2008 marks 90 years since the Representation of the People Act finally gave some women the right to vote. It is also 80 years since women won the right to vote on equal terms with men, and the start of democratic representation as we know it today.
Journalists of the Press Gallery have started their annual search for the best young political writers of tomorrow in a competition designed to encourage students to voice their views on government and politics. The winners are invited to tour the Houses of Parliament and meet leading politicians and political journalists.
A firefighter who rose through the ranks to become Area Commander is returning to his roots to take charge of fire and rescue operations in the East Kent area which includes the Folkestone, Hythe, Elham Valley and Romney Marsh area.
The Kent Energy Centre is currently working with Shepway Council to promote the Solar Renewable Grant Scheme for residents who may be interested in purchasing solar hot water or solar electricity equipment. The scheme offers a £1,000 grant towards the installed cost of solar electric or solar hot water systems.
The Folkestone Literary Festival will return to the town from Saturday 1st - Sunday 9th November this autumn, promising eight days of readings, performances, schools events and practical writing sessions with notable authors from all over the country.
Young people are being given the chance to get involved when one of the best military bands in the world visits Shepway. The Band of the Grenadier Guards is playing at the Leas Cliff Hall in August, and as well as presenting a varied and entertaining programme of music, the 45-strong band is inviting local young people to listen to its rehearsals, gain an insight into how the concert is put together and to talk to band members.
Cheriton Councillor Tim Prater has welcomed news that Saga have bought Cheriton Parc House in Cheriton Parc from Eurotunnel and are planning to use the building as a new call centre, creating up to 400 new jobs.
Discover Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh have released their August newsletter with an update on tourism activity in the area, a look forward to a newly revamped Discover Folkestone web site and more.
Shepway Council have announced the programme for free events from the Leas bandstand in Folkestone and Lower Leas Park Ampitheatre for August 2008.
Sandgate Parish Council are inviting local residents to come along and join the Wild Life and Open Spaces group on a part-rural / part-urban Litter Pick. We will start at the top end of the Golden Valley (Ferne Way) at 6pm on Friday 1st August, and finish in Sandgate High Street (just behind Chichester Hall) around 7pm or just after.
A new group has been set up and has conducted a feasibility study to recommence mail and postal services in AB's Minimarket, Enbrook Valley, Sandgate. The initial study has shown that, with a little help from local residents and businesses, introducing these services will be possible, replacing some of the services lost when the Post Office closed earlier this year.
The BBC reports that Eurostar is to resume a daily direct service between Ashford International, in Kent, and Brussels from December. Ashford lost all of its services to Brussels, and some to Paris, when Ebbsfleet International station opened last November.
