The Liberal Democrats on Shepway District Council have presented a wide ranging set of questions to Wednesday evenings full Council meeting. The subjects cover issues from recycling, public liability insurance, the state of the Leas bandstand, Veterans Day, freedom bus passes and the future of the Folkestone Post Office.
Last week I attended the premier of Taking Liberties. It's a new feature film about how Tony Blair and New Labour have been steadily taking away our civil liberties. Love it or loathe it, it's very thought provoking and led to a heated panel discussion between myself, Shami Chakrabati, Ken Loach, Clive Anderson and others after the screening. You can see the trailer at http://www.noliberties.com/trailer.htm
Sunday 10 June sees Folkestone mark one of its most famous citizens with the annual William Harvey Commemoration.
The BBC report that two men are being questioned after police received reports of harassment against "Dave" the dolphin who has been swimming by Sandgate, Folkestone for over a year.
Action from Councillor Peter Gane has drawn a promise that at least one road in Cheriton will get better street cleaning treatment in future. After being called by local residents, Peter was appalled at the street litter and dirt in the area, and contacted Shepway demanding a clear-up.
Party members have just three weeks, until 29 June, to register for the Liberal Democrats Federal Conference at the discounted rate. Conference this year will take place at the Brighton Centre on Kings road Brighton between 15-20 September.
The House of Lords is due to vote on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill later this month. Having initially insisted that it was a matter 'for Parliament to decide', both Gordon Brown and David Cameron are now saying they oppose the Bill 'in its current form', adding to the ongoing strong Liberal Democrat opposition to the bill.
Folkestone Deputy Mayor Emily Sanger was elected Chair of the key Community Services Committee of Folkestone Town Council on Tuesday night, with new councillor Dhan Gurung being elected as Vice-Chair. The Committee is focused on developing and supporting services for Folkestone, and the positions are for the 2007-08 year.
A provocative new documentary, Taking Liberties, is released in UK cinemas this Friday (8 June). The film makers are encouraging people to see the film, saying:
The Countryside Access Group at Kent County Council has launched a countywide advertising campaign to promote "Explore Kent". The primary aim is to raise awareness of "Explore Kent" and what it offers to the residents of Kent.
South East Lib Dem Europe Group (SELDEG), which covers South East and South Central regions, is a new community of Lib Dem councillors, local party executive members and PPCs interested in finding out more about how the European Union relates to their daily work in their own counties, districts and towns.
Shepway Lib Dems have welcomed a Home Office U-turn on a previous decision to deny access to the UK for an 84 year old Gurkha hero who won the VC fighting for Britain. Tul Bahadur Pun currently lives in Nepal, but wants to come to the UK for medical treatment. He has heart problems, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure and requires daily medication - which is not always available in Nepal.
