Why no more events at our castles?


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We have learned that English Heritage have effected a policy which means that our lovely castles in Deal,  Walmer and Dover can no longer be hired by the community for weddings and events. 'The Best Of Deal and Dover,' have been contacted by local businesses who are extremely concerned about the impact this will have on what they know to be their regular trade and income from such events.

Local English Heritage members are also unhappy about what they perceive to be English Heritage's obligation to contribute to and engage with the local community. To quote one member "It is, after all, our heritage".

As Deal and Walmer are coastal towns with no through traffic, the impact on the local economy if this decision goes ahead is likely to be greater than elsewhere in Kent. How do you feel about this decision and the potential impact it will have?


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JANE L Joined: July 2007     Blog Posts: 14
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Your Comments
Neil H 15 July 2009
I was saddened to hear of English Heritage's decision. This is likely to have a bigger impact locally than people realise. By personal example last year we had our partnership ceremony at the castle with 120 guests. 104 of those guests stayed at hotels and B&Bs in Deal. Many stayed for at least two nights. They had lunch locally, those here for more than one night had dinner locally. They shopped locally and many had their hair done! We employed a local DJ and a local restaurant catered for us. We bought our flowers from a local florist. Half our guests retired to a local bar after the event. We had a wonderful party and Deal Castle really is a great venue. As a local businessman I have accommodated many guests who have attended functions at the castles and all agree they are great venues. Rumour has it EH can't make a profit from it. Is that bad marketing or bad accounting I wonder? Perhaps if they lowered their prices slightly they might get more takers. Just a thought. report abuse...
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