The Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois MP, visited Folkestone last Friday to see the progress being made on the Step Short, First World War Centenary memorial arch on The Leas. The project manager, Oly Barratt from Lend Lease, and the team from Folkestone based Walker’s Construction, have been working hard to put the finishing touches to the paved seating area beneath the arch, in time for its formal opening by Prince Harry on 4thAugust. The Minister also followed in the footsteps of the soldiers of the First World War by walking down the Road of Remembrance to the harbour, and there joined me in meeting with some of the volunteers from Step Short who have been working at the visitor information centre, located in the Tram Road car park. It is great to see the many elements of Folkestone’s preparations for the First World War centenary coming together; from the arch to exhibitions and events that will run throughout the summer. Thousands of hours have been given by local volunteers to help make this possible, which is why the government regards Folkestone as a ‘flagship’ for community support for this important period of commemoration. You can find out more about this through the Step Short website www.stepshort.co.uk
Last Saturday I joined the crowds at the War and Peace revival show at Folkestone racecourse. This continues to be a great success bringing in thousands of visitors and exhibitors from right across the country. My congratulations go to Rex Cadman and his team for another great event. It was also good to see local heritage organisations exhibiting at the show, including Step Short, and the ‘Kent in World War One’ project that has been created by Screen South in Folkestone. Cllr Pam Carr, the Chairman of Shepway District Council, was there to support the event throughout and the council provided a free afternoon tea for armed forces veterans who attended the show; including some of the Chelsea pensioners.
I would also like to thank Helen Baxter, the head teacher of Sellindge primary school, as well as the staff and pupils, for inviting me to join their morning assembly last Friday. It was great to hear about their work and the school’s visits to the War and Peace show. They also told me about their support for the ‘Send my friend’ to school campaign. This campaign rightly highlights the fact that many children around the world are denied access to an education. Sometimes this is because their community lacks the facilities to provide schools, and in some oppressive societies girls are stopped from attending school altogether. The government invests over £300 million a year in supporting education projects around the world; surely one of the best uses possible for the resources invested in our international aid programmes.
Finally last week I joined a meeting that I had arranged with the Ministry of Defence and Cycle Shepway to discuss improving the cycle access and pathways along the coast, in the areas close to the military firing ranges. I hope a solution can soon be found that will help the growing numbers of cyclists to enjoy this popular route