Visits | rogergale

Visits

On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.	The Chairman of the Parish Council (one Tom Gale) spent the entire event with a supporting crew slaving over a hot barbecue. There were stalls and a tin-shy and vintage cars and a longish queue for the cold-drinks bar while the school choir, young solo artists and the Preston School Cheerleaders entertained. The Famous Fete lived up to its name once again.	On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.
The Chairman of the Parish Council (one Tom Gale) spent the entire event with a supporting crew slaving over a hot barbecue. There were stalls and a tin-shy and vintage cars and a longish queue for the cold-drinks bar while the school choir, young solo artists and the Preston School Cheerleaders entertained. The Famous Fete lived up to its name once again.	On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.	The Chairman of the Parish Council (one Tom Gale) spent the entire event with a supporting crew slaving over a hot barbecue. There were stalls and a tin-shy and vintage cars and a longish queue for the cold-drinks bar while the school choir, young solo artists and the Preston School Cheerleaders entertained. The Famous Fete lived up to its name once again.
On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.	The Chairman of the Parish Council (one Tom Gale) spent the entire event with a supporting crew slaving over a hot barbecue. There were stalls and a tin-shy and vintage cars and a longish queue for the cold-drinks bar while the school choir, young solo artists and the Preston School Cheerleaders entertained. The Famous Fete lived up to its name once again.	Yesterday I attended another packed Chislet fair offering the East Kent Rock Choir, Jazz Band, a classic car exhibition in the school grounds, a guest appearance by Kent Fire Brigade, the Wantsum Morris Side, sideshows and stalls, and ale from the Chislet Brewery. The whole presided over and compered by the Deputy Headteacher of Chislet Church of England Primary School, Miss Fitzwilliam. A great effort in the heat and a success enjoyed by the hundreds that attended.
Yesterday I attended another packed Chislet fair offering the East Kent Rock Choir, Jazz Band, a classic car exhibition in the school grounds, a guest appearance by Kent Fire Brigade, the Wantsum Morris Side, sideshows and stalls, and ale from the Chislet Brewery. The whole presided over and compered by the Deputy Headteacher of Chislet Church of England Primary School, Miss Fitzwilliam. A great effort in the heat and a success enjoyed by the hundreds that attended.	Yesterday I attended another packed Chislet fair offering the East Kent Rock Choir, Jazz Band, a classic car exhibition in the school grounds, a guest appearance by Kent Fire Brigade, the Wantsum Morris Side, sideshows and stalls, and ale from the Chislet Brewery. The whole presided over and compered by the Deputy Headteacher of Chislet Church of England Primary School, Miss Fitzwilliam. A great effort in the heat and a success enjoyed by the hundreds that attended.	Yesterday I attended another packed Chislet fair offering the East Kent Rock Choir, Jazz Band, a classic car exhibition in the school grounds, a guest appearance by Kent Fire Brigade, the Wantsum Morris Side, sideshows and stalls, and ale from the Chislet Brewery. The whole presided over and compered by the Deputy Headteacher of Chislet Church of England Primary School, Miss Fitzwilliam. A great effort in the heat and a success enjoyed by the hundreds that attended.
It is forty years since Jonathan Aitken, as the Member of Parliament for South Thanet, opened a former KCC rubbish tip as the Monkton Nature Reserve and at the weekend the Reverend Aitken was back in Thanet to celebrate the anniversary and present Trevor and Les Shonk with a photograph to commemorate their commitment to the reserve.	Huge thanks to Dr Clive Nuttall, to the Trust chairman and to the army of unpaid volunteers who now put in hours of work to develop, maintain and run this oasis of natural habitat and tranquility.	Thanks also to the local businesses that have made it possible for so many schoolchildren to attend and enjoy the Monkton Experience throughout the year and changing seasons. A project that I am really proud to be associated with and to support.
	Last night I joined the 1063 (Herne Bay) Squadron RAF Air Cadets on parade for their 2025 Annual Awards with Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Chris Nickols and squadron staff. Young men and women that Herne Bay can be proud of and huge thanks to Air Marshal Nickols for celebrating their special evening with them.	Last night I joined the 1063 (Herne Bay) Squadron RAF Air Cadets on parade for their 2025 Annual Awards with Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Chris Nickols and squadron staff. Young men and women that Herne Bay can be proud of and huge thanks to Air Marshal Nickols for celebrating their special evening with them.
Last night I joined the 1063 (Herne Bay) Squadron RAF Air Cadets on parade for their 2025 Annual Awards with Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Chris Nickols and squadron staff. Young men and women that Herne Bay can be proud of and huge thanks to Air Marshal Nickols for celebrating their special evening with them.	The Sandwich Junior School summer fair offered the opportunity for young people to pin a bow tie on a life size picture of Headteacher Martin Dyson while the real item was busy dispensing Pimm’s ably hindered by the local Member of Parliament. Our community copper, Lauren, and her oppo delighted young audience by teaching them how to fire up the ‘blues and twos’.	And in the shade under the trees the Town Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Emmet Csuka, was running a ‘balloon-shy‘ watched over by the ever- present Dover Councillor Daniel Friend and the Chairman of the Parents Association, Joey Mitchell, without whose hard voluntary work so many good things in the town just would not happen. A great event.
	Yesterday I also visited this year’s Staple Country Fayre. With patient queues waiting for good things Village culinary goddesses ran the galley while the omnipresent Cllr Trevor Bartlett (pictured) assaulted bread rolls with a lethal weapon in the dining hall	The whole event was mounted and car-parked by a small army of volunteers and skilfully orchestrated, as always, by the MC, Cllr Martin Porter and his wife, Sheila were spotted stall-browsing and Tom Gale braved the heat to promote his Preston Summerfest, fast becoming another fixture in the East Kent summer calendar.
Which left it to me to lie back on a grassy knoll and, with my grandson Josh, enjoy the show compèred by MC Mike and to listen to another characteristically patriotic performance by the Swingtime Sweethearts (Annie Riley and Le’arna Castle)!	Yesterday I visited my constituent, Lorna Brown, who runs Awake Coffee Lounge located at the Westwood Business Park (Unit A, The Aspire Centre, Strasbourg Street) It’s a brilliant set up with delicious cakes, panini’s, salad boxes, coffee and so much more. If you’re ever passing please do pop in or check out their Facebook page tagged above - it is so important we do what we can to support our small local businesses.	Yesterday I visited my constituent, Lorna Brown, who runs Awake Coffee Lounge located at the Westwood Business Park (Unit A, The Aspire Centre, Strasbourg Street) It’s a brilliant set up with delicious cakes, panini’s, salad boxes, coffee and so much more. If you’re ever passing please do pop in or check out their Facebook page tagged above - it is so important we do what we can to support our small local businesses.
Yesterday I visited my constituent, Lorna Brown, who runs Awake Coffee Lounge located at the Westwood Business Park (Unit A, The Aspire Centre, Strasbourg Street) It’s a brilliant set up with delicious cakes, panini’s, salad boxes, coffee and so much more. If you’re ever passing please do pop in or check out their Facebook page tagged above - it is so important we do what we can to support our small local businesses.	Good to meet up with ACC Charlie Doyle and others from British Transport Police in the House to promote their 61016 discreet text service. Nothing like this existed in my day as a ‘Special’ with BTP but now it is possible to report crimes, sexual harassment or other concerns on the railway without attracting unwelcome and possibly dangerous attention. Store 61016 under BTP on your cellphone for ready access.	Attending the launch of the Spitfire Photo Reconnaissance exhibition - at the Manston Memorial Museum for the whole of June - with project director Tony Hoskins.
The unarmed aircraft, Spitfire AA 810 - piloted by young apprentice engineer Sandy Gunn - was shot down in the Norwegian mountains in 1942 and an imprisoned Sandy Gunn was murdered by the Nazis in 1944 during what became known as ’The Great Escape’.	Most of the aircraft, apart from the tail plane, has been recovered and will fly again next year following total restoration. An amazing story and a must to visit while on display locally.	Sally Barclay from Age Concern Sandwich organised another good Dementia Awareness Roadshow at the Guildhall with the backing of Sandwich Dementia Friendly Community, Dementia friends, Sunflower Centre, Carer’s support, Wrinkly, Stillwell and Singleton And, of course (pictured) Alzheimer’s Society Kent Constabulary, The splendidly musical Nina Clark, as well as NRS, Caremark and many others.
Sally Barclay from Age Concern Sandwich organised another good Dementia Awareness Roadshow at the Guildhall with the backing of Sandwich Dementia Friendly Community, Dementia friends, Sunflower Centre, Carer’s support, Wrinkly, Stillwell and Singleton And, of course (pictured) Alzheimer’s Society Kent Constabulary, The splendidly musical Nina Clark, as well as NRS, Caremark and many others.	Sally Barclay from Age Concern Sandwich organised another good Dementia Awareness Roadshow at the Guildhall with the backing of Sandwich Dementia Friendly Community, Dementia friends, Sunflower Centre, Carer’s support, Wrinkly, Stillwell and Singleton And, of course (pictured) Alzheimer’s Society Kent Constabulary, The splendidly musical Nina Clark, as well as NRS, Caremark and many others.	Sally Barclay from Age Concern Sandwich organised another good Dementia Awareness Roadshow at the Guildhall with the backing of Sandwich Dementia Friendly Community, Dementia friends, Sunflower Centre, Carer’s support, Wrinkly, Stillwell and Singleton And, of course (pictured) Alzheimer’s Society Kent Constabulary, The splendidly musical Nina Clark, as well as NRS, Caremark and many others.
Welcoming the team from the East Kent Hospitals Trust to the House of Commons for the Thrombosis UK VTE awards. Shortlisted for their lifesaving work, including in midwifery, across the Trust’s three major hospitals, they won both awards in their nominated categories. Congratulations also to Jodie Philpott from the William Harvey Hospital who in her absence received the Non-Clinical Unsung Hero Award.	Welcoming the team from the East Kent Hospitals Trust to the House of Commons for the Thrombosis UK VTE awards. Shortlisted for their lifesaving work, including in midwifery, across the Trust’s three major hospitals, they won both awards in their nominated categories. Congratulations also to Jodie Philpott from the William Harvey Hospital who in her absence received the Non-Clinical Unsung Hero Award.	Welcoming the team from the East Kent Hospitals Trust to the House of Commons for the Thrombosis UK VTE awards. Shortlisted for their lifesaving work, including in midwifery, across the Trust’s three major hospitals, they won both awards in their nominated categories. Congratulations also to Jodie Philpott from the William Harvey Hospital who in her absence received the Non-Clinical Unsung Hero Award.
Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.
Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.
Good to catch up with Paul James at 107.8 Academy FM Thanet again this week and an opportunity to thank all of those dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep these little FM stations on air. They have a following of loyal local listeners and of course also allow those who have moved away from home to tune in online.	Good to catch up with Paul James at 107.8 Academy FM Thanet again this week and an opportunity to thank all of those dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep these little FM stations on air. They have a following of loyal local listeners and of course also allow those who have moved away from home to tune in online.	Good to catch up with Mayer Schreiber the CEO of Discovery Park and to meet with a few of the thriving and enthusiastic life sciences businesses including Asymchem, Matheus Engineering, Particology and RS&RS (pictured). Discovery Park is fast becoming the location of choice for the Life Sciences and supporting businesses - and with good reason: a delightful and supportive ‘village community’ on the Park and a great area to live and to bring up a family.
DP is growing the jobs that will create real opportunities for the local graduates of tomorrow: instead of having to leave Kent to find employment young people will be moving into Sandwich and Thanet to realise their ambitions in science and technology. A shaft of bright light in these dark days.	An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.	An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.
An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.	Good to meet Ethan Williams from Sandwich at Westminster during Nuclear Week in Parliament. Ethan is an engineering graduate now working with Assytem and Rolls Royce on Small Nuclear Reactors. That really is the technology of tomorrow and the answer to our future energy needs.	A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.
A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.	Congratulations to Birchington Primary School, represented at the House of Commons by Abi Fowler, for receiving from Kate Ewart Biggs of the British Council one of the Council’s prestigious International School Awards. The award was given in recognition of Birchington’s achievements in promoting the French language through cooperation with primary school children from Nord Pas de Calais.	Congratulations and huge thanks to Mick Little, retiring after 47 years of service with Royal Mail - many of them as the ‘village Postie’ in St. Nicholas at Wade. Mick is one of the few Thanet postmen who has been around for longer than we have and has been present at all of our Christmas visits to the sorting office. Have a great holiday and a very happy and well-earned retirement Mick.
Also thanks to our Herne Bay and now Sturry, Fordwich and the Ash and Wingham teams at the Canterbury sorting office. They are not having an easy time this Christmas - but don’t blame the messengers if some post is delayed: they are doing their best to meet the Christmas deadline under very difficult conditions.	A great pleasure to meet with former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida “How to Train Your Dragon“ Cowell at the launch of the National Literacy Trust ‘Libraries for Primaries’ campaign in the House of Commons this week. Children from the 1000th Trust- supported Moreland Primary School in Islington, recently visited by Queen Camilla, were also present with authors Michael Rosen and Adam Kay.	Sadly only about one third of Britain’s children now engage in reading for pleasure - a figure that we have to improve on with support of Members of Parliament and the National Literacy Trust. How many of the Primary Schools in Herne Bay, Sandwich and West Thanet have school libraries? I have to make it my business to find out because through the Trust help is available.
Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.	Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.	A privilege to meet with the Speaker of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, in Mr Speaker’s House this week. Somalia is moving fast towards an elected democracy and can learn a great deal from the UK - particularly from our mistakes! I wonder what Sheikh Adan made of our behaviour at Prime Minister’s question time as he watched it from the gallery!
Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.	Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.	Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.
Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.	Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).
The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).
The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	Opening the Community Shed at the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich with Town Councillor Clare Ungerson, Trustees and my small assistant Odeta - a trainee traffic Marshall! The sheds will provide workshop space and storage facilities for the gardening tools that will be used to create a community garden, tree nursery and orchard.
Opening the Community Shed at the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich with Town Councillor Clare Ungerson, Trustees and my small assistant Odeta - a trainee traffic Marshall! The sheds will provide workshop space and storage facilities for the gardening tools that will be used to create a community garden, tree nursery and orchard.	With the Autumn Gardening team at East Kent’s only community owned pub - The Chequer Inn Ash. Also took advantage of the excellent ‘Farmers Market’. Check out the Chequer if you have not already discovered it - a lovely old pub with a lot happening.	At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.
At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.	At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.	A pleasure to join Liz from Zaras cafe in Birchington’s Station Road on Dominic King’s Radio Kent show this morning. Liz has been doing a great job all this week on behalf of the businesses in a village that has just about everything to offer. If you’ve missed it tune in at about 11.10 for her final slot tomorrow. Has RK just discovered a new freelance reporter?
The official opening of the Snowdon Geophysical Dome, Monkton Nature Reserve Huge thanks to the many local businesses that have contributed finance and expertise to this project and to the army of volunteers without whose help the Reserve could not function. The Dome will now be open as an educational facility for school students but is also available as a team- building centre and for adult educational activities.	The official opening of the Snowdon Geophysical Dome, Monkton Nature Reserve Huge thanks to the many local businesses that have contributed finance and expertise to this project and to the army of volunteers without whose help the Reserve could not function. The Dome will now be open as an educational facility for school students but is also available as a team- building centre and for adult educational activities.	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
Yesterday, it was good to meet up with Dani Lancefield, Principal of the Ursuline college in Westgate, and the patrons and chairman of the Westgate Ursuline Alumni Association, at their 120 years reunion celebration. Also delighted to welcome Dame Siobhan McDonagh MP, (Labour, Mitcham and Morden who has an Ursuline community in her South London constituency) to West Thanet.	Quite emotional to visit Sandwich for the first time as the Member of Parliament. I know that the town gave me great support in the ballot boxes and that is a debt that I shall seek to repay through hard work. Not quite such hard work, though, was the Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival and the chance to hear some sea shanties and to meet old friends from the Wantsum Morris side!	It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser
It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser	A useful meeting in The House with Maria Mezentseva, the member of parliament for Ukraine‘a second-largest city, Kharkiv. Maria confirms that Kharkiv is a city under bombardment and in urgent need of assistance from the West. “Two large drones can take out a thousand windows” says Maria “so we certainly need weapons and ammunition but we also need funds to buy the chipboard sheeting used to replace the glass in the shattered windows”	Katherine Updyke from Minster CofE Primary School with her winning entry “Cat’s Eye” in the 10 years old section of the Thanet Young Artist Festival 2024. Congratulations to the young winners and to all who contributed, from schools across Thanet. A splendid display of talent and huge thanks to Sainsbury’s at Westwood Cross for hosting the exhibition and to the organisers, The Rotary Club of Margate. A privilege to be invited to present the winners with their awards.
The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.	The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.	The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.
With Tammi Stewart-Jones and volunteers at Quex Barn to raise funds for the children’s charity Stand By Me	Good to meet some of the dedicated team of volunteers at Margate Citizens advice. Many people do still not realise that the ‘CAB’ as it used to be called is not a Government Agency but a charity funded locally by contributions. Call my office (01843-848588) if you would like to train as an advisor or help the fundraising effort	With Proprietor Paul Crocker and staff at the Minster McDonalds to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the company in the United Kingdom. (The first restaurant opened in Woolwich in 1974) Also with Paul Crocker and resident artist and employee of the month Freya recognising Mental Health awareness week.
With Proprietor Paul Crocker and staff at the Minster McDonalds to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the company in the United Kingdom. (The first restaurant opened in Woolwich in 1974) Also with Paul Crocker and resident artist and employee of the month Freya recognising Mental Health awareness week.	Visiting Ken's (Eaton Road, Margate) to mark #localbikeshopday! I won't remind Ken just how long he has been mending Margate's cycles but he used to repair my children's bikes and the eldest are now in their fifties! Thanks for years of service Ken.	With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.
With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.	Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.	Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.
Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.	Speaking in support of Ukraine at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg last week.	A fascinating exhibition of ‘extinct’ artefacts and fossils mounted by ‘Explorers Against Extinction’ at The House. A stark reminder of the effects of climate change over many millennia, the exhibition will soon be on public display. (I am not one of the exhibits!)
Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’	Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’	St Gregory's School visit to Parliament and meeting with Roger.
Great to be out in Birchington in the lovely weather today. Good to know that the Minnis Bay (‘Plus One’) Post Office is open for business again. Best wishes and thank you for providing this essential local service! Also, Congratulations to Liz and Patsy (Zaras cafe, Station Road) on being shortlisted for the Made in Kent Awards 2024. Best wishes for the Big Night!	Great to be out in Birchington in the lovely weather today. Good to know that the Minnis Bay (‘Plus One’) Post Office is open for business again. Best wishes and thank you for providing this essential local service! Also, Congratulations to Liz and Patsy (Zaras cafe, Station Road) on being shortlisted for the Made in Kent Awards 2024. Best wishes for the Big Night!	Congratulations to The East Kent Colleges Group- this year’s winners of the Association of Colleges annual Beacon Award for Governance.
Huge thanks to the cast and staff of another Thanet Police Pantomime (Treasure Island) raising funds for the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre and the East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). Pictured with Andy Yoofoo as Captain Crook	“Shut That Door“ In Sandwich to support Vicky Day (Kent Fire and Rescue Service) to promote fire safety. Just closing a door can win thirty life-saving minutes and contain damage to the home. It was also good to meet with local Councillors and Sandwich - Neighbourhood Watch in St Peter's Church.	“Shut That Door“ In Sandwich to support Vicky Day (Kent Fire and Rescue Service) to promote fire safety. Just closing a door can win thirty life-saving minutes and contain damage to the home. It was also good to meet with local Councillors and Sandwich - Neighbourhood Watch in St Peter's Church.
Good to see my old friend Betty at the weekend. Wonderfully looked after in a Westgate residential home and by her devoted daughter. At 98 years young, still as bright as a button!	A useful meeting with Tourism and Arts Minister Julia Lopez. We shall look forward to welcoming her to the constituency - a lot of good things to show her.	An excellent gathering of companies and employees for the Pfizer Jobsfair hosted by Discovery Park at Sandwich. Also good to receive a thorough briefing from the Pfizer site Director, Julian Thompson, and his senior management team. The planned reduction in the company’s workforce in the UK was of great concern, of course, but a great effort is being put into securing other employment and retaining science skills in Kent. Thanks, on behalf of Craig Mackinlay and myself (Clink link to read more)

On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.

On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.

On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.

On Sunday I attended the Famous Preston School Summer Fete. Kent Fire Brigade were in attendance once again but even in the searing heat of the afternoon were not called away! Abi Samuels performed not one but two 45-minute sets of cool music.

Huge thanks to Dr Clive Nuttall, to the Trust chairman and to the army of unpaid volunteers who now put in hours of work to develop, maintain and run this oasis of natural habitat and tranquility.

Thanks also to the local businesses that have made it possible for so many schoolchildren to attend and enjoy the Monkton Experience throughout the year and changing seasons. A project that I am really proud to be associated with and to support.

Yesterday I also visited this year’s Staple Country Fayre. With patient queues waiting for good things Village culinary goddesses ran the galley while the omnipresent Cllr Trevor Bartlett (pictured) assaulted bread rolls with a lethal weapon in the dining hall

Which left it to me to lie back on a grassy knoll and, with my grandson Josh, enjoy the show compèred by MC Mike and to listen to another characteristically patriotic performance by the Swingtime Sweethearts (Annie Riley and Le’arna Castle)!

Attending the launch of the Spitfire Photo Reconnaissance exhibition - at the Manston Memorial Museum for the whole of June - with project director Tony Hoskins.

The unarmed aircraft, Spitfire AA 810 - piloted by young apprentice engineer Sandy Gunn - was shot down in the Norwegian mountains in 1942 and an imprisoned Sandy Gunn was murdered by the Nazis in 1944 during what became known as ’The Great Escape’.

Most of the aircraft, apart from the tail plane, has been recovered and will fly again next year following total restoration. An amazing story and a must to visit while on display locally.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

DP is growing the jobs that will create real opportunities for the local graduates of tomorrow: instead of having to leave Kent to find employment young people will be moving into Sandwich and Thanet to realise their ambitions in science and technology. A shaft of bright light in these dark days.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

Good to meet Ethan Williams from Sandwich at Westminster during Nuclear Week in Parliament. Ethan is an engineering graduate now working with Assytem and Rolls Royce on Small Nuclear Reactors. That really is the technology of tomorrow and the answer to our future energy needs.

A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.

A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.

Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.

Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.

Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

With the Autumn Gardening team at East Kent’s only community owned pub - The Chequer Inn Ash. Also took advantage of the excellent ‘Farmers Market’. Check out the Chequer if you have not already discovered it - a lovely old pub with a lot happening.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser

It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

With Tammi Stewart-Jones and volunteers at Quex Barn to raise funds for the children’s charity Stand By Me

Visiting Ken's (Eaton Road, Margate) to mark #localbikeshopday! I won't remind Ken just how long he has been mending Margate's cycles but he used to repair my children's bikes and the eldest are now in their fifties! Thanks for years of service Ken.

With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.

With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Speaking in support of Ukraine at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg last week.

A fascinating exhibition of ‘extinct’ artefacts and fossils mounted by ‘Explorers Against Extinction’ at The House. A stark reminder of the effects of climate change over many millennia, the exhibition will soon be on public display. (I am not one of the exhibits!)

Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’

Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’

St Gregory's School visit to Parliament and meeting with Roger.

Congratulations to The East Kent Colleges Group- this year’s winners of the Association of Colleges annual Beacon Award for Governance.

Huge thanks to the cast and staff of another Thanet Police Pantomime (Treasure Island) raising funds for the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre and the East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). Pictured with Andy Yoofoo as Captain Crook

Good to see my old friend Betty at the weekend. Wonderfully looked after in a Westgate residential home and by her devoted daughter. At 98 years young, still as bright as a button!

A useful meeting with Tourism and Arts Minister Julia Lopez. We shall look forward to welcoming her to the constituency - a lot of good things to show her.

Met with the Minister of State for Health, Andrea Leadsom, to discuss the provision of the NHS and the NHS dentistry in East Kent. Major improvements are imminent.

Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!

Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

On Saturday I opened the Westerleigh Group's fortieth crematorium in Herne Bay. An excellent new facility that will shorten both waiting and journey times for many of my bereaved constituents.

An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.

An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.

A wonderful evening with Suzy at Strode Park for the illumination of the Christmas lights- and huge thanks to the Herne Junior School choir for some beautiful carol singing.

We were delighted to welcome Sir Roger Gale to our Birchington HUB today. The work both Sir Roger and Lady Suzy have done in the community over the years is amazing and the advice was well received. Merry Christmas

At the Parliamentary launch of Small Business Saturday. Shop locally and support small businesses- not just next Saturday (December 2nd) but as often as possible

Good to celebrate Schools Parliament Week at Briary Primary School in Herne Bay last week. Thanks to Dan Stanley for arranging the visit. Bright young girls and boys with some very searching questions. Looking forward to a return match at the Palace of Westminster!

A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.

A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!