mothers in these families and giving them support in meeting their challenges. They are also giving increasing help to victims of domestic violence.
I have recently been honoured by being made Patron of Home-Start Shepway and last Friday I made two presentations. One was to Lynda Burchett to celebrate her ten years of service to the organisation. As the Treasurer pointed out “without Lynda there would be no Shepway Home-Start.” The second presentation was a League of mercy award for voluntary service to John Midgley, the first Chairman of Home-Start Shepway, who has rendered such sterling service to the voluntary sector in our community over many years.
From there I went to the Grand for the AGM of the Channel Chamber of Commerce where I was heartened by the general air of optimism which pervaded the meeting and the lunch which followed it.
Next stop was Folkestone Fire Station where I listened to the arguments put forward by the fire fighters, to whom we owe so much, for protecting the existing facilities at Folkestone. These are to be the subject of a forthcoming consultation exercise by the Fire Authority and this very useful meeting helped me to make the most vigorous defence I can of the facilities we have.
On Saturday, after my advice centres, I attended the opening of new purpose built units of social housing in Sellindge, paid for in part by charitable trusts which date back 400 years – a remarkable story.
Later, to return to the theme of volunteering, I spent some time behind the counter at Barnardos in Sandgate Road to celebrate Make-a-Difference Day – the national day which celebrates the contribution voluntary activity makes to our society. |
