The sudden death of a friend is always a shock to the system, especially when they are taken in the prime of life. So it was with great sadness that I learnt on Sunday morning that Keren Belcourt had died suddenly after an accident at her home. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Reg and their family during these difficult days that they will face together.
Keren was a well known personality in Hythe, where she had served as the Mayor, and represented the town for many years on Shepway Council. She loved Hythe, the town where she was born and lived all her life, and was a great champion for its interests. At Shepway District Council she brought a great personal passion to her role as Cabinet Member for housing, and in particular supporting the council's work building new homes and bringing empty or derelict properties back into public use.
With her husband Reg, Keren created a home for their children, and for the many young people they provided foster care for. They all became members of the Belcourt family, and Keren would always be full of motherly pride when discussing their achievements and plans for the future. In all areas of her life Keren would tell you what she thought, be clear about what she wanted to achieve, and was motivated by trying to do good for her family and her community. She will be greatly missed by her family, as well as her many friends and colleagues.
Keren always took a strong interest in the work of young people in the community and I know that she would have enjoyed two events I was delighted to support last weekend. Firstly, on Saturday afternoon I joined Alan North, the Mayor of Folkestone, for the opening of the new facilities at 'The Shed' Youth Project and skateboard park in the harbour area. I have been on the management committee of the project for the last seven years and it is fantastic to see its progress, under the care of the excellent Project Leader Ruth Tyler. The project not only provides space to let young people express themselves, but has also helped a large number gain vocational qualifications. We are grateful for the support the project has received from the Kent, Shepway, and Folkestone councils, the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Folkestone Rotary Club, the Ronald Cruickshanks Foundation, and many local businesses.
On Friday evening I attended the opening of an exhibition at the Brewery Tap gallery on Tontine Street, Folkestone. The artworks had been created by four young local artists; Ben Norris, Elliot Tyler, Kaan Gulum and Alex Terris; who had also organised and curated the exhibition. I'd like to congratulate them on the quality of the work and also their initiative in organising the exhibition. I hope this will be the first of many.
Last Saturday was also Small Business Saturday, and the opening day's trading of Aldington Fresh Foods. Peter Vickerman has been the driving force behind the new shop and cafe, in the centre of the village, which will sell a variety of local produce, and includes a butchers and fresh fish counter. I'm sure it will soon become a popular addition to the village.