Yesterday I was proud to be at the Government Dispatch Box in the House of Commons moving a motion in support of a Queen's Speech that committed to delivering long cherished Liberal Democrat policies.
It is a great pleasure to share in the celebrations of the people of Folkestone, and especially for someone who has lived here so long. The Mayoress and I were invited by the family of Lillian, known as Mary, to share the joy of her 100th birthday. I'm not sure who was more surprised when we met: Mary for the fact that the Mayor was kneeling at her feet to wish her a Happy Birthday, or us as we walked in to see her in full Salvation Army uniform which is still in good condition after 80 years!
If you have considered becoming a foster carer or would just like to know a little more about it then a forthcoming event is a good way to decide if it is right for you. Kent County Council's Fostering Service is hosting an information evening at 7pm on Tuesday 15 June at Alexander Centre, Preston Street, Faversham.
The annual HG Wells Festival's (17th -19th September 2010 - http://tinyurl.com/24jnogc) focal point is the annual £1,000 "must-be-won" competition for a handwritten short story of up to 5,000 words with a local background. Last year produced 25 high-quality entries. Astonishingly, the independent judges, unaware of the entrants' ages and identities, selected a shortlist of story writers whose ages ranged from 12 to 72 - and it was a schoolboy of 13 who finally received the life-changing award from HG's great grandson. His story, and those of the three runners-up, can be found on the Festival website at www.WellsFestival.com
Kent Trading Standards has been made aware of a trader carrying out road marking and lining for business, local authority, and possibly non-commercial premises such as village halls. The trader claims or implies to be working on behalf of Kent Highway Services (part of Kent County Council), which has been confirmed is not the case. Work may be offered at a discounted price from that "usually" charged, and to have materials left over. They may claim to be working for Kent Highway Services somewhere nearby, or use very similar names. Invoices have been not provided when requested.
A short service of remembrance, led by a chaplain, was held at Christchurch Tower in the Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate road, Folkestone. Touchingly, the Methodist congregation from across the road came out to join the service.
In honour of William Harvey Day, to celebrate the life and achievements of one of Folkestone's most famous sons, it was a great pleasure to meet the representatives from the Harvarian Society, most of whom were members of the Royal College of Physicians.
The William Harvey Day service on Sunday afternoon began with a robed procession to the newly cleaned William Harvey Statue close to the Leas Cliff Hall, where a chaplain conducted a short service. The statue has been cleaned by Folkestone Town Council after taking over responsibility for the statue from Shepway District Council - and it looks really good!
At the regular Sandgate Farmers Market this Saturday June 5th from 10am-noon at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate, the stallholders include:
Around 2 million adults in the United Kingdom have responded to a scam mailing in the last year, around half of those scammed have lost more than £50 in total, others have lost more than £5,000. Many of these people receive further contact from the criminals being then asked for even more money and or for personal information. Over £3 billion is lost to scammers each year and it is of growing concern.
Shepway Liberal Democrats are sad to hear that ex-Folkestone Town Cllr Margaret Newcombe passed away yesterday. Best wishes at this time to her family and friends.
In effect, the day at Canada House was a reception to celebrate their Canadian Armed Forces Day. It was really interesting to meet so many people from around the world with an extraordinarily hospitable welcome from the Canadian staff.