Standard Bigs Up Dover

Excellent feature in today's Evening Standard. All about Farthingloe Village and the Western Heights development. What a shame it takes a London newspaper to promote the benefits of the town when our own papers seem blind to the benefits.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Are we serious about tourism in Dover? Part 1.

As I sail into Dover aboard my cruise ship, I'm greeted by the historic white cliffs - an iconic landmark recognised the world over. "So", I say to myself in French or German or Chinese or American English, "this is my first experience of the UK."

We dock at the port and I decide to forego the usual tourist trips to London or Canterbury. Instead, I decide to stay close to port and explore the attractions of this world famous coastal town, one of the busiest intercontinental transport hubs in Europe.

I stroll down the gang plank on this glorious summer's day, so evocative of all those wonderful 50s WWII films featuring Kenneth Moore or John Mills.

So where to start? The 12th century castle perhaps.

Well, I can see it up there on the hill but I don't really know how to get there. Do I just start walking? Is there a bus? Where's the tourist centre, they'll be able to tell me...... Hmm, where is the tourist centre? I'm standing here by this roundabout watching the articulated lorries hammering by but I'm not sure how to get into the town and there are no obvious signs in any language I understand. In fact, there's nothing in any language except English!

I'll just start walking then.

After 10 minutes of strolling towards the town, I'm on a dual carriageway with nothing that looks like a town centre in any direction. I try to ask directions but am greeted by a large man with a huge stomach, tatoos and an aggressive looking dog shouting 'SPEAK FU**ING ENGLISH' in my face (the big ugly man, not the aggressive dog). I smile politely and carry on.

Eventually, through luck I find myself in what might be the town centre. I can't be sure as most of it appears to be closed. Many of the shops are empty, and the restaurants have a few defeated looking people in them but none of the menus are in any other language but english. Not even a token effort to produce a French or German version. There is however, an enormous TV screen showing children's programs (but alas, not directions to the council). I'm quite hungry and thirsty but the cafes and pubs don't look like they want to cater for tourists and I can't understand any of the notices anyway. And I still haven't found the tourist office. ..

To be continued

Why you should never ask designers for favours

Thanks to Sam and Simon who sent us this link. Take a look if you're not too bothered about cats... or designers. http://m.jezebel.com/5582562/clueless-secretary-makes-for-hilarious-office-email-thread

The Perils of People Per Hour...

Had to laugh when we saw this post on People Per Hour



which got this query...





Wonder how much the guy running the agency is charging his clients for copy?

OK, who's for a game of table football?

Quiet week in the studio now that our Cheshire travel agents' newsletter is off to print. Product emailer for our little home shopping company has winged its way out over the ether and we're checking response. So far, enough openers and click thrus to make it worthwhile but people just aren't buying. Is it a sign of the times?
Currently putting together the new CD cover for Unforgiven - our newly adopted favourite Dover based band. Short list of about 4 ideas and S is working up tracklists for presentation. It's not a big payer but it's fun to do so we're happy. Apart from that, its working up new ideas to grow some business.
NB. Found awesome clip for Iron Man 2 v ACDC filmed at Rochester Castle in Kent. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a peek: http://www.trendhunter.com/youtube/gurzz1evpn4