Community Engagements at the Start of the Year

 

 

Despite the recent water problems, 2026 has had a fairly quiet but positive start for my Mayoral engagements.

 

I have had the pleasure of attending many church services, including the 12^th Night Carol Service at the United Reform Church, a wonderful concert performed by Maidstone Choral Union.

 

I was also honoured to attend and officially open  and "do " the grand opening of Masala Banks restaurant  on Bank Street. The food was delicious and the people involved excellent, which included a tour of the kitchen and meeting all the chefs. Some of you and my friends know how much I love being "in the brigade"  so I wish the team every success in their new venture. It deserves that success. 

 

Next was the Maghe Sankranti Celebration at Mote Leisure Centre. I joined Kent’s Gurkha Community for this vibrant cultural event and was honoured to attend as the chief guest. It was an enjoyable celebration, filled with music and dancing, including, I am pleased to say, some participation from myself!

 

This week will be a busy one, with a full diary of engagements. Today I visited Involve Kent to learn about the important work they do, and tomorrow I will be visiting Allington’s Community Café, which takes place every Tuesday. I am very much looking forward to meeting local residents and their community.

 

Later this week I will be attending a Burns Night Supper in my home village of Headcorn. I will attend in a kilt and Scottish dress...with some Whisky!   This will be followed by a busy Saturday, beginning with the re-opening of Grafty Green Village Hall after its redecoration and rewiring works. I will then attend the Health and Wellness Fun Day at St Augustine’s Academy, organised by the Hong Kong Nursing Association, before ending the day at the Maidstone Rugby Club reunion event, including watching the league match against Aylesford Rugby Club. As with the above comment, I not only love kitchens, but also love Rugby, so I will be very happily engaged! 

 

The week will conclude with another Burns Night event, this time hosted by the Town Mayor of Swanscombe and Greenhithe, featuring a charity fundraiser quiz.

 

It is always a pleasure to attend these events and to meet and chat to so many people across the Borough. With only less than five months left of my mayoral year, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity and to raise as much money as possible for my chosen charities. I am also pleased to report that tickets for the annual Mayor’s Quiz next month are selling fast, which is wonderful to see.

Water, water everywhere….except to drink!

What a shambles of a week, flooding at the end of last week, water turned off this week due to a catalogue of issues. Unbelievable!

South East Water have a lot to answer for.

Large parts of Maidstone were left without water for days. Others suffered intermittent supply or dangerously low pressure. Some schools were left with no option but to close, forcing families to juggle childcare and work commitments at very short notice.

Bottled water stations were set up across the Borough, and many emergency and community groups leapt into action, some taking the matter into their own hands and setting up water distribution points of their own.

Amid the mayhem, it was truly heart warming to see communities come together. I’ve heard countless stories of people delivering water to vulnerable neighbours, checking in on those living alone, and offering help wherever they could. One good thing to come out of a crisis is often the reminder of just how strong and compassionate our local community really is.

That said, goodwill and neighbourly spirit should never be a substitute for reliable infrastructure. Residents deserve answers, accountability, and, most importantly, assurances that this kind of disruption will not become the norm.

Yet whilst I and others are fuming in anger and frustration over the issue, I as Mayor visited one of the bottle distribution points at the Mote Leisure Centre  to say thank you for the staff trying their best to help. Some of them have received great abuse: they are only doing the job to support the situation, they do not work as employees of South East Water, so they deserve our praise not rudeness.

A year as Maidstone’s first citizen

What an incredible honour it has been to serve as Mayor of Maidstone over the past year. From my very first day, leading the Civic Parade through our beautiful town centre alongside the 36 Engineer Regiment and the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, I felt immense pride in our borough and its traditions. Riding in the ceremonial carriage was a moment I will never forget and a true privilege.

This year I continue to focus my fundraising efforts on causes close to my heart:

• Women and Children in Syria
• Young Farmers
• Heart of Kent Hospice
• The Big Cat Sanctuary

At the same time, I place great importance on supporting many other causes by raising awareness of their outstanding work. Supporting these charities has been deeply rewarding, and I have been humbled by the generosity of our community.

Welcoming friends from our twin town of Beauvais to the fantastic River Festival was a particular highlight, as was the opportunity to visit their twinning festival.

Celebrating Maidstone’s rich rural heritage has been a joy, from the County Show at Detling to local ploughing matches, gardeners’ societies, and food festivals. I have also had the pleasure of marking important cultural milestones, including the Hazlitt Theatre’s 70th anniversary and Sutton Valence School’s celebrations, as well as joining vibrant community events such as Diwali with the Maidstone Indian Association.

Remembrance services, VE/VJ 80th anniversary commemorations, and military and veterans’ events have held great significance for me. Health awareness initiatives have also been important, including leading the Baton of Hope through our town, which served as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion within our borough. As Christmas approached, launching the Charity Donations Hub in The Mall was a heartfelt highlight, seeing residents come together to support those in need and truly embody the spirit of Maidstone.

Serving as your Mayor has been an honour beyond words. The greatest joy has been meeting so many wonderful people doing incredible work and showing outstanding dedication to service across charities, organisations, and businesses. Together, we have demonstrated wonderful kindness, resilience, and unity to make our community stronger than ever.

A Mayoral Christmas Message

On Sunday 14th December I went to a Church Service that reflected on those we have lost, and on the friends and family we continue to love and miss. For some, this is a good time to pause and reflect. For others, it can be an awful time, a time when grief, sorrow and old pain sit very close to the surface. Services like this can help. They create a space to remember, to acknowledge loss, and to know we are not alone.

 

I know this personally.

 

December carries many difficult memories for me. I lost my mother, who was born on the 12^th December. I lost my sister – probably my dearest friend, along with my best friend, her husband, on the 15^th December.

 

There are other dates too. On the 1^st of December 1989, I was involved in a road traffic collision and was in a coma until the 21^st of December. These experiences mean that this time of year can be deeply challenging for me, as I know it is for many others.

 

And yet, I must, and I do, wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

 

Because Christmas is not only about happiness, it is about hope. It is about kindness shown quietly. It is about people looking out for one another, especially when times are hard.

 

Across our community, many people and many organisations continue to do truly great work – caring, supporting, volunteering, listening, and helping where help is needed most. At this time of year, and indeed throughout the year, we must remember that community really does mean community. No one should feel forgotten or excluded. No one should feel they do not belong.

 

To those who are celebrating with joy, and to those who are carrying sadness alongside the festivities, please know that you are seen, you are valued, and you matter.

 

I wish you all peace, kindness, and a Merry Christmas.

 

 

A Festive and Community-Filled Few Weeks

The last few weeks have been wonderfully busy and truly festive! I was delighted to open this year’s Christmas Donation Hub at The Mall, a joint initiative between Maidstone Borough Council and The Mall, giving Maidstone Charities a welcoming space to collect donations. I was also honoured to switch on Maidstone’s Town Centre Christmas Lights, together with the cast of the Hazlitt Christmas pantomime.

The following week brought the Christmas lights switch-on at Cavell Park Care Home and The Music Man’s project Christmas concert – an inspiring event supporting people with learning difficulties, beautifully accompanied by the Maidstone Salvation Army. 

Saturday saw the Dick Whittington Panto VIP Opening Night at the Hazlitt Theatre, always a highlight of the season. On Sunday, I attended the Heart of Kent Hospice “Light up a Life” service, a moving time for reflection and remembrance for loved ones who are no longer with us but whose light still shines in our hearts.

Recent engagements have also included –

• Hi Kent AGM
• South Park Community coffee morning
• Switch Youth Services visit
• Mayor of Ashford’s charity lunch at the London Beach Hotel, featuring King of Queen tribute acts. 
• Walk in my Shoes event by Kent Arts and Wellbeing, an insightful activity raising awareness of living with dementia.

Looking ahead

This week promises to be another busy one, I will be attending:

• The induction mass and reception for Fr Oliver Antao, the new priest of the Roman Catholic Parish of Bearsted and Harrietsham.
• The Maidstone Singers Annual Christmas Concert.
• The Mayor of Swanley’s Charity Event at Eagle Heights, supporting ADSS (Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services).
• Kent County Agricultural Society quarterly meeting.
• Lydd Town Council Christmas Concert, performed by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
• A memorial Christmas concert at All Saints Church, organised by local Funeral Directors.

As we enjoy the joy and brightness of Christmas, let us also hold in our hearts those for whom this season brings sadness or struggle. My thoughts are with all who are finding things difficult at this time of year, and that includes myself. 

Three Weeks of Community, Culture and Remembrance

It has been a busy and inspiring few weeks across Maidstone and beyond, with events that have truly reflected the spirit, diversity, and kindness of our community.

A super Start at the Theatre

What a wonderful evening at the Hazlitt Theatre for the Sound of Music VIP opening night! It was a fantastic performance full of talent and energy, congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this classic story to life on our local stage.

Honouring Service and Sacrifice

The Poppy Appeal Launch at County Hall was a moving reminder of the importance of remembrance and the incredible work of the Royal British Legion. It is always humbling to see the continued support from our community for veterans and their families.

I also joined the Festival of Remembrance at Rochester Cathedral, a poignant evening of music, reflection and gratitude with some super contributions including from friends musically and a chance to meet other friends and associates of many years. I also received a few compliments myself, for efforts to Veterans and mental health awareness.  

This coming Sunday I will be honoured to give a reading and lay a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service starting at the Town Hall, before taking the salute as the parade passes. These moments of unity and remembrance are at the heart of our civic life.

World Stroke Day

I had the pleasure of meeting staff and local groups at Cavell Park Care Home for World Stroke Day. Hearing first-hand about their work to support stroke survivors and their families was inspiring, a reminder of the dedication and compassion that runs through our local care community and so many volunteers that contribute to such work. 

Celebrating Diwali – The Festival of Lights

This year’s Maidstone Indian Association Diwali Celebration was truly special. I had the privilege not only the attend but also to join in the drumming band, what a wonderful experience! It was a joyous evening filled with dance, song, delicious food, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who made it such a vibrant celebration, and a very Happy Diwali to all who celebrate.

Celebrating Local History at Penenden Heath

It was a lovely afternoon at Penenden Heath History Garden for the unveiling of the new sculpture. What made it especially memorable were the children from Penenden Heath Pre-School, whose smiles, excitement, and enthusiasm brought the event to life. Their pride in being park of something lasting was heart-warming, a memory they will share for years to come!

A Busy Week Ahead

The next week promises to be equally full and rewarding:

• The All Souls Day Service and Luncheon at the Rochester Bridge Chapel and Chamber. This is a significant historic event that has been part of Kent history for over 500 years, when Maidstone and Rochester were the responsible "agents" for the Medway river and worked with the Kings Dockyard at Chatham and the masters of the Thames, that took on navigation responsibility from Gravesend onwards. (now known as Pilots).  
• Ebbsfleet United vs Maidstone United, organised by the Royal British Legion, where I’ll join others in observing a minute’s silence before the game, the 1st Round of the FA Cup.
• The National Fruit Show organised by those for the County Show at Detling Showground but in Marden– including the President’s breakfast and show opening. This has real family connection for me: my father was associated with this and took me to the shows from 1963 and onwards for many years (he always felt I should know about fruit quality and food generally, as a child) but in 1965 : 60 years ago, he asked me to test an apple in a "close tie" for best apple .....I tasted several but all the whole apples! I was only supposed to take a bite! 
• The Mayor of Bromley’s Charity Evening at The Warren.
• The Provincial Grand Master’s Charity Awards at The Great Danes Hotel, where I’ll be speaking about my chosen charities.
• And finally, the Young Farmers 80th AGM and Award Evening at the Kent Showground, another of my chosen charities, doing wonderful work with young people in our rural communities.

 

These past few weeks have truly shown the strength, kindness, and diversity of our community, from theatre and history to remembrance and celebration. I’m so grateful to everyone who makes the Borough of Maidstone such a vibrant and caring place to live.

W/c 22nd September 2025.

Carrying the Baton of Hope in Maidstone

 
Last week I had the great honour of carrying the Baton of Hope from Maidstone Town Hall to Mote Park. It was a privilege to take part in such a powerful event, one dedicated to raising awareness of suicide and supporting those whose lives have been touched by it.
 
Along the route, I met families who have suffered unimaginable loss. Their stories were deeply moving and extremely sad, yet each one was shared with incredible courage and a determination to bring about change. Despite their grief, they carry something stronger – hope. Hope that what has happened to their loved ones will not happen to anyone else.
 
Events like the Baton of Hope remind us that raising awareness is key. Too many lives are lost to suicide, and together we must continue to speak openly, listen compassionately, and ensure help is available for those who need it.
 
I am grateful to everyone who welcomed me at the event and shared their experiences.


You will be able to catch some video on Facebook Baton of Hope, or Maidstone Borough Council and my personal page.


https://www.facebook.com/maidstoneboroughcouncil
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