The Bradstone Association, the dynamic residents group chaired by David Taylor, has been promoting a number of excellent projects to improve the appearance of their neighbourhood in central Folkestone, and to bring the community together. Last year I was honoured to be asked to open Philippa Goddard's stunning end of terrace mural in Bradstone Road. On Monday I saw the artist herself at work on her new sunflowers mural on 'Sunflower House', in Foord Road. This house will also open when work is completed as a new centre for the local community. Later that morning, I also visited the site of an exciting new project that Bradstone Association is looking to start, to restore the former Baptist Church burial ground and garden, which has been locked up in a private site high above Bradstone Road since 1855.
The Bradstone Association has received some central government funding through the Community Development Foundation to support its projects, but has also worked hard to raise its own funds and attracted further financial assistance from local councils, business organisations and the Roger De Haan charitable trust. One excellent initiative that they have been the driving force in getting off the ground is the work of Peter Philips, Folkestone's "town sprucer". Since May this year Peter, with the assistance of some eager volunteers, has been sent in like a special hit squad to clean up parts of the town centre. You may have noticed some of their excellent work improving the Marketplace, behind Rendezvous Street and the Town Hall, and also seen them working on the Road of Remembrance. The "Town Sprucer" has been funded so far by the Bradstone Association, Folkestone Town Council and the Folkestone Town Team. The support from the Town Team has come using some of funds we received following our application to the government's Mary Portas pilot towns initiative. There have also been further donations from local businesses including Wilmoths Citroen in Folkestone who have supplied a work van for the sprucer and his team. This has been an excellent community led initiative that has delivered real benefits for the town, and I hope it continues to receive the support it needs.
Last Sunday, along with my wife Sarah, I attend the national service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the Battle of Britain, which was held as Westminster Abbey. 74 years on we must never forget the incredible sacrifices made by these 'few' airmen and their crews at the pivotal point of Britain's fortunes in the war. I was also privileged to meet Flight Lieutenant Bill Green, one of the surviving Battle of Britain pilots. Now in his 90s, Bill has vivid memories of flying Hurricanes for 501 squadron, from the RAF base at Hawkinge during the battle. In late August 1940 he was shot down, making a last minute bailout of his plane, and landing at Mill Hill Farm near Elham. Bill's story also featured in Dennis Knight's book, "Harvest of Messerschmitts", which was based on the wartime diary of Elham resident, Mary Smith. It was wonderful to see him, and some of the other veterans present at the service in such excellent spirits.