For many families the arrival of September is a very important time of the year. Hundreds of children will be having their much anticipated first day at school. For others there will be the transition to the bigger world of secondary school with all its challenges and opportunities. I would like to wish everyone who […]
The unemployment rate has fallen faster this year in the Folkestone and Hythe parliamentary constituency than the average for the South East of England, and the whole of the country; so in terms of job creation, we are beating some of the best.The latest figures published last week also show that in July both unemployment […]
The regeneration of Folkestone's seafront and harbour came a step closer when the masterplan created by the leading architect Sir Terry Farrell, recently received its outline planning approval from Shepway council. The delivery of this plan will transform the economy and long term prospects of the whole area and is something we should wholeheartedly welcome. […]
Admiral The Lord Boyce, The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports has commanded many mightier weapons than the spade I presented to him on Sunday, but nevertheless I was pleased to see him put it to good use. Just after 11am on 4th August, the 99th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, […]
The First World War centenary falls a year from today, on 4th August 2014, and will be a significant point of remembrance for millions of people around the world. To mark this centenary the Step Short project in Folkestone, of which I have been Chairman for the last six years, has commissioned a memorial arch […]
There was good news last week for the Folkestone economy with The Workshop creative business centre opening its doors in Tontine Street, and applications opening up for places at the Doug Richard 'School for Creative Start-ups' which will be based at the Creative Foundation. Last Friday I was given a tour around The Workshop, the […]
The first Folkestone Fish Fest was scheduled for last weekend, and I had been looking forward to opening it on the Saturday morning. Sadly the wind and rain intervened, and what may have been good weather for fish, was a disaster for the stall holders and musicians who were booked to perform, which led to […]
Defence Ministers confirmed this week that despite further announcements of redundancies in the armed forces, the Gurkhas will continue to play a vital role Britain’s military operations. This is an issue we have pressed continuously through the largest review of our defence requirements since the early 1990s. We are all proud of the outstanding commitment […]
I hope you've had an excellent Christmas and the chance to enjoy one of the many local events on Boxing Day. From sporting occasions like the Hythe Town versus Folkestone Invicta football match, the Saltwood Boxing Day run and the East Kent hunt meeting in Elham; to events that raise money for good causes like […]
The meeting at The Grand on Monday night of town centre traders from Folkestone showed the strength of feeling and concern over the parking strategy. Shepway Council has recently taken steps to promote the town to shoppers and visitors by making parking free in the weekends leading up to Christmas. The price to park for […]