Events and Surgeries

Folkestone and Hythe Liberal Democrats keep in touch all year round through Councillors surgeries that are intended to allow local residents the chance to talk to their Councillor face to face with no appointment: just turn up.

We also run regular social events and meetups across the district. Learn more below!

The Local Party is run by an executive committee elected annually by our members. Folkestone & Hythe Executive 2026 meeting dates are here.

Lib Dem Events and Surgeries Locally

Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The first Saturday of each month from 11-12.30pm at Sandgate Farmers Market in the Chichester Hall, 70 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR;

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Liberal Drinks

A regular meet-up on the second Wednesday of every month for Liberal Democrat members, supporters and the Lib Dem curious in the Folkestone and Hythe area!

Simply come along for a social drink and a chat: no speeches, no leaflet delivery. It's a "buy your own" event (sorry!) but come along and say hello to our Councillors, campaigners, members and friends.

The Royal Norfolk Hotel is on Sandgate High Street - there is free parking from 6pm at Castle Road Car Park in Sandgate which is one minute walk away and often on street parking in Castle Road (behind the hotel) as well.

Cheriton West Town Councillor Advice Surgery

  • 14 Mar 2026
  • 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
  • Somerset Road
    Folkestone
    CT19 4HE

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Peter Gane, Jon Renshaw and Roger West, Lib Dem Town Councillors for Cheriton West, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. If you'd prefer to speak to Peter Jon or Roger one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The second Saturday of each month from 11am-12pm in All Souls Church Hall, Somerset Road, Folkestone CT19 4HE

Alternatively, contact Peter Jon or Roger directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Gary Fuller and Tim Prater, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The third Saturday of each month from 9.30-10.30am by Gary in Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR.

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!



Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The first Saturday of each month from 11-12.30pm at Sandgate Farmers Market in the Chichester Hall, 70 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR;

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Liberal Drinks

A regular meet-up on the second Wednesday of every month for Liberal Democrat members, supporters and the Lib Dem curious in the Folkestone and Hythe area!

Simply come along for a social drink and a chat: no speeches, no leaflet delivery. It's a "buy your own" event (sorry!) but come along and say hello to our Councillors, campaigners, members and friends.

The Royal Norfolk Hotel is on Sandgate High Street - there is free parking from 6pm at Castle Road Car Park in Sandgate which is one minute walk away and often on street parking in Castle Road (behind the hotel) as well.

Cheriton West Town Councillor Advice Surgery

  • 11 Apr 2026
  • 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
  • Somerset Road
    Folkestone
    CT19 4HE

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Peter Gane, Jon Renshaw and Roger West, Lib Dem Town Councillors for Cheriton West, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. If you'd prefer to speak to Peter Jon or Roger one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The second Saturday of each month from 11am-12pm in All Souls Church Hall, Somerset Road, Folkestone CT19 4HE

Alternatively, contact Peter Jon or Roger directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Gary Fuller and Tim Prater, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The third Saturday of each month from 9.30-10.30am by Gary in Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR.

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!



Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The first Saturday of each month from 11-12.30pm at Sandgate Farmers Market in the Chichester Hall, 70 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR;

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Cheriton West Town Councillor Advice Surgery

  • 09 May 2026
  • 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
  • Somerset Road
    Folkestone
    CT19 4HE

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Peter Gane, Jon Renshaw and Roger West, Lib Dem Town Councillors for Cheriton West, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. If you'd prefer to speak to Peter Jon or Roger one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The second Saturday of each month from 11am-12pm in All Souls Church Hall, Somerset Road, Folkestone CT19 4HE

Alternatively, contact Peter Jon or Roger directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Liberal Drinks

A regular meet-up on the second Wednesday of every month for Liberal Democrat members, supporters and the Lib Dem curious in the Folkestone and Hythe area!

Simply come along for a social drink and a chat: no speeches, no leaflet delivery. It's a "buy your own" event (sorry!) but come along and say hello to our Councillors, campaigners, members and friends.

The Royal Norfolk Hotel is on Sandgate High Street - there is free parking from 6pm at Castle Road Car Park in Sandgate which is one minute walk away and often on street parking in Castle Road (behind the hotel) as well.

Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Gary Fuller and Tim Prater, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The third Saturday of each month from 9.30-10.30am by Gary in Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR.

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!



Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The first Saturday of each month from 11-12.30pm at Sandgate Farmers Market in the Chichester Hall, 70 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR;

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Liberal Drinks

A regular meet-up on the second Wednesday of every month for Liberal Democrat members, supporters and the Lib Dem curious in the Folkestone and Hythe area!

Simply come along for a social drink and a chat: no speeches, no leaflet delivery. It's a "buy your own" event (sorry!) but come along and say hello to our Councillors, campaigners, members and friends.

The Royal Norfolk Hotel is on Sandgate High Street - there is free parking from 6pm at Castle Road Car Park in Sandgate which is one minute walk away and often on street parking in Castle Road (behind the hotel) as well.

Cheriton West Town Councillor Advice Surgery

  • 13 Jun 2026
  • 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
  • Somerset Road
    Folkestone
    CT19 4HE

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Peter Gane, Jon Renshaw and Roger West, Lib Dem Town Councillors for Cheriton West, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. If you'd prefer to speak to Peter Jon or Roger one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The second Saturday of each month from 11am-12pm in All Souls Church Hall, Somerset Road, Folkestone CT19 4HE

Alternatively, contact Peter Jon or Roger directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Gary Fuller and Tim Prater, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The third Saturday of each month from 9.30-10.30am by Gary in Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR.

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!



Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The first Saturday of each month from 11-12.30pm at Sandgate Farmers Market in the Chichester Hall, 70 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR;

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Liberal Drinks

A regular meet-up on the second Wednesday of every month for Liberal Democrat members, supporters and the Lib Dem curious in the Folkestone and Hythe area!

Simply come along for a social drink and a chat: no speeches, no leaflet delivery. It's a "buy your own" event (sorry!) but come along and say hello to our Councillors, campaigners, members and friends.

The Royal Norfolk Hotel is on Sandgate High Street - there is free parking from 6pm at Castle Road Car Park in Sandgate which is one minute walk away and often on street parking in Castle Road (behind the hotel) as well.

Cheriton West Town Councillor Advice Surgery

  • 11 Jul 2026
  • 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
  • Somerset Road
    Folkestone
    CT19 4HE

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Peter Gane, Jon Renshaw and Roger West, Lib Dem Town Councillors for Cheriton West, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. If you'd prefer to speak to Peter Jon or Roger one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The second Saturday of each month from 11am-12pm in All Souls Church Hall, Somerset Road, Folkestone CT19 4HE

Alternatively, contact Peter Jon or Roger directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!


Sandgate District & County Councillor Advice Surgery

As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Gary Fuller and Tim Prater, Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, hold regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.

No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.

The surgeries are held:

  • The third Saturday of each month from 9.30-10.30am by Gary in Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR.

Alternatively, contact Tim or Gary directly by email or phone. If you call and don't get through, please do leave a message and we'll call you back!



Lib Dem Events Nationally

Winning on Social

  • 03 Mar 2026
  • 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm

Social media is an exciting new frontier for connecting with voters. But with so many platforms, how do we choose the right ones, and what should we do on them? This session will explore your options, using the latest research to show how we can effectively leverage social media to win votes.

Llanfyllin Canvassing

  • 03 Mar 2026
  • 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
  • Llanfyllin
    SY18

Daventry area Lib Dems - Politics & a 'Pint'

Come and join us for a drink and a natter at The Red Lion pub in Kilsby.

Whether a member or supporter or just curious about what we’re up to, everyone’s welcome. Meet with like minded people and chat about the issues of the day.

Please do try and RSVP as so we can get an idea of who is coming.

There is ample parking mat the Club but you will need to register when you enter so you don't have to pay.

Contact Ed Norris for more details: ednorris039@gmail.com



Woking Lib Dems Iftar

  • 04 Mar 2026
  • 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
  • Blackmore Crescent
    Sheerwater
    Woking
    GU21 5NS

We warmly invite you to join us for Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. While rooted in Islamic tradition, Iftar is also a moment of reflection, gratitude, and community — values that resonate across all faiths and backgrounds.

Your presence, regardless of faith, is especially meaningful. Sharing Iftar together is a simple yet powerful gesture of inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect. It offers an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that strengthens our wider community.

If you’re able to pick up/drop off, or if a lift is required, please let us know by messaging 07739 897813


Gold Squad with Sarah Olney MP and Rob Blackie in in London Bridge and West Bermondsey

  • 04 Mar 2026
  • 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
  • 37 Bermondsey St,
    London
    UK
    SE1 3XF

 Gold Squad – London Bridge & West Bermondsey 

Join us for a big evening of canvassing in one of our key target areas.

📅 Wednesday 4 March 2026
6:00pm–8:00pm
📍 Meet at the corner of Crucifix Lane and Bermondsey Street

We’ll be out speaking to residents, building momentum and showing that we’re serious about winning here. Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or completely new, you’ll be warmly welcomed and paired up.

We’re delighted to be joined by Sarah Olney MP and Rob Blackie – a great chance to campaign alongside senior Liberal Democrat voices and show real strength on the ground.

Post-canvass social – 8:00pm
Afterwards, we’ll head to The Arzner, 10 Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN for a relaxed drink and debrief. It’s always a good atmosphere and a chance to catch up properly after being out on the doors.

If you can give a couple of hours, it will make a genuine difference. 

B&NES Policy Briefing: Budget 26/27

  • 04 Mar 2026
  • 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm

Join our members’ briefing on B&NES Council’s 2026/27 budget where Cllr Mark Elliott will outline our prudent financial management and commitment to maintaining frontline services, particularly for children and older people. Join us for the inside track on the budget on Wednesday March 4th at 19:30. 

Getting your Local Election campaign off to a flying start

  • 04 Mar 2026
  • 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm

With just a few weeks left of the campaign getting your short campaign off to a flying start can be crucial - come along to this session and hear from our experts on the best way to do that.

Digital Best Practice Advice Clinic

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm

Come along to our Advice Clinic and speak to our Digital Best Practice Officer Alisha Lewis about any questions you might have about your Digital Campaigns!

Thursday Night Maraphone

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
  • The Coach House
    3 George St
    Brecon
    Wales
    LD3 7LD

Come along to Maraphone!
There'll be takeaway and drinks for all as we call constituents to build up our support. It'll be an amazing evening to meet local like-minded people and your representatives.

We're hosting weekly Maraphone events from now, through the Senedd Election, and up to the Powys Council elections; so if you're a fan of fun Thursday evenings then come along!

Spring Fundraising Dinner

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm
  • 145 Stafford Road
    Wallington
    SM6 9BN

Join Bobby Dean MP for an exclusive fundraising dinner ahead of May’s crucial local elections.

Our special guest speaker is Sarah Olney MP, the Lib Dem Business Spokesperson.

All money raised will go towards our local campaigns in Carshalton & Wallington - helping to fund the staff who organise our grassroots efforts, as well as vital leaflets and social media advertising to get our message across.

Tickets include a delicious three-course Indian meal at one of Wallington’s most-loved restaurants, a welcome drink, and an evening of good fun with like-minded people.



London's March Pub Drinks

It is that time of the month again - our regular round of political chat and beverages at the Jack Horner.  Hopefully see lots of you there - both new and regular faces! 

Buy a round for London
As always, whether you can make it or not - you can donate the cost of a pint to the London party using the second ticket option below. All proceeds go to helping us win across our great city! 

Pint and Politics

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
  • 129 High Street
    Weston-super-Mare
    BS23 1HN

Our local Lib Dem councillors and campaigners invite you to join them to discuss local issues over a drink.

Invited friends welcome as well as Liberal Democrat members and supporters.

Local Elections Launch Event

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm
  • 58-60 High St
    Croydon
    CR0 1NA

Join us for the launch of the Croydon Lib Dems local election campaign!

We have all received the direct mail Reform UK, some of us more than one - they are spending big in Croydon ahead of the elections in May.

Lib Dems up and down the country have shown how we can beat them - sticking up for our values, getting out and talking to people and working hard for our local communities.

We're thrilled to be joined by Luke Taylor MP; Hina Bokhari AM and former London Mayoral Candidate Rob Blackie.

✅ Meet our target ward candidates

✅ Find out how you can get involved or support our work in Croydon

✅ Socialise with other local members and supporters

Tickets are free but it does cost the local party to put on events, so donations are welcome!

Licensed Bar and food available for purchase.

London's April Pub Drinks - Election Edition!

It is that time of the month again - our regular round of political chat and beverages at the Jack Horner.  

And yes - this is during the election, but even the most hardcore campaigners will not be out EVERY night - and I for one always leave the drinks reminded of why we do what we do - hearing about the work we are doing all over London and seeing everyone's passion.  

So do come along for a glass of motivation with a side of relaxation! 

Hopefully see lots of you there - both new and regular faces! 

Buy a round for London
As always, whether you can make it or not - you can donate the cost of a pint to the London party using the second ticket option below.

Pint & Politics Thursday 5th March

  • 05 Mar 2026
  • 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm
  • 59
    Southdown Road Harpenden
    England
    AL5 1PQ

Join us for Pints & Politics on Thursday 5 March at the Queens Head, Southdown, from 7:30pm.

Come along for an informal evening of good conversation, local issues, and national politics over a drink. Whether you’re a long-time member, newly interested, or just curious about what’s happening in our area, everyone is welcome.

No speeches, no pressure – just friendly discussion, fresh ideas, and a chance to meet like-minded people.

📍 Queens Head, Southdown
🗓 Thursday 5 March
⏰ 7:30pm

We hope to see you there!

International Woman's Day

  • 06 Mar 2026
  • 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm
  • Old Palace Lane
    Richmond
    TW9 1PQ

Welsh Lib Dem Spring Conference 2026: Member Registration

Thank you for registering for the Welsh Liberal Democrats Spring Conference 2026!

Important Information:

  • This registration form is exclusively for members of the Liberal Democrats.
  • Registrations, including those made in error, are non-refundable.
  • Transfers to another party member are allowed until Friday, 27th February 2026. To request a transfer, please email conference@libdems.wales.

Conference Dinner:

  • Tickets for the Conference Dinner can be purchased during checkout.
  • Members are welcome to buy additional dinner tickets for friends and family. Guests do not need to be party members.

Other Registration Options:

  • Staff: Party staff (anywhere within the federal structure), and those working for a Liberal Democrat MS, MP or MSP can apply for staff registration here.
  • Observers: Representatives from organisations and members of the public can register as Conference Observers here.
  • Opportunities: Information on how commercial organisations, charities and party-affiliated groups can engage with the conference is available here.
  • Media: Register for a Press pass here.

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference!

Grove Green Canvassing

  • 06 Mar 2026
  • 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm
  • 110 Grove Green Road
    London
    E11 4EL

We want you to be part of our excellent campaign in Grove Green. Take part in our power hour of delivery and canvassing.

Meeting outside the Northcote on Grove Green Road. Contact is Arran Angus on 07805 331865.

This website uses cookies

Please select the types of cookies you want to allow.