1iRWKAUL3S-zgVmouGEhQSL6SbpzkbzTmJs/s1600/P1010226.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2JMoVoj0_pAYItRLcIvZv8XocyrKlZtku_-wW2WnsY1hSNQM0zNMAMSJ-NL1vTFGWdPb2L0LwKBcQQqQ6ZMH-lCRUzrK17Yg4LweY9EN1iRWKAUL3S-zgVmouGEhQSL6SbpzkbzTmJs/s1600/P1010226.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putting together the Jigsaw</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQZFN4NZC1NelUuqPMMma_M-iox1XyMJPKj6w1ajB-xjwONecLCk_gvYYcq_5B2LO__K1GdLMirslNDLnwp8JFN7xOs1JrAbfe4Nw4_Vw0bvVZ3x5omwlUafIjobtSEX5brFKEMGwYz0/s1600/P1010240.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQZFN4NZC1NelUuqPMMma_M-iox1XyMJPKj6w1ajB-xjwONecLCk_gvYYcq_5B2LO__K1GdLMirslNDLnwp8JFN7xOs1JrAbfe4Nw4_Vw0bvVZ3x5omwlUafIjobtSEX5brFKEMGwYz0/s1600/P1010240.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 1 - Bench 1 In the Ground!</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-81196394514773160352014-03-31T16:58:00.003-07:002014-04-01T00:21:23.900-07:00The time has come - Catha's Seat installation work starts 1st April 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's now just over a year and half ago since I was wondering how I could use my trip to Istanbul to raise funds to promote sustainable transport and my Mum's work when I spoke with Sheila Webb and she introduced me to the idea of installing seating with dedicated cycle parking on Route 18. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So much has happened in that time - we have raised £10,000, built a group of 62 investors and many more followers, secured three Local Authority Grants with the fantastic support of the local Parish Councils and Councillors, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kindly been granted permission to use the land, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wrestled with design decisions, been featured in the local newspaper, had invaluable assistance from Colin Finch on the Kent County Council Public Rights of Way team and our chosen contractor ARC Creative Design, and been shortlisted for a PEA award ..... amongst many other things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, <b>1st April</b> (weather permitting!), installation starts on Catha's Seat and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. I will be on site on Wednesday and Thursday so it would be great to see you if you are in the area or cycling by on Route 18. If you do drop by when I'm not there please note that whilst I'm sure Chris and his installation team from ARC Creative Design may be happy to have a brief chinwag they have a busy schedule to complete within their window of opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look forward to seeing you at Catha's Seat soon! Don't forget to mark the 3rd May launch date in your diary as well.... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loogix.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="gif maker online"><img alt="gif maker online" src="http://www.loogix.com/img/res/1/3/9/6/3/1/13963114913171024.gif" height="234" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to Eliza .gifs are all the rage on the blogs these days. This is my attempt that starts with the last photo I have pre installation (taken on Sunday morning 30th March 2014)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.loogix.com/">gif maker online</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a></div>
Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-31336714954716788232014-03-20T17:57:00.000-07:002014-03-20T17:59:22.408-07:00Catha's Seat Construction Underway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the long drought of news since the last post (my apologies) there's been a hive of activity on Catha's Seat. The fundraising has been completed, the order has been placed and construction has started. We'll catch up with the details at a later stage but for the moment I want to do two things</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Firstly... </b>make sure that the launch date is firmly in your calendars (Saturday 3rd May):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We are planning something special so start oiling your chains and pumping your tyres. We will be launching from Wye but I understand that Spokes are also looking to run a ride from Canterbury, which you can join if you are a Spokes member <a href="http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk/events.php">http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk/events.php</a> . Also, if you prefer to walk - it's around 5 miles from Wye or 1 mile from Chilham.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The main event up at Catha's Seat is shaping up for around 1-2.30pm.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Secondly... </b>show you some pictures of construction:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Tuesday we took a visit to the company constructing and installing the seats, <a href="http://www.arccreativedesign.com/">ARC Creative Design</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. ARC specialise in heritage installations and were behind Sheila's Crichton Family Seat near Canterbury, so were the ideal choice for the project.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Photos and comments below:</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason the carpenter gets comfortable on some solid oak! Don't worry - it's not really going to be that high off the ground - the feet stick ~400mm into the ground so it's good and secure.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-YumPJ5zIUCwOQNhJPziRaB4Fto8ckZfr_sEJcRj1iz0Pwzj6kp812aFw_HjUWvmK2R6_TQ13E0gvurGD_Wo4kVdMngaTzysTXe3jbeuPbiRJUhorG1CpQ83nZuDruuXNn7tFX5_w5w/s1600/20140318_165157_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-YumPJ5zIUCwOQNhJPziRaB4Fto8ckZfr_sEJcRj1iz0Pwzj6kp812aFw_HjUWvmK2R6_TQ13E0gvurGD_Wo4kVdMngaTzysTXe3jbeuPbiRJUhorG1CpQ83nZuDruuXNn7tFX5_w5w/s1600/20140318_165157_resized_1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keegan Senior tests out his Sunday newspaper reading position.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6IxS9LInb92vj_DoNLSFEnH0i0UcxQh3vI3vfnkGisYUrZTdADA7EBGE0vKHRT_nM9EF_tc0kS5SucxCHPFAVWEgmihrPVKGkV0to5OZ-6BGMiyBFvFcWCZDFr5x1C2fEg2xVHDzrfU/s1600/20140318_165354_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6IxS9LInb92vj_DoNLSFEnH0i0UcxQh3vI3vfnkGisYUrZTdADA7EBGE0vKHRT_nM9EF_tc0kS5SucxCHPFAVWEgmihrPVKGkV0to5OZ-6BGMiyBFvFcWCZDFr5x1C2fEg2xVHDzrfU/s1600/20140318_165354_resized.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The arms give a nice comfort - allowing you to relax into the corners, and essential support for expansive gestures!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWVx6lkg7rpTGmd_RZqnchVZZPmLP9JvNtK6OV2v65J3GBNCPxaOGQRrgqZc4Bt1K5QLnTthrC9wegdHXpi_9wIQuEJ6YXfEoSNt7cEv6rDuwhLRLsMQgVZTzauTRowyjTIkGkEFEmjo/s1600/20140318_165424_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWVx6lkg7rpTGmd_RZqnchVZZPmLP9JvNtK6OV2v65J3GBNCPxaOGQRrgqZc4Bt1K5QLnTthrC9wegdHXpi_9wIQuEJ6YXfEoSNt7cEv6rDuwhLRLsMQgVZTzauTRowyjTIkGkEFEmjo/s1600/20140318_165424_resized.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris from ARC shows there's plenty of room on the seats, which are designed to comfortably seat a small family (two adults and a child).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuL-mH3xNAsrOfWoTat5uWmbibMIIjlX2jNV1PJiJrgjdbvmnAkINxK-nEvRr65ggdvi7sMQyf4cLhzRuXz0iXfSfUXy33CDlew-gpiwSgSXfRt93ZTRwVkCv-d-4jJPYdVdJGlrxnJg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuL-mH3xNAsrOfWoTat5uWmbibMIIjlX2jNV1PJiJrgjdbvmnAkINxK-nEvRr65ggdvi7sMQyf4cLhzRuXz0iXfSfUXy33CDlew-gpiwSgSXfRt93ZTRwVkCv-d-4jJPYdVdJGlrxnJg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arm design decisions were hotly debated by the team - honesty versus aesthetics. A slightly rounded shape got the final approval.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FCc_rroBOgxNPb9TepPfYqtD_aqh_jEF2j0ekRTxnJuYsta2JE_ep1rvdcwbR3AZx_b4YDXizsA1akOgMjumX3_LEoi3RbxN9g78R_qWdPIoKIEfYc193ocFmg_xQvXeHJBmOPTUQmY/s1600/20140318_165229_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FCc_rroBOgxNPb9TepPfYqtD_aqh_jEF2j0ekRTxnJuYsta2JE_ep1rvdcwbR3AZx_b4YDXizsA1akOgMjumX3_LEoi3RbxN9g78R_qWdPIoKIEfYc193ocFmg_xQvXeHJBmOPTUQmY/s1600/20140318_165229_resized.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multi Purpose Recreational Area - bike rack, yoga mat, picnic spot...</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-77581035869571688442013-11-11T16:41:00.004-08:002013-11-11T16:52:25.221-08:00Catha's Seat Shortlisted for a PEA Award<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catha's Seat has been shortlisted for a PEA award under the Responsible Travel Category!!! <span class="s1"><a href="http://www.peaawards.co.uk/2013-shortlisted-nominees/">http://www.peaawards.co.uk/2013-shortlisted-nominees/ </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The PEA or People and Environmental Awareness awards are designed to</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> recognise people and celebrate their contributions to the green agenda.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">In association with GREEN Magazine, their glamorous green carpet awards ceremony honours those who have demonstrated the importance of sustainability. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Judges include green entrepreneurs and sustainability leads within organisations such as Mott MacDonald, National Geographic and PricewaterhouseCoopers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hadn't even considered being shortlisted for an award was a possibility but one of my close friends, Karen, just nominated us off her own back and we were shortlisted by the judges! Hopefully this will bring even more publicity & awareness to the hard work that has gone into Route 18 and the joys of cycling in Kent.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcvMy-H-deyHLohO6ChiPu2gKiXc5zYuRQWVk-Spzraqf-5HgAMGSiGpDLdd3pIJ83rKyLV3KuG4HCx5zhO0wfTgndGeC2M4dbgJ-7tTDvQb5UrqL6IqJ8QGrvhzzRIAsc-K_HLLi3-s/s1600/pea_awards_logo_transparent1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcvMy-H-deyHLohO6ChiPu2gKiXc5zYuRQWVk-Spzraqf-5HgAMGSiGpDLdd3pIJ83rKyLV3KuG4HCx5zhO0wfTgndGeC2M4dbgJ-7tTDvQb5UrqL6IqJ8QGrvhzzRIAsc-K_HLLi3-s/s400/pea_awards_logo_transparent1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - copyright the PEA awards</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many thanks to Karen for nominating us and to the judges for shortlisting us. The awards will be held on the 26th November so please keep your fingers and toes crossed for the win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, the thermometer is nearly at the £10,000 mark however, It's not too late to get involved and donate! Any additional funds over the target will go into a revolving Catha's Seat fund for maintenance of the seats and promotion of cycling on Route 18. </span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-51952440504514610302013-09-26T05:36:00.000-07:002013-09-26T05:36:03.681-07:00Catha's Seat - Fresh off the press in the Kentish Express!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News fresh off the press this morning as Catha's Seat was featured in the Kentish Express, our local paper. If you are in the area, get down to the shops and get a copy while they are still hot!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many, many thanks to reporter James Scott, and the Kent Messenger (KM) Group, for covering our story.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsw2cP7V0qxEJE0OwBQiZqlwPNPQKwK7f7peWZz3_Cldrf2BLfVv3SlPqL8D_2CP9ohdmB5gdNYH6P0EtstSakB8SGL5FzBAQFw3idIxrHm4dLbN3bAZbDAu6SkyQLzJWdaeXWhq5g9E/s1600/Presentation1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsw2cP7V0qxEJE0OwBQiZqlwPNPQKwK7f7peWZz3_Cldrf2BLfVv3SlPqL8D_2CP9ohdmB5gdNYH6P0EtstSakB8SGL5FzBAQFw3idIxrHm4dLbN3bAZbDAu6SkyQLzJWdaeXWhq5g9E/s640/Presentation1.png" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cutting from page 33 of the Kentish Express published 26/09/2013. <br />Used with permission from the KM Group.</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-51506195730103826602013-09-20T09:25:00.002-07:002013-09-21T01:12:46.893-07:00Councillor Wickham gets behind Catha's Seat and funding breaks £8,000 barrier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The funding thermometer has smashed through the £8,000 mark with your donations!! This is fantastic; thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This leaves less than £2,000 left to raise, on which front there is more positive news we can share. Following a letter I sent to Andrew Wickham, Kent County Council (KCC) Councillor for Ashford Rural East, he has got right behind the project and is looking to support the fundraising from his KCC Member's Community Grant Scheme. Earlier this week it was confirmed that he is able to contribute £1,000 towards the installation of Catha's Seat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When speaking with Councillor Wickham I was delighted to hear that he has been fully supporting the development of the new "traffic free" section of Route 18. He shares our aim to get as many people as possible out and using these facilities for enjoyment, wellbeing and safe sustainable transport. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than just helping funding, having the support of influential organisations and individuals such as KCC and Councillor Wickham is very important for a community project - it validates the need and develops the reach it can achieve - so this is a very exciting development.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bc9DIUWlzleERJScZZZK4TTccMBWiZxFo8p7KlZXfskjMNYbTTIS8pVeiE6BwZrs0rvgoZ1XKWfR3kNVM854LsP4DG9RiYcBViAMRWS-3IASwkeF3f5_VzCRdwrdBC_yOFZz5RTtggk/s1600/bigpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bc9DIUWlzleERJScZZZK4TTccMBWiZxFo8p7KlZXfskjMNYbTTIS8pVeiE6BwZrs0rvgoZ1XKWfR3kNVM854LsP4DG9RiYcBViAMRWS-3IASwkeF3f5_VzCRdwrdBC_yOFZz5RTtggk/s1600/bigpic.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Wickham, Kent County Council Councillor for Ashford Rural East, has got behind the Catha's Seat project.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Councillor Wickham added the following kind comments in his email to me....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Thank you for your letter with details about your well thought out project to provide a seat along Route 18 near Chilham. I am minded to support this project"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Good luck with the remainder of your fundraising, I am sure Catha would be proud."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of us at Catha's Seat would like to express our thanks to Councillor Wickham and to KCC funding officer Annette Haigh for their support.</span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-1072129838734210822013-09-18T17:11:00.000-07:002013-09-19T05:54:47.506-07:00Godmersham Parish Council give support to Catha's Seat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was treated to a warm welcome at Godmersham Parish Council's meeting on Tuesday night in their brand spanking new <a href="http://www.gcvh.info/">village hall</a>. This has been outfitted with the latest green technology; solar PV and heat pumps, but more importantly a set of freshly installed bike racks where I could park up dad's bike after a twilight ride over from Wye! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was fantastic to hear so many positive comments and suggestions regarding the new cycle route and Catha's Seat. I am delighted that the PC have chosen to support the project and our forthcoming bid to the Ashford Borough Council Single Grants Gateway Scheme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the short window I saw of the meeting Godmersham PC are dedicated to continuously improving their Parish for the benefit of their residents.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T7-LK9NQW0JRbPy223vC9aF_xGTtlGUwOYUoXXA-yzqIJ0KEFfyM3ewrTEAy4G7r-gccQCOY9aq78SRkDJSCnO0HgGq-PQI_kEaYAiNLl1-jfo30mo-nOFGfXwdgjk1Qyyy34CLjlQA/s1600/IMAG3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T7-LK9NQW0JRbPy223vC9aF_xGTtlGUwOYUoXXA-yzqIJ0KEFfyM3ewrTEAy4G7r-gccQCOY9aq78SRkDJSCnO0HgGq-PQI_kEaYAiNLl1-jfo30mo-nOFGfXwdgjk1Qyyy34CLjlQA/s400/IMAG3845.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the board room - Godmersham Parish Council consider and choose to support the Catha's Seat Project</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Godmersham PC's Chair, Caroline Spencer, wrote the following comments on behalf of the Council in support of Catha's Seat:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"In our view, Catha's Seat will be a major attraction: a delightful destination to which people can walk or cycle along the traffic-free section from Eggarton Lane, or a stopping point along the way for those passing through. This can only improve our quality of life as our health and well-being is enhanced through more exercise, and our enjoyment of the countryside improves.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We are excited about the possibility of using Catha's Seat for community events, and you will recall last night that we were beginning to think of ways in which the Council could assist in planning and resourcing such occasions. In a community such as ours which is short on public facilities, we have learned to make our own entertainment, and are therefore very enthusiastic about a new, outdoor facility such as Catha's Seat to use as a focus."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to express my thanks to Caroline and the members of the Parish Council for allowing me to speak at their meeting and for their support. We look forward to progressing some exciting community events with them up at Catha's Seat in the years to come.</span></div>
Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-5716545288722733842013-09-12T06:32:00.003-07:002013-09-12T06:32:38.236-07:00Catha's Seat - some history on the campaigning work of Catharine Keegan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I would share an excerpt from some of the letters we've been sending out to build support for the project.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This brings together juicy research I found out about mum's campaigning from conversations with Catherine Hughes, Sue Powell and dad. Seems like she made quite a stir locally.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Catharine Keegan (Gilmour) was a particularly active member of the community within Ashford Borough and in the village of Wye. As an architect and planner, she dedicated a considerable amount of her time to local planning issues and sustainable transport initiatives. She was instrumental in the early work on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenda_21">Local Agenda 21</a> and the <a href="http://www.ashford.gov.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n738.pdf&ver=1088">Wye Village Design Statement</a>, the first Community produced Village Design Statement in the Borough, which is dedicated to her. </span><br />
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She also made a number of representations to the Ashford Borough Local Plan on cycling and planning matters, which according to Catherine Hughes, the programme officer with ABC at the time, were considered a “benchmark” of good written representations by the Inspectors examining the Local Plan. In fact, her work was admired to the extent that she is - uniquely for a document of this type - mentioned in the introduction to the Inspector’s Report into the Ashford Local Plan 2000:</span><br />
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<li><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">“31. Although I do not usually identify any particular individual that has taken part in the Inquiry process, I do wish to record my appreciation to one person. It has come to my attention that Catharine Gilmore [Gilmour] who represented a number of objectors at the Inquiry and in written representations, died unexpectedly earlier last year. Although I may not have agreed with all of her representations, I found her professional approach to be of the highest standard and presented in a friendly and efficient manner.”</span></i></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another picture from the archives - Mum in action surveying at Ashford International Station (photo courtesy of Sheila Webb)</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-15618915613979241302013-09-09T15:09:00.000-07:002013-09-09T15:09:09.011-07:00Meals on wheels - the Coop have the right idea!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spotted in Wye......</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coop pedal powered marketing - wonder if they'll take a ride up to Catha's Seat?</span></td></tr>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-52883366534210321012013-09-01T15:55:00.000-07:002013-09-01T15:55:18.739-07:00Catha's Seat Marketing Mission!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catha's Seat fliers have literally been flying off the shelves! Over 300 have been distributed to date so the message is getting out there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have now been spotted in a number of popular Stour Valley locations - why not hunt one down!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCt40KeUnHvjF_t9bTfagY4kprBdLr_GEBV1AX0-WW9UMJl5igYClVMgCNGhbGsOmxjCFV8sUkLuSD4riQlgvLQwoSRhWgOaA5Pem_fV-nDr5XMEggXe7oXZ9PGdOoMvsNTExtp1aL6U/s1600/marketing+collage+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCt40KeUnHvjF_t9bTfagY4kprBdLr_GEBV1AX0-WW9UMJl5igYClVMgCNGhbGsOmxjCFV8sUkLuSD4riQlgvLQwoSRhWgOaA5Pem_fV-nDr5XMEggXe7oXZ9PGdOoMvsNTExtp1aL6U/s400/marketing+collage+1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flier with your pint? Propping up the bar at the Woolpack in Chilham, the Artichoke in Chartham and the Barber's Arms in Wye</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nestling into the community. Fliers hanging out on Wye Community notice board, in Wakelins Butchers and Delicatessen in Wye, and Wye Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many thanks to the following for displaying leaflets and promoting the project: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wye Bakery, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ticketyboo in Wye, Botanic in Wye, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Artichoke Pub in Chilham, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the White Horse pub in Chilham, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perry Court Farm Shop, the Kings Head Pub in Wye, the New Flying Horse Pub in Wye, the Barber's Arms micropub in Wye, Wakelins Butchers in Wye, Wye Surgery, the Woolpack Pub in Chilham, Wye Station and the Dolphin Pub in Canterbury.</span></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-33438603563605664792013-08-29T05:44:00.000-07:002013-08-29T06:03:50.684-07:00Chartham Wanderers hit the New Wye Lane and take a virtual rest at Catha's Seat!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sheila guided a walk yesterday along the new section of Route 18 with sixteen intrepid members of the Chartham Wanderers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were very glad to hear that they were impressed </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the improvements to the path and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the location of Catha's Seat - they even took a virtual sit down as you'll see below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were treated to some sweltering weather so the shade of the trees above Catha's Seat provided some welcome relief.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBgXhGoBlJPeio2qwvWyAyo2X4PD14BMG8AJ0ThXnBScVVqLRlTExdMMai9VKS4kBurt39PWD40mf92Ze5hj40tKVwhNiiZ_yakyITF_h8TgnXHj0GCXR0OtSiqbiR3jFggOaAxkyXD4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBgXhGoBlJPeio2qwvWyAyo2X4PD14BMG8AJ0ThXnBScVVqLRlTExdMMai9VKS4kBurt39PWD40mf92Ze5hj40tKVwhNiiZ_yakyITF_h8TgnXHj0GCXR0OtSiqbiR3jFggOaAxkyXD4/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chartham Wanderers taking a virtual sit down at Catha's Seat (photo courtesy of Shelia Webb)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is great stuff - exactly what Mum (Catha) wanted - people using the Route for enjoyment as well as a sustainable way to get from A to B. If you haven't given it a try yet then get your tyres pumped up or your walking boots on, while the weather is still fine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The group were handed copies of our Catha's Seat leaflet and I understand a number of donations were made, for which we are very grateful.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We hope that they will continue to follow the project and join us when we are able to celebrate the installation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to the Chartham Wanderers, their organiser Ruth and also Sheila for showing us the enjoyment that can be taken up on the new section Route 18. </span></div>
Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-12142219532179595632013-08-09T02:05:00.002-07:002013-08-09T06:37:57.888-07:00Catha's Seat R&D - the original Sustrans sleeper seats on the Bristol to Bath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of July we went up out west to visit our friends Mez and Anne-Marie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hit the B2B Bristol to Bath cycle path along an old railway line - a great day out if you are in the area - 17 miles of dedicated cycle path with nice stop offs in old railway stations that have been converted into Cafes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The B2B features two of the original Sustrans seats, made out of old railway sleepers - the design that inspired Sheila's Family seat and Catha's Seat. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look mum, no feet!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being in the suburban areas of Bristol unfortunately these beautiful seats have had a fair amount of abuse. Catha's Seat will be further out into the countryside so we hope it will have a more gentle treatment however, the design we are using has no expense spared to ensure robustness and longevity. The highest quality solid green oak beams will be individually selected, finding pieces with the fewest faults and no knots. These will be carefully joined and tied together with metal cables and strips. The timbers will be fixed deep into the ground.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fashion shoot pose!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a full view of one of these original seats follow this link </span><a href="http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publicart/fullsize/CP145-b.jpg" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publicart/fullsize/CP145-b.jpg</a></div>
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749895932462641627.post-82825168218434562752013-08-09T01:52:00.001-07:002013-08-09T01:52:59.870-07:00Official Launch of the new link of Route 18 - 31st May 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apologies for the drought in posts recently and this latest one is a bit on the old side but nevertheless very important news that needs to be aired......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">31st May 2013 was a very exciting day for us. It was the official launch of the new link of Route 18 organised by Kent County Council and <a href="http://www.bromptondock.co.uk/">Brompton Dock</a>. The latter were also unveiling their new facilities outside Ashford International Station. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an interesting sight... the suited and booted figures of Press, Councillors, Politicians and Company Executives mingled with the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lycra and hi-vis cladding of the local dedicated cycle bods; an impressive turnout considering it was a weekday morning.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The MD of Brompton Dock unfolds cycles for dignitaries to try out - apparently his record for setting one of these up is less than 10 seconds!! A Brompton Dock is essentially a set of lockers each with a Brompton folding bicycle inside, which you can hire, making your onward journey form Ashford Station quick, cost effective, healthy and sustainable - a fantastic idea. There are 4 stations in Kent with these facilities (<a href="http://www.bromptondock.co.uk/our-locations/">as well as 15 other UK locations</a>) including Canterbury West. This means you can jump on Route 18 at either end - what a great way to see Kent if you are down from London (DFL) - rent a Brompton and cycle the route!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a fair few late nights to finish off and print a first run of the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6RLiUdlTP6RU0otQnhUN3B2QW8/edit" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seat Leaflet</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> before this event I was running on caffeine alone! Dad and I worked the crowd to get our leaflets and message out about the seat project. Luckily my events skills learnt during my time in sales at powerPerfector put me in good stead, and dad just has a good charm factor, so we ended up getting over 30 flyers out, meeting some exciting movers and shakers including our local MP, Damian Green.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following the press photo shoots it was time for the serious business of the day, the inaugural ride Ashford to Canterbury on the newly enhanced Route 18, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">led by Spokes East Kent Cycling Campaign Chairman Steve Fawke. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve kindly let me take the reigns for the ride out of Ashford and gave me the opportunity to say a few words to the group when we arrived at Catha's Seat - many thanks to Steve for accommodating this at short notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to let the photos do the talking......</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvAEP-w4pnH5xw8eLuaiEt2EA_VEYrdLQCXsPZeU48kcPMW5B9jRzstfmrwI9tUXp7z3B26cQafF7kbtSbQKO8ANt8BGPwKopPEG2mveqEl1nZGpll__s9PAS1FIpZHKt1P8zax3QF2E/s1600/IMAG3442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvAEP-w4pnH5xw8eLuaiEt2EA_VEYrdLQCXsPZeU48kcPMW5B9jRzstfmrwI9tUXp7z3B26cQafF7kbtSbQKO8ANt8BGPwKopPEG2mveqEl1nZGpll__s9PAS1FIpZHKt1P8zax3QF2E/s320/IMAG3442.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spokes Chairman Steve Fawke leads the peleton out of Ashford on the dedicated cycle paths through the Little Burton estate.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdlZ-Ge6zS9Rwvn9xUatWErwFHC3iop5Ba3Y3r8zEcN60VzEBGS695wL0IHu5fAbvrBlBmtX0vl4c48-zEK47QQYJFu6kpFrcEmpKTr9BL3mTiTLDG4pW-EvPXeo_lrhp7wqqCw8Oymw/s1600/IMAG3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdlZ-Ge6zS9Rwvn9xUatWErwFHC3iop5Ba3Y3r8zEcN60VzEBGS695wL0IHu5fAbvrBlBmtX0vl4c48-zEK47QQYJFu6kpFrcEmpKTr9BL3mTiTLDG4pW-EvPXeo_lrhp7wqqCw8Oymw/s320/IMAG3449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riders approach Wye via the backroad part of route 18 that goes through Hinxhill and Naccolt. It is hoped that a new section of dedicated cycle path proposed along the Stour between Ashford and Wye will reduce the mileage and improve safety in the future.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhuc53vnFhdPclYvZbvBWADcYeNCKx30_WtM3RwBW723sA0fx1ZWhyphenhyphenUDWF4Z5G3Xmzg767B-o1wd5H4qPfShqCiLQ08xpcPjOtGEhwibI7a9gL1oPQm4UtmLqEE9seO5T-dPzmb4wf_I/s1600/IMAG3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhuc53vnFhdPclYvZbvBWADcYeNCKx30_WtM3RwBW723sA0fx1ZWhyphenhyphenUDWF4Z5G3Xmzg767B-o1wd5H4qPfShqCiLQ08xpcPjOtGEhwibI7a9gL1oPQm4UtmLqEE9seO5T-dPzmb4wf_I/s320/IMAG3453.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New signage - points to the start of the new "traffic free" section off Eggarton Lane in Godmersham</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H1W1B5uCD3tovozzBH-j6urvkpjyiOaEx416s9SwFQT9PhSmfnh5x_qcer7ACMgzMAzw-CYXFML_1uiOJ-HxI46mquu-1Mx23EZS5k80zipDv-7ituXx-VXrr6_Fo44_AH2KdFHThcM/s1600/IMAG3506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H1W1B5uCD3tovozzBH-j6urvkpjyiOaEx416s9SwFQT9PhSmfnh5x_qcer7ACMgzMAzw-CYXFML_1uiOJ-HxI46mquu-1Mx23EZS5k80zipDv-7ituXx-VXrr6_Fo44_AH2KdFHThcM/s320/IMAG3506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first tantalising section of freshly surfaced cycle path just off Eggarton Lane</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKleFbXm9zEIE0rQvLbrgCBAjSe5YgrHDyK5hIw_V3s_tyEZ-sgY4ok6KZrUEKgowHwZhVBkHZteWXRjQFyB-5Wew6hpe8wnU4IbDCPl1_m43V2xpuvG7XKiNuXw-HTWbv8B6VnwXapts/s1600/IMAG3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKleFbXm9zEIE0rQvLbrgCBAjSe5YgrHDyK5hIw_V3s_tyEZ-sgY4ok6KZrUEKgowHwZhVBkHZteWXRjQFyB-5Wew6hpe8wnU4IbDCPl1_m43V2xpuvG7XKiNuXw-HTWbv8B6VnwXapts/s320/IMAG3672.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking back along Route 18 towards Wye from Pope Street - a very tidy job!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCCxuU6RccAkgljFpxUPxN0_Th_Ey-YGq1tG9XVozzS00vMVjc0J9ynIDPcbC1MsSSFcalFb4RgTFvdoWvsMWHmKCuTKBsVFRsaLedJm4JoBN_jnsQOk7J5Tve-4Wi0-TtUvLMrIJWRk/s1600/IMAG3673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCCxuU6RccAkgljFpxUPxN0_Th_Ey-YGq1tG9XVozzS00vMVjc0J9ynIDPcbC1MsSSFcalFb4RgTFvdoWvsMWHmKCuTKBsVFRsaLedJm4JoBN_jnsQOk7J5Tve-4Wi0-TtUvLMrIJWRk/s320/IMAG3673.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chicane safely stops riders coming out on to the road at Pope Street too quickly - avoiding any altercations with motor vehicles!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOp7WMsNqtFtEmnoMe22zJg44i14DuHeVwZ0RMJJu9Ah7axYZdFTIY7a95fqJIUResMAIIgW8Qt9cMh9_zglUTsR0wU8GlzgfGKp7OSBXiM-SwNmrZKmulJaKTei0GZeOLZTAvh7pZ7s/s1600/IMAG3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOp7WMsNqtFtEmnoMe22zJg44i14DuHeVwZ0RMJJu9Ah7axYZdFTIY7a95fqJIUResMAIIgW8Qt9cMh9_zglUTsR0wU8GlzgfGKp7OSBXiM-SwNmrZKmulJaKTei0GZeOLZTAvh7pZ7s/s320/IMAG3456.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riding the Great Stour Way closer to Canterbury. This was opened in 2011 and has the surface has settled in fantastically - it's a pleasure to ride; pedestrians and cyclists use the facilities in harmony and there are plenty of seats here! The Gentleman in the orange jacket is a committed cycle crusader in Scotland who joined us for the day - he rode the rolling contours of the route on a single speed brompton, with ease!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpVF2sXNTODGZ_Z88MZlH5R7a-lgZEa6JdPNTKYJmTixpGcs_J3MmbBwmM4RL2rT8FMHIwYOQ1AKF696xJmL0oMDkuj2kc2O5nnP_2QmtzTvIDxSfjNFQp1r1RbjCdhad602T-4r6cic/s1600/IMAG3460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpVF2sXNTODGZ_Z88MZlH5R7a-lgZEa6JdPNTKYJmTixpGcs_J3MmbBwmM4RL2rT8FMHIwYOQ1AKF696xJmL0oMDkuj2kc2O5nnP_2QmtzTvIDxSfjNFQp1r1RbjCdhad602T-4r6cic/s320/IMAG3460.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A well earned drink after 17 glorious miles. Luckily the Bishops Finger Pub greets you just as you finish Route 18 in Canterbury.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in making this new link happen over the last 20 years - the 31st May 2013 was truly a milestone for Kent cycling.</span><br />
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Nick Keeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265183433692211684noreply@blogger.com1