Meeting at the Grand Hotel is always a treat and this was no exception. I was introduced to Reg Turnhill, retired BBC Science correspondent, whose idea it was to hold this incredible festival.
Shepway District Council workers have to do some pretty disgusting things, not least of them clearing up a pubic recreation area of the dog mess left by selfish dog owners.
A short service of remembrance around the memorial in Capel-le-Ferne gave everyone an opportunity to recall lost friends and to thank the pilots of 70 years ago for their courage and sacrifice. Hundreds of names are written on the wall there to remind us all, of the task undertaken by these brave men.
As the small group gathered and rightly proud men displayed their medals, the mood softened and our united thoughts centred on the task in hand. Flag bearers, worship leaders, ex-servicemen and women and supporters heard the Rev. Mark Hayton gather our thoughts in prayer and we turned our minds to the importance of the occasion.
The hunt is on for volunteers for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for people to become an official 'Gamesmaker'.
It is good to see our young people showing a commitment to remembering those in uniform who risked their lives to create a better world for us all. The 20 young people from the Air Training Core processed with pride and carried the flags, leading in the men and women in uniform who were at Holy Trinity as part of the remembrance service marking 70 years since the skies over Kent were full of the aeroplanes fighting in the Battle of Britain.
I can still feel a twinge or two as I write this, having hit 50 balls on the driving range in what appeared at the time, an easy style. My muscles the following day did not agree!
There is always a warm welcome from the fund raisers of The Guide Dogs for the Blind and the company is interesting and informative.
A Sandgate Councillor has slammed news that the first full year of parking charges at Sandgate's Castle Road Car Park saw pay and display income of just £16,590. The income is massively under the prediction of £25,000 a year by Conservative Shepway Council when they changed the car park from being free to pay and display last year.
A slick organisation and a well planned day was blessed by the excellent weather to create a memorable experience in Sandwich. The Speaker of The Cinque Ports and Town Mayor, Terry, opened the day with a welcome. With 30 people attending the fund raising event, there was a need to split up into three groups for the tours.
I guess being by the sea we should expect windy conditions and "blustery" is what we got! As always, we were greeting with great hospitality and the arrangements for the day were explained from the starting point of the Dover Transport Museum.
I have know Ian Tilling for 25 years since he helped to save the life of my son, Lewis. That's a pretty good reason to support a charity where Ian has focussed his life for the past 20 years.
