Christmas is a time of music, from the classic carols to popular festive tunes. One local charity has decided to seize the initiative and launch a Christmas track to raise money to support their work. The Shorncliffe Trust has teamed up with the Peace Collective and the British Red Cross to launch ‘All Together Now’. The song marks the centenary of the Christmas Truce on the western front during World War One, when British and German soldiers famously came out of their trenches to play football in no man’s land. Proceeds from the sales will go to the charities that have supported this project, including the work of the Shorncliffe Trust to preserve and provide educational resources about the military heritage at Shorncliffe. On Monday I attended a special event at the House of Commons to mark the official release of ‘All Together Now’ and I would like to wish it well in the Christmas charts.
The work of the Folkestone Town Team to promote high street businesses was also recognised at the House of Commons last week. Folkestone made the final list of three in a government backed competition to find the best high street in a coastal town in Britain. I would like to thank John Barber for all his hard work and initiative to enter Folkestone into the competition. Also, Peter Philips, the town sprucer, received a special mention for his work proactively targeting repairs and maintenance in the town centre.
On Sunday evening during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony, there was a special mention for Frank New of Folkestone Badminton Club, who was a regional winner in BBC Sport’s ‘Get Inspired’ project, which is celebrating the work of the many unsung heroes across the country who encourage others to get involved in sport. Frank New has been working with the badminton club for many years and I would like to add my thanks for all he has done to promote badminton and sport in the Folkestone area.
Last Thursday I attended the prize giving evening for the senior school at the Marsh Academy in New Romney. The school has enjoyed another excellent year with record exam results and fantastic success in sport and the performing arts. The school has been on an incredible journey over the last few years. The excellent new buildings have provided facilities that are state of the art and a world away from the old school. However, whilst the right environment can help get better results, it is the hard work of everyone at the school which should be applauded. I would like to wish the Principal Shaun Simmons and all of the staff and pupils, best wishes for another successful year in 2015.
On Sunday, along with Sarah and the children, we joined the crowds at the Christmas market in the Square in Elham. There was a wide selection of Christmas gifts and local produce for sale, and thankfully a bright brisk winter’s day to put everyone in festive spirits.
