The Liberal Democrats have long argued that Trident is an out of date, unnecessary and hugely expensive weapons system that the UK has no need of in modern times. In this period of fiscal constraint it is also a luxury we can ill afford. Nick Clegg was right to argue powerfully against Trident renewal during the Leader's Debates. Our party was right to stand in contrast to both the Conservatives and Labour on this issue.
Walking into a room at The Grand where 500 Brownies and Guides were waiting to celebrate the end of their Centenary Year, is ear piercing! High pitched squeals however, disappear to nothing as a ripple of raised hands signal that silence is required. No shouting or nagging, just a raised hand by one Guider is copied by the closest girls who remain silent whilst their hands are raised, and the room becomes silent within seconds. Amazing.
Customers have been enjoying the recent improvements to Folkestone's library and History Resource Centre. Kent County Council's Mike Hill will officially mark the reopening of the library on Thursday 28 October at 10:15am.
We have known about the History Society since its early days as our friend, Charles Whitney, was the first Chairperson back in the mid 80's. Charles was invited to attend this event and so it was a real treat for us to meet again after a time apart.
I am delighted to see that my 100th event is one that has dignity and style. The Mayor of Deal welcomed us into his 'home church' and we robed in the adjoining hall. The response to the invitations was high, and we all squashed into a small room to prepare ourselves and be dressed by Town Sergeants.
The memory of having gone to Ramsgate for the Bowls Tournament (and won it) still lingers, and so turning up for the Ramsgate Quiz was exciting.
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes paid tribute today to agony aunt, broadcaster and patient campaigner Claire Rayner, who died yesterday at 79. Simon Hughes said:
It is not an Association that I have ever considered joining, but as Mayor I have been invited to join the Folkestone Rotary as an Honorary Member.
Having experienced our own Mental Health Awareness Day in Folkestone Town Centre this week, it was good to experience a different venue for the same exhibitions. I was impressed that so many people remembered us from Thursday, and good to meet new people with displays we had not yet seen.
Most of us know about Guide Dogs for the Blind, but few people seem to know about Help Dogs who care for disabled people. I was invited to attend this fund raising auction and to speak about the charity.
There is one thing for sure about Britain, and that is that we do pomp and ceremony really well. Watching the procession of Barristers, Judges, Bishops, Priests, Mayors, Lord Warden and High Sheriff was stunning and yet strangely scary. A judge with a black cap surely is a memorable vision that harks back to darker times.
Our town is fortunate to have a wealth of talent and a depth of creativity that we can be proud of. The exhibition at The Grand Hotel, was grand indeed and offered those attending an opportunity to celebrate along with the artists themselves, what awesome drawings and paintings we have to put on show.
