All Go For Googies Cafe Campaign / Knives Out For Googies / Last Supper for Googies? / etc.

Popular Googies Art Café in Rendezvous Street is warning it faces closure after Shepway District Council refused an application for a late license on grounds of noise pollution.

However, a highly organised fight against the council's decision is emerging, with local promoters and politicians supporting Googies.The campaign appears to be off to a good start, with events promoter Louie Burns telling FUTS that South East News may film a piece and that the story will be front page lead in the Herald on Thursday (tomorrow).

A fundraising day of live music has been planned for May 3. ‘Googie Fest’ will have music outside from 2pm-5.30pm, and the entertainment will continue inside the cafe until 9.30pm.  A ‘Fight For Googies’ Facebook page has been set up which claims 'we want to cause the biggest stink Folkestone has ever seen.'

A press release states around 60 people attended a meeting at the cafe on April 17, organised and led by Louie Burns. Attendees were ‘clearly angry with the futility of the council’s decision and the clear disregard for them’ as speakers put forward the case for Googies. Louie Burns' promotions site 'Blueskypie' has held several events in Folkestone and has close links to Googies.

Mayor Janet Andrews spoke at the meeting, and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins both offered help. Although not part of the Creative Foundation, the cafe prides itself on promoting local art and acting as a hub for creative talents in Folkestone.

Mr Collins, an ardent supporter of the cultural regeneration of the town, emailed FUTS explaining that he fully supported the cafe, and had even taken Development Control Committee member Cllr Hugh Barker to the meeting to give advice to Googies owner Keith Holland.

‘Given that other bars and venues have late licenses, and there are many other restaurants in the area, I cannot see why the council can't resolve these issues with Googies, and I hope that they will work with them to resolve this,’ wrote Mr Collins.

Louie Burns agreed, stating; ‘With Stones bar playing music until 2am that rattles the windows, with fights, police and noise constantly outside, it seems totally ridiculous to refuse Googies’ request to play acoustic music.’

Ms Beaumont had not responded to questions about her support at the time of posting. FUTS understands Ms Beaumont sent a letter to council planners, though in the run up to the election council officials have to be extremely careful in responding to or promoting candidates and councillors.

It is known that several of the café’s licensing requirements have been broken, including playing loud music and cooking food on the premises. Complaints have been received from the residents above the café about the noise and it is thought relations with residents and a neighbouring café are fractious.

Writing to FUTS, Keith Holland admitted breaking licensing rules, but explained that ‘food and coffee are slow’ and the licensing requirements were forcing him out of business;

‘Initially we were breaking our licensed hours and remaining open until 12. It was reported to the licensing team and we immediately changed our hours to 10. After 2 weeks we noticed a huge drop in customers. Being asked to leave by 10pm has kept them away.

‘I am now in personal debt and cannot sustain not taking a wage, being able to stay open late is essential for the success of the business. If I have to close I might open another Googies, but not in this town.’

A well placed source told FUTS that there might be a chance the license could be granted, though Googies would have to stick rigidly to the license requirements ‘for a few months.’
Cautioning that alterations would have to be made to the premises, including soundproofing, the source warned that generating lots of negative publicity for the council may backfire.

The source said; ‘It is then with the licensing board - if they see he has done the right things, if they see he regrets the previous actions, if neighbours et al support his application then he may get it. But nothing is guaranteed. Making a big noise in the Herald will not make that easier to achieve.’

In a statement to FUTS Shepway District Council wrote; ‘Obviously we welcome businesses that bring colour and vibrancy to our town centre. However, we also have to consider how a business such as this may affect people living near it.

‘Unlike other restaurants and bars nearby, there are six flats above Googies and we have already received complaints about noise.

‘Googies, can of course, appeal against our decision not to extend weekday opening hours to mid-night.’

Haitian Earthquake Fundraiser in Folkestone Tonight

Musicians will be performing and an eclectic mix of raffle prizes will up for grabs tonight at Quarterhouse as part of a fundraising event for the DEC Haitian Earthquake Appeal.

Musicians including country-blues singer and guitarist Pete Molinairi and Folkestone based ‘Tess’ are among the acts playing.

Raffle prizes, including tickets to Folkestone racecourse, kitchenware and even a body painting session.

The Creative Foundation have allowed the use of Quarterhouse at no charge, and all proceeds raised will go to the appeal.

Tickets are £9 on the door, doors open at 7:00pm.

DEC Appeal here for donations.

Folkestone Gig Tonight - Higher State - Bar Below

Souvenir Circus event tonight features local band Higher State are at the Bar Below tonight. Expect avant-garde short films and awesome 60s tunes. £3 on the door, 9 till late.

Higher State - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmBpTuB5qHw
Souvenir Circus flyer and info - http://www.souvenirshowbox.co.uk/

Blueskypie Secret Party Roundup

Guests of the latest Blueskypie ‘secret party’ enjoyed a wide variety performances encompassing mime, music and even a bit of stand-up comedy in Googies Arts Café in Rendezvous Street on Wednesday night.

Featuring acts either based in or with ties to the area, the entertainment ranged from the bizarre to the thought provoking. The Subterraneans, performing for the first time, produced an engaging set of what can only be described as ‘yet-uncategorised-turbo-revolutionary-folk’, at one point incorporating a loud hailer. Local singers and guitarists Dan Lucas and Marty Radcliffe performed, with a stand-up comedy slot from James Abbot.

Compere ‘Henry 18th’ and mimes from Shhh! Productions kept the audience amused and perplexed in equal measure during the breaks, and the evening was rounded off with a 20 minute DJ set from Pete Blue which brought guests onto the dancefloor.

Normally performing in clubs around the world, Pete Blue accompanied a projection of poetry and images, along the theme of Apathy, created by Blueskypie organiser and promoter Louie Burns.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Burns was pleased with the result. “I think the last part made people think, but ended the night on a high.”

Typically coy about the next event, scheduled for late January, Mr. Burns would only reveal “It will be called Revive. It will be a bit more relaxed next time!”

To book tickets or get involved in other Blueskypie events follow the link on the right.

Escape the Rain

Christmas shopping today? If you need a break from the crowds and the weather, Googies cafe, Rendezvous Street, has an acoustic jam session this afternoon (Sunday). Just sit back and listen or take part, great atmosphere, food and drinks, all levels welcome.

Week's events

For lots of events this week and the most up-to-date information on happenings, check out the All Day Breakfast, Blueskypie, Stepuptothemic and What's On Folkestone sites - links on the right of the page.
Highlights include:


Saturday 28, Folkestone Town Centre, 10:30AM is the Christmas parade.


Saturday 28 at The Lanterns, Lonestar comedy Club. Music will be provided by the excellent Diane Dunn. Compere Bethany Black “ If you only go to see one show by a Goth lesbian post-op transsexual then make sure it's this one” - Matt Forde, Nick Wilty, Angie Barnes and Ged Butcher (Two promising newcomers from the UK comedy circuit) www.lonestargroup.co.uk

Summary of gigs across Kent: http://www.thealldaybreakfast.com/kent-gigs-22nd-to-28th-november/

Secret Party Success

Around 50 people enjoyed an eclectic mix of music, comedy and mime at a 'secret party,' on Wednesday, November 11, hosted at Googies Art Cafe in Rendezvous Street.

Details of the event, organised by Blueskypie, with the Lonestar Comedy club, were kept under wraps until everyone was in the venue. Behind blanked-out windows around 50 guests were kept entertained, fed and watered till late.

Speaking after the event, Googies owner Keith Holland was delighted with the turnout: "There were more people than expected and we were rushed off our feet, but it was a fantastic night with a great atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to the next one."

The next 'secret party' is planned for December 2, also at Googies. When questioned, Blueskypie organiser Louie Burns was reluctant to give much away, cryptically commenting "It's going to be great. I'm really pushing the boundaries with the next one."

Tickets for the next event can be arranged through Blueskypie (link on the right of this page).

Open Mic Night Tues November 20, Home Ground Cafe Bar

Step Up To The Mic is hosting an open mic night at Home Ground Cafe Bar, 41 Old High Street, Folkestone. Tuesday November 20, 8.30 till late.


Tim Warner, organiser, runs open mic nights at a variety of locations. All levels welcome and encouraged, always a friendly atmosphere, so come down and give it a go!


Call Tim on 07793109618 for more information or turn up on the night.

Open Mic Night Nov 10

There is an open mike night tonight in The Bar Below, free entry and all levels welcome.

Bar Below is underneath The View, West Terrace, opposite McDonalds in Folkestone town centre.

Public Vote on Grants for Folkestone

£15,000 of grant funding was allocated by members of the public at the Tower Theatre, North Road, Folkestone, on Saturday.

Tim Prater, Liberal Democrat Kent County Councillor for Folkestone West, held the ‘You Decide’ event. Each applicant had 3 minutes to put forward their case before a public vote decided where the grants were allocated.

Emailing From Under the Stone, Cllr Prater wrote that “the day seemed a great success. Of the 3 pilots in Kent held to date, I'm told ours was the best attended with around 100 people and we hope to build on that in future.”

Cllr Prater stated in a press release (http://www.shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/001668/you_decided_folkestone_west_residents_award_grants_for_local_projects.html) “With 11 projects bidding for a total of £15,700 on this occasion it meant the ten top rated projects got all they wanted, and the 11th received £700 less than they bid for.”

The projects which received the full backing they bid for were:

• The National Autistic Society - £2,000
• The Folkestone Gurkha Nepalese Community - £1,560
• Folkestone and Hythe Sea Cadets - £1,300
• Folkestone Invicta Youth Football - £1,500
• St Georges Youth work - £1,300
• Folkestone, Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society - £1,270
• Church Street Project - £1,500
• 4th Cheriton Guides - £750
• Skillnet Group CIG - £1,518
• Sandgate Chichester Memorial Hall - £1,000

Looking forward to next year Cllr Prater promised improvements to the format based on feedback from the day. "there was lots of feedback on how to improve the events in future. These included an exhibition area to allow projects to give more information and answer questions, and looking for other bodies that have grants available to come along to speak to bidding. We'll certainly look to make that happen next year.”

Exhibition an Overwhelming Success

An exhibition of interpretations of popular views has surpassed all expectations, with an impressive number of visitors viewing the works.

Folkestone based photographer Dan Desborough and local artist John Cotter have been showcasing their work at Georges House Gallery at the top of the Old High Street.

The exhibition, titled 2View, is based on popular local views. Artist John Cotter, who has a work hanging in the Metropolitan Gallery, New York, explained “We asked our friends to supply us with snapshots of our favourite views, which Dan and I then interpreted in our own way.”

Dan Desborough’s impressive landscape photos are displayed alongside John Cotter’s more abstract take on the view.

Both artists have been pleased with the interest in their work. Dan said “This has been one of the most popular exhibitions held here. The number of visitors has been overwhelming. Normally exhibitions here attract around 200 people per week. We have had nearly 1000 people come and take a look.”

The artists also helped raise funds for Amnesty International, allowing Googies cafe to hold a charity auction on Saturday 26. Donated items included Dan Desborough print, a designer handbag, meals at local restaurants and a haircut at Divas salon in Hythe all going to the highest bidder.

Money was also raised through the sale of tickets to the Lonestar Comedy club night in the Lanterns club, with £1 from each ticket donated to Amnesty. Googies café supplied canapés and service for the evening.

Although most originals have now been sold, prints are available and the exhibition is highly recommended. The exhibition runs until Wednesday 28.

Dan's homepage http://www.dandesborough.co.uk/

Shepway Cycling on a Roll

Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum will hold an open meeting this Thursday (October 8) at the Civic Centre in Middleburg at 7pm.

The group has been working with Kent County Council to influence Shepway’s Cycling Strategy. On September 12 the group had a successful awareness raising day in the centre of the town with representatives from Sustrans and Spokes organisations. To gather information for the Cycle Strategy, over 50 questionnaires were collected, which will be passed to KCC.

The group is proposing a cycle lane running North – South along Cornwallis Road and Earls Avenue, incorporating the existing path which runs under the railway bridge by South Kent College. Also proposed is an east – West route, taking in many schools along the way, hopefully making cycling to school a more realistic option for schoolchildren.

The group has already had some success, working with Folkestone Town Council to increase the number of bike stands in Cheriton and Folkestone.

Step-Short Launch - Go to this!

Referred to briefly in the post below, the Step-short campaign is organising a packed weekend of exhibitions, talks, walks and meetings.

Focusing on the Road of Remembrance and taking its name from the command given to soldiers descending the hill on their way to the battlefields of WW1, anyone interested in local history, the appearance of the Road of Remembrance, how the town could be promoted in the future or just Folkestone in general should attend.

For further details, a full timetable and contact details please follow http://www.gofolkestone.org.uk/events/step-short.html

Sadly I will be away from the town this weekend (blame the girlfriend!), but I sincerely hope that good weather and a great turnout greets the organisers, all of whom should be commended for their efforts in organising and promoting this event.