This week, the village of Densole was the first in the county to benefit from the ‘Making Kent Quicker’ project, which is delivering new fibre optic, high speed broadband to communities that have up until now had a slow internet service. 416 properties that previously had a poor connection will now be able to place orders for high speed broadband. Over the coming months, many more communities will benefit from investment to upgrade their broadband service. The £40 million funding to deliver the ‘Making Kent Quicker’ project is being provided by Kent County Council and the government through Broadband Delivery UK, working in partnership with BT.
High speed broadband services are an increasingly important tool for homes and businesses. Households and people working in rural communities who have previously had a poor service will see a big difference in the quality and speed of their connection to the internet. This will make tasks like viewing large document files, images and videos much easier. It is excellent news that Densole is the first village in Kent to have its new service activated through the ‘Making Kent Quicker’ project and I look forward to seeing other communities benefit from this investment in their broadband infrastructure in the New Year. You can find out more about the roll out of high speed broadband in Kent on the county council’s website www.kent.gov.uk , including information about when your area will be upgraded.
The internet, and information and communications technology will continue to be an important part of the way we work, which is why it is so important that young people are taught in schools how to use it and benefit from it. Earlier in the year I invited Google, to bring one of their ‘Code Club’ events to Folkestone and last Friday I joined a session they had organised at the Primary Academy School in Park Farm. Code Club teaches young learners the basics of computer programming, so that they can understand how they can make their own games and apps, not just how to use those created by other people. The year 6 class who took part in the Code Club session clearly enjoyed it, and quickly picked it up. I hope that this is something they have been inspired to continue with.
On Saturday I was invited to join the Vice Presidents Christmas lunch at Folkestone Rugby Club, ahead of their game against Ashford. Sadly the match result went the wrong way, but it is great to see the club in such good heart. The majority of the Folkestone first team had come up through the junior ranks, and the club has one of the best youth structures in Kent; starting with training for the under sixes. You can find out more about the club at its website www.folkestonerugbyclub.co.uk.
With the festive season nearly upon us it was good to see so many people come to visit the Christmas Market last Sunday in the Square in Elham. There was a great variety of local produce and crafts for sale, as well as live music to entertain the visitors. My wife Sarah and I, and our children Claudia and Hugo would also like to wish all readers best wishes for Christmas.