So it was with some concern that I read over on Dory Man that there are plans to re-develop it, and in particular change the focus from a working quay to a more tourist friendly site.
I think this would miss the point: the reason why Faversham has character is that it has authenticity. It really is a working yard, and those really are Thames barges that do need work done on them.
Authenticity is not something that can be magicked up by adding a cappuccino bar. If I want to see the Eiffel Tower I would go to Paris. If I want to see the pyramids I would go to Egypt. In neither case would I head off to Las Vegas - even though the latter has copies of both and more Starbucks - because in an increasingly homogenised world what we want to see are originals, for they are the real thing.
If you agree then there is something you can do: add your name to the petition, which can be found here.
People power really can work - just ask the Egyptions.
