Visits | rogergale

Visits

Launching Parliament Week at Sturry Church of England Primary School with the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, Ward Cllr Harry McKenzie and senior members of the staff.	“If only you could repair leaking water mains without having to dig up the road….” Well, according to John Marsden of the British company Orbit you now can - and you can use satellite technology to spot the leaks as well! Orbit’s Newcastle-based invention is now being evaluated by Southern Water. If it does what John Marsden says it does then bring it on! For a lot of small enterprises that have lost business due to road closures it cannot come soon enough.	“If only you could repair leaking water mains without having to dig up the road….” Well, according to John Marsden of the British company Orbit you now can - and you can use satellite technology to spot the leaks as well! Orbit’s Newcastle-based invention is now being evaluated by Southern Water. If it does what John Marsden says it does then bring it on! For a lot of small enterprises that have lost business due to road closures it cannot come soon enough.
A great privilege to be invited by Paul Whitfield, Director General of Wildwood Kent, to open the new Lynx enclosure and to be introduced to her two residents by Headkeeper Sally Holt.	There is a real hope that licenses will be applied for next year and that following a breeding programme these beautiful animals will be reintroduced into the wild and allowed to roam freely as they are in mainland Europe. The barriers are political and social not environmental and as with beavers the day will come when the Lynx is just accepted as part of our natural habitat. Much work to do but this new enclosure is a major step forward.	A great privilege to be invited by Paul Whitfield, Director General of Wildwood Kent, to open the new Lynx enclosure and to be introduced to her two residents by Headkeeper Sally Holt.
There is a real hope that licenses will be applied for next year and that following a breeding programme these beautiful animals will be reintroduced into the wild and allowed to roam freely as they are in mainland Europe. The barriers are political and social not environmental and as with beavers the day will come when the Lynx is just accepted as part of our natural habitat. Much work to do but this new enclosure is a major step forward.	Celebrating The British Beauty Council’s Beauty Week with Kara and Clare at Hair On The Square in Birchington. Beauty and personal care has grown four times faster than the wider economy and entrepreneurial businesses like hair on the Square together contribute some £32 billion in consumer spending as well as creating nearly 700,000 jobs - many of them for young people. There’s a great future in beauty!	With proprietor Sally Moore and apprentice Lexi to celebrate the first anniversary of Salon 123 trading at 68 The High Street in Herne Bay. Salon 123 offers an impressive range of hair and beauty treatments and is currently employing ten people and two apprentices while meeting increased wage and national insurance costs. Proof that small businesses are still determined to provide good services to their customers - here’s to a second successful year.
It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas
It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas
It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas	It was an absolute delight to visit Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café, Staple with Sir Roger Gale, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter this morning! We caught up with Tom Ripley and Andrew Minter to see the amazing progress they've made this year. Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first ever Garden Centre opening! #70th #gardencentre #cafe #breakfast #Christmas
Briefly to Cyprus to join the President of the Republic, the Mayor and Council of Morphou and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to commemorate 51 years of the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island and to view again for myself the homes owned by Cypriots now occupied by settlers.	Briefly to Cyprus to join the President of the Republic, the Mayor and Council of Morphou and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to commemorate 51 years of the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island and to view again for myself the homes owned by Cypriots now occupied by settlers.	Also an opportunity to view, with the sons of the rightful owners, the dereliction that was once their families’ orange groves.
If Mr Trump truly wants ‘peace in the Middle East’ then there is a ‘frozen conflict’ less than 200 miles from Gaza with more than 100 families still waiting for the bodies of their loved ones to come home that will also have to be resolved.	A useful meeting with Dr Ben Drew and colleagues at the Sandwich Medical Practice to hear how their new triage and appointments system is working. All innovations take time to bed in but anything that can improve access to GPs and cut down long waiting times on the phone has got to represent progress. For most patients this technology seems to be working well.	An honour to attend the annual Battle of Britain memorial service in Sandwich led by Father Sebastian and attended by the Town Mayor, service representatives and members of the Town Council. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
An honour to attend the annual Battle of Britain memorial service in Sandwich led by Father Sebastian and attended by the Town Mayor, service representatives and members of the Town Council. Per Ardua Ad Astra.	David Railton KC unveiling the plaque commissioned by the Margate Civic Society in memory of his grandfather The Reverend David Railton MC. The Reverend Railton was awarded the Military Cross for acts of outstanding bravery while serving as a padre in the trenches during the First World War.	He served as the vicar of the church of Saint John the Baptist, the parish church of Margate between 1920 and 1925 and it was during this time that he successfully campaigned for the creation of the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. The Union Flag that Rev. Railton used to cover makeshift altars in the trenches and subsequently adorned the pulpit while he was preaching at St. John’s now hangs, as the ‘Padre’s Flag’, close to the warrior’s grave in the Abbey.
Those who missed the ‘for one day only’ opportunity to see some of the country’s top cartoonists working live at the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival (founded in 2013) have the chance to see some of the larger pictures at Beach Creative until Thursday 18th September.	Those who missed the ‘for one day only’ opportunity to see some of the country’s top cartoonists working live at the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival (founded in 2013) have the chance to see some of the larger pictures at Beach Creative until Thursday 18th September.	Vulgar? Tasteless? Irreverent? In the long tradition of British political cartoons, yes. I am not sure that the ‘tribute’ to the President of the United States will amuse him on the eve of his State Visit but it has become still more topical in the days since it was created!
While I was pleased to join parliamentary colleagues in celebrating another 50 years of bus travel there is a difficulty in trying to encourage constituents to 'Get On Board' during bus month. Which is not helped as this form of desirable transport is less than readily available! With support from councillors, we have made and continue to make the point that areas such as Minnis Bay, Herne Bay, Minster and some of the the rural areas of Sandwich and Little Stour & Ashstone need better services	Amazing, the toys that you get to play with in the House of Commons! This little beauty is an Airbus UK apprentice model of a Mars explorer. We got to meet some of the apprentices as well - and I’d say that Britain’s future in space is looking very promising.	Good to meet with Community Pharmacists representatives in Portcullis House this week. I have been supporting their cause in parliament for more than forty years. While some progress has been made there is still much more that our local ‘chemists’ can offer in the way of clinical, prescribing and vaccination services given the necessary funding and consents.
A privilege to be asked to support enterprising young film maker Connor Carruthers who is due to premiere his documentary on the Grid’s Sealink project and its potential effects on the Minster Marshes at the Natural History Museum in November.	A ‘must see‘ at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. For one week only the Carnival of the Animals is a stunning exhibition including works by Wendy Callender, who created the ‘Wildwood Bison’, and animal sculptures by young local artists. Curated by Beach Creative’s Dr. Gillian Wilson and supported by the Arts Fund in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust this show (admission free) is not to be missed. Join the movement. “Let the Wildness in”.	A ‘must see‘ at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. For one week only the Carnival of the Animals is a stunning exhibition including works by Wendy Callender, who created the ‘Wildwood Bison’, and animal sculptures by young local artists. Curated by Beach Creative’s Dr. Gillian Wilson and supported by the Arts Fund in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust this show (admission free) is not to be missed. Join the movement. “Let the Wildness in”.
A ‘must see‘ at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. For one week only the Carnival of the Animals is a stunning exhibition including works by Wendy Callender, who created the ‘Wildwood Bison’, and animal sculptures by young local artists. Curated by Beach Creative’s Dr. Gillian Wilson and supported by the Arts Fund in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust this show (admission free) is not to be missed. Join the movement. “Let the Wildness in”.	A ‘must see‘ at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. For one week only the Carnival of the Animals is a stunning exhibition including works by Wendy Callender, who created the ‘Wildwood Bison’, and animal sculptures by young local artists. Curated by Beach Creative’s Dr. Gillian Wilson and supported by the Arts Fund in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust this show (admission free) is not to be missed. Join the movement. “Let the Wildness in”.	A productive meeting with Emma Woodward and the Forward Trust team at Mill House in Margate this week. The Trust continues to help hundreds unemployed people of all ages back into jobs and I expect to be able to work with them more closely in the future. Note to employers (including very small businesses): have you considered taking on an apprentice? If not, but interested, please make contact with my office and we will effect the necessary introduction.
Congratulations to Carol Mitchell who this weekend celebrated her fifty years of service as a volunteer for The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral at an event in the Campanile Gardens in the presence of the Dean, The Very Reverend Dr. David Monteith. Carol’s contribution to the community in Herne Bay as well as to thousands of visitors to the Cathedral has been quite simply outstanding. Thank you from us all.	A good evening with Shadow Cabinet Minister Alex Burghart who met many of the Conservative team that helped to win Herne Bay and Sandwich a year ago and delivered a robust critique of the current political situation. And huge thanks to the team at The Curious Cat on Herne Common for a warm welcome and an excellent meal.	A privilege to be asked to represent The Speaker and to join the Archbishop of York and the Bailiff of the Island of Jersey to see the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, preside over Tynwald Day. The Tynwald, the Manx parliament, was established over a thousand years ago.
A privilege to be asked to represent The Speaker and to join the Archbishop of York and the Bailiff of the Island of Jersey to see the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, preside over Tynwald Day. The Tynwald, the Manx parliament, was established over a thousand years ago.	A privilege to be asked to represent The Speaker and to join the Archbishop of York and the Bailiff of the Island of Jersey to see the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, preside over Tynwald Day. The Tynwald, the Manx parliament, was established over a thousand years ago.	A privilege to be asked to represent The Speaker and to join the Archbishop of York and the Bailiff of the Island of Jersey to see the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, preside over Tynwald Day. The Tynwald, the Manx parliament, was established over a thousand years ago.
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.

Launching Parliament Week at Sturry Church of England Primary School with the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, Ward Cllr Harry McKenzie and senior members of the staff.

A great privilege to be invited by Paul Whitfield, Director General of Wildwood Kent, to open the new Lynx enclosure and to be introduced to her two residents by Headkeeper Sally Holt.

A great privilege to be invited by Paul Whitfield, Director General of Wildwood Kent, to open the new Lynx enclosure and to be introduced to her two residents by Headkeeper Sally Holt.

Also an opportunity to view, with the sons of the rightful owners, the dereliction that was once their families’ orange groves.

If Mr Trump truly wants ‘peace in the Middle East’ then there is a ‘frozen conflict’ less than 200 miles from Gaza with more than 100 families still waiting for the bodies of their loved ones to come home that will also have to be resolved.

An honour to attend the annual Battle of Britain memorial service in Sandwich led by Father Sebastian and attended by the Town Mayor, service representatives and members of the Town Council. Per Ardua Ad Astra.

An honour to attend the annual Battle of Britain memorial service in Sandwich led by Father Sebastian and attended by the Town Mayor, service representatives and members of the Town Council. Per Ardua Ad Astra.

David Railton KC unveiling the plaque commissioned by the Margate Civic Society in memory of his grandfather The Reverend David Railton MC. The Reverend Railton was awarded the Military Cross for acts of outstanding bravery while serving as a padre in the trenches during the First World War.

Those who missed the ‘for one day only’ opportunity to see some of the country’s top cartoonists working live at the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival (founded in 2013) have the chance to see some of the larger pictures at Beach Creative until Thursday 18th September.

Those who missed the ‘for one day only’ opportunity to see some of the country’s top cartoonists working live at the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival (founded in 2013) have the chance to see some of the larger pictures at Beach Creative until Thursday 18th September.

Vulgar? Tasteless? Irreverent? In the long tradition of British political cartoons, yes. I am not sure that the ‘tribute’ to the President of the United States will amuse him on the eve of his State Visit but it has become still more topical in the days since it was created!

Amazing, the toys that you get to play with in the House of Commons! This little beauty is an Airbus UK apprentice model of a Mars explorer. We got to meet some of the apprentices as well - and I’d say that Britain’s future in space is looking very promising.

A privilege to be asked to support enterprising young film maker Connor Carruthers who is due to premiere his documentary on the Grid’s Sealink project and its potential effects on the Minster Marshes at the Natural History Museum in November.

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.