The Start of my Mayoral Year

Saturday was a big day for me as I officially took the reins as the new Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone. It was a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and a real sense of responsibility – and I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to serve our wonderful community in this role.

I must start by thanking and congratulating my predecessor, Cllr John Perry, for his dedicated service over the past year. John had a fantastic Mayoral year and will be a tough act to follow!

My Mayoral year will be all about community – celebrating it, strengthening it, and supporting those who need us most. In every corner of our Borough, I see people quietly making a difference: neighbours helping neighbours, local businesses giving back, volunteers offering their time and talents. It’s this spirit – of care, connection, and collaboration that I hope to champion throughout the year.

I am also proud to announce the charities I will be supporting during my time as Mayor:

• Women and Children in Syria – after my recent visit to the Middle East I couldn’t let this go, these people need help, and I will do what I can to suppose those affected by conflict and displacement.
• Young Farmers – another charity that is very close to my heart, the future of our agricultural community. The recent suicide rates in British Farmers worry me greatly.
• The Heart of Kent Hospice – offering dignity, comfort and compassion to families during life’s most difficult moments.
• The Big Cat Sanctuary – a very local treasure to my ward, they rely heavily on public funding.

These causes reflect the values I believe bring a community together, empathy, responsibility, and hope.

Throughout the year, I’ll be using this blog to share updates, highlight local heroes, and invite you to get involved - whether by volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply looking out for one another.

The Mayoral year isn’t just about events and initiatives. It’s about connection. It’s about showing that when we come together, across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs, we can build a stronger, kinder, more resilient community.

Thank you for the honour of serving as your Mayor. Let’s make this a year to remember – for all the right reasons.

Local Elections- Emperors new clothes!

A number of people have asked for my reaction to Thursdays results.

 I predicted it, and it hasnt surprised me. 

Most key players are known to me, although most candidates, now elected are new to me. Not even "apprenticed in Parishes" or local agencies! 

Personally and locally I am actually aware of the issues and how Nationally and at KCC level people feel they have been let down.  

I will remain and be  a REAL Community Conservative. Possibly a better Conservative than some others!   

 

SO All the more reason to be Mayor, so I can distance myself from politics and just be CIVIC,......but I am political and a damn sight better informed and able than most currently and frankly the reality is the County AND the Borough are in a mess with a total lack of experience and insight in reality.  The Borough year of ONE Year of Greens has meant very little happened and decisions made were abandoned. I dont have much confidence in ANY layer of government now! There is massive naivety. Which means  Civil Servants have more power with a Judiciary thats been given TOO MUCH.  

I was at Downing St and the Foreign office on Monday, they are literally clueless and ignorant or have decided to choose their own interpretation of some sort of stubborn arrogant attitude. 

I feel its all like the Emperors new clothing ...every body believes in a lie or something stupid!  Sooner or later I may say that! Sooner or later people may realise ....hopefully before too much damage . 

On the Passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis

My thoughts are with the Catholic community following the passing of Pope Francis. He was a man who, despite differences, showed great empathy and worked to consider everyone's needs.

I believe all people, regardless of faith, are entitled to their own views and must be treated with respect. His life reminds us of the power of compassion in a divided world.

At the same time, I am currently on my way to Downing Street to discuss the urgent situation in the Middle East. Now more than ever, we must work for peace with understanding and empathy.

Spring has Sprung: A Season of Renewal and Growth

 

We've changed the clocks, its nesting season and its actually brighter with more sun and light.   

As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, local clubs and societies have been getting involved with the Great British Spring Clean, which comes to an end on Sunday 6^th April. Across our community, volunteers have been rolling up their sleeves to make a real difference, and I want to take a moment to celebrate their hard work.

A special shout-out to the 1^st Headcorn Cubs, who kicked off April by completing a litter pick around the village during their meeting on 1^st April. Their commitment to keeping Headcorn tidy is inspiring, and it is fantastic to see young people taking pride in their community.

Looking ahead, the Weald of Kent Rotary Club is continuing the momentum with a litter pick in Headcorn on 26^th April. These efforts don’t just keep our community clean, they foster a sense of community, responsibility and care for the neighbourhood in which we live, work and take part in various ways.

There are also many local volunteers that go out along their own roads, streets and lanes in their localities and do regular litter picks. These are just wonderful people.

We should also praise the professionals of the business who literally can’t be in all places at all times and deal with the reckless thugs that litter our environment with   various items thrown from cars & vans and dropped by people uncaringly as well as the criminally intent fly tippers.  

 

Photos from Syria

 The immediate photo is from our meeting with the Kurdish and free peoples General of Syria, next to him a very important woman that actually served as an inspiration to me when we met.

A week later  a peace deal is brokered .... some idiot in a Union jack waistcoat claiming to be concerned caused a few major thoughts in a few places ..... and prompted some action!  

Well I did mean business, but those that know me will know FOOD and recipes is an active interest and being let loose in a completely new cultural kitchen was HEAVEN to me.  

Security was good, thanks to the Kurdistan President in Iraq

Always a press/media interest in all our efforts and covered by all Middle East channels.

 

A week of Spontaneity, Community and Commitment

Before and after my time in County Hall on Thursday, I took the opportunity to make some spontaneous and casual calls to organisations doing incredible work in our communities. It is always inspiring to see the passion and dedication that fuels these initiatives - and today was no exception!

 

Community Cafés and Larders are thriving in Headcorn and Staplehurst, bringing people together and providing essential support where it’s needed most. With outstanding individuals like Martyn in Headcorn and Sonia in Staplehurst and many others at the helm, these projects are making a tangible difference. I decided to give them a call – and the response was heartwarming. They appreciated the visit, and there was a genuine sense of camaraderie. It was humbling to see their enthusiasm and to shake the hands of those who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

 

Then, after spending hours in County Hall, I made another impromptu visit – this time to St John’s Ambulance in Maidstone. Their reaction was equally uplifting. They stopped their activities just to take a few photos and share their excitement. It is a testament to the sense of community and recognition that these organisations deserve.

 

As I prepare for my upcoming Mayoralty, I want to make one thing clear: this role is not about me. It is about celebrating the people and communities that make our Borough a better place. My mission is to champion these groups, acknowledge their efforts, and shine a spotlight on their significance.

 

Furthermore, I am deeply committed to supporting rural matters. Our countryside, our villages, and our rural communities play a vital role in our Borough’s identity and well-being. I will ensure that these voices are heard, their challenges addressed, and their contributions recognised.

 

Saturday 8^th March was also an important occasion – International Women’s Day. A day to recognise the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in our communities and beyond. So many women play crucial roles in the initiatives I visited yesterday, and I am grateful for their dedication and hard work in making a difference.

 

On another note, and very dependent on women, I am so pleased that, just over a week after returning from Syria, progress is being made. A Kurdish-led militia alliance that controls north-eastern Syria has signed a deal to integrate all military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state. It was actually signed by the General that I met! But his main support in the military work is a woman. I spent some time with her whilst we were in the heavily protected “bunker”  and "holed up" when we met. She was an inspiration for many.  However, like all big conflict deals and the aftermath of a long, bitter civil war, there is still much more to do, but every step forward matters. I can’t wait to return to see how the progress continues to unfold.

 

Sadly my week finished on a very sorry note. I attended the post funeral memorial service of former Ashford Borough Council Member Mick Burgess who passed away quite suddenly. I knew him for over 20 years firstly as a member of River Stour and Marshes Water Boards and then worked with him at Action for Communities for Rural Kent/ACRK. We were both staunch Ruralists, layman experts on streams, ditches/dykes, flooding, surface water and table water. We had other common interests too and he was a true gent. The church in Wittersham was packed and at the refreshments afterwards I met with many I knew from ARCK days and former Ashford MP and Deputy PM Damian Green.    The Mayor of Ashford naturally gave me permission to wear my Deputy Mayor Badge &seal.   

 

The week was a reminder of the power of connection, appreciation, and recognition. As I move forward, I remain dedicated to applauding those who work for the greater good and to fostering a spirit of unity and support throughout the Borough of Maidstone and the wider County.  

 

Following the Kurdistan fact finding mission

My motivations for going to Iraq and Syria were many, I have always felt the whole Middle East had a number of issues that were poorly understood and often incorrectly perceived. Frankly I knew untruths and lies prevailed in some matters and a complete lack of insight plus corruptions of reality were being used to influence opinions and emotions. I wanted to see for myself. I also wanted to see if I could offer an insight based on my experiences in Economic regeneration and democracy.  The League of Kurdistan nations asked for my help and my "grasp it and can do" attitude. Significant players in Labour Party circles offered me great respect and friendship to join them.

I am a "people person" and keen to support HOPE and aspiration and injustice for people and regions. 

If it sounds snobbish and conceited I am sorry, but I do have certain knowledge and experience that can help others. I should use that ...to their and others benefit. 

So I get annoyed when I return from a trip like this and get accused of "NOT being a proper Conservative".   Mainly by NON Tories and general public.   Having humanitarian views and  a sense of repairing the wrongs or in this particular case wanting proportionate democracy and rights for women  and a care for children seems like what I SHOULD and WANT to believe in...as a human being. I just happen to be a Tory! Because mainly of economic, law and order,  and defence motives. 

Are all 60plus Male Anglo Saxons ......with a desire to wear a tie or a decent suit in public....supposed to fit a stereo type .... that fits a certain pigeon hole?

I care...and I will try. I don't think that should be a sin. I actually think I am "PROPER TORY" and I make no apology for it!

Kurdistan-the press release

On the 19^th February 2025 Martin Round was confirmed as the next Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone at a Council Meeting in the Town Hall. His inauguration will be on the 17^th May.  

 

Within 24 hours of that moment he went to the Foreign Office to tie-up appropriate briefings from the Foreign Office to visit the Middle East.

 

He then departed for a fact-finding private mission to Kurdistan together with Cllr Karen Constantine of Kent County Council and Ihsan Qadir of the League of Kurdistan Regions and the former President of the TUC Roger Lyons, plus other selected members of British Kurdish community.

 

This was a privately funded initiative to hopefully develop a better understanding of what the region has gone through in recent years and to see how democracy works and the economy can trade on a wider scale.

 

Initially the fact finding started in Erbil in Iraq, where the Kurdistan Presidency made optimum opportunity to greet the delegates and support a journey to Rojava in Northern Syria. The delegates met many representations by different groups in Erbil and then Rojava.  

 

“We firstly went to establish bonds of friendship with a region that has seen considerable turmoil and hardship.   I personally wanted to meet local government regions to understand their structures and democracy, whilst hoping to find every and any opportunity for economic development and especially technology transfer and knowledge exchange where ideas and trade can be optimised. But it proved to be too early in many respects. They have had a very difficult time and it continues. The Rojava region on the Northern Syria/Turkey border still experienced daily skirmishes. Sadly the war continues”.

 

What we learnt:

 

Syria has new leadership, it is not communicating or engaging with its entire geographic or cultural population. This was a clear message from all political and religious groups, plus the businesses, the Unions and the community groups such as a very strong womens movement.

 

Syrians live in fear and mistrust of many. They know why many have fled to other parts of the world. They want them back. There are also people locked up “somewhere”, where are they?

 

Services, utilities, infrastructure in all aspects are in a poor state.

 

The area is ignored, disenfranchised and isolated.

 

Children are on the breadline, living from hand to mouth. 

 

Trade links are fractured, with NO BRIDGE to Iraq, daily skirmishes to Turkey and a “wall of ignorance” to the south.

 What we experienced:

The delegation stayed in protected grounds that had only cold dripping water and generator serviced electricity. It was MINUS 9 at night.

 

Those grounds were circled by  “Russian” helicopters from Turkey almost on arrival.  Red Cross marked vehicles carried military personnel with guns around us when we carried out some field visits such as the derelict Airfield.

Our driver and escorts at one point had to drive at excess speed over cratered roads to protect us from attack.

 

They met people that were charming but felt there was mistrust in some.

 

As a delegation of one Conservative in amongst a Labour led group they became friends and where a “double act” emerged and  bonded so very well.

 

What Martin will do:

 

In his Mayoral year, he will set up a Charity to raise funds and deliver projects to the women & children of Rojava. Small projects that will make a difference such as an exchange of people and skills.  He will also raise awareness of issues in events and speeches.

 

He will visit the Foreign Office and lobby MPs and other people, organisations and media.

 

He intends to revisit Kurdistan again soon. 

POST SCRIPT  This actually says very little in the big picture of things, but we have to be careful what we say and how we say it. Work continues and issues need to be addressed. The publicity in Iran, Iraq and beyond have led to many more press and media interests and MINIMAL local interest!

I'm back from Kurdistan, now Maidstone Civic duties continue.

Whilst I'm back its been "all on" since the return. I will do a post about the visit and subsequent activity soon, or my PA will. My Facebook pages give you info in the meantime. They were the only way I could connect!

I've just had a meeting to start the official planning of the mayoralty.   More on that as we go along!

But as I continue to be really tired from the trip to Syria and Iraq-it was MINUS 9 most of the time-and our sleeping and eating and drinking were totally out of sync, plus it WAS stressful, I am really looking forward to officially opening a restored chapel at Maidstone's cemetery on Wednesday. 

Its not just because its a Council project and a lovely building, its because I was Chair of the Committee that started the project and as Cabinet member I followed it through. I can see the fruition of a project. 

It pleases me more because the team behind it are terrific. 

The speech will be easy and from the head, the heart and with great pride. 

    

Mr O or 0 ( Letter O /o or=zero) - or MRO or Mr MR and Mister Mister etc etc!

Well that tittle may confuse!

Let me explain. They have all been nom de plumes, codes, nicknames or bands that I have been in at some time, like Missedaround! 

Most people who may know of me will probably only know about the last 5 or 10 years. People don't have great memories, DON'T know, don't want to know, or were never in the "circle" of that knowledge. Sadly many that do know have passed away, or just "disappeared"!  I do get some old resurrected contacts and friends periodically, from Facebook though!   

But my past and my many professional and community roles have been many. Every "job" I had did have many different dimensions and even separate "sub jobs". Many management jobs do!  Every project manager has dozens of different directions, skills and objectives to pursue. In that respect I have been very lucky and seen so much of those roles in a very changing society.  Sometimes it was intentional, sometimes "serendipity", sometimes it evolved, other times it developed and often it was by accident. Literally by accident. 

Latterly, perhaps because I officially will be confirmed to be Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone this week, or because I meet old contacts at funerals, or that feeling of longevity and my past hits me, then I realise how much my current "circle" don't know anything about me!

Its also because I've been "called up" for an old role and people say "what made you do that" ? 

I will be going to the Middle East on an "emissary" or envoy role to investigate the "peace dividend" and start some fact finding in terms of friendship, democracy and trade for the UK. I will start in the Kurdistan region and fly into Erbil on Friday, after meetings in the Foreign Office on Thursday.   

Even my great friend and next door neighbour of 20 odd years asked "what the heck" ?  

But this isn't a new shock of a role. Its a challenge, but hey why not? 

I have always been either at the cutting edge, or at the start of a new era, in a place where R&D is critical, or where new products, services and thinking have changed the norm, or because markets change, where politics and economics can effect and innovation is needed. I started my working life in the 70s. That meant changing working practices and people, with invariably a dialogue that started with Unions and how to work with staff and provide training. 

I hade to change and reinvent myself several times. 

My first years in the Hospitality world, with qualifications and a good CV, were being affected and then changed by the microwave oven and early convenience goods that were NOT tinned. As I climbed management ladders I was then engaged in new supply and cooking concepts. Even when I was involved in the broader entertainment elements of the wide show business side of the hospitality sector, engaging artists and providing facilities for "big stars" like David Essex meant we needed more electric plug sockets, more lights, more food! 

My next roles with KFC and PepsiCo were really cutting edge. New computerisation, new pressure cooking, new standards for health & hygiene, new markets, new stores, new menus and frequent innovation and new COUNTRIES! 

I was also working throughout the nation and then in the whole of Europe and sometimes in the USA. 

I also flew a lot and even on Concorde at super sonic speed. 

It was then that KFC 1980-1985 started to develop a new programme of investment in Ireland and Ulster. I was at that forefront. It was dangerous at times. VERY and at great personal risk sometimes. I was not only operational and strategic for a massive USA corporation, but also a key link in Government Economic Development. I really got to know Politics in many ways, and several Ministers and political names and adversaries....and provided JOBS and a better foundation for dialogue for all parties. 

The code for the work and project was MR O. It was based on the Mr Round, Mr Circle, Mr O name. 

I then had a personal problem. My sister was killed in a road accident with my best friend and brother in law. 

I had to change. I had to consider my parents and lifestyle. 

I then helped Government regeneration and rebuild projects in places like Liverpool, Glasgow, Stoke etc to set up Cultural quarters and cafes, restaurants and entertainment in places that had lost loads of jobs. They were Michael Heseltines' pet projects. 

Then I joined a company to capitalise on the Microwave revolution...again....but not in catering, but for the home. The home now had them. New products were needed. The R&D kitchen became exciting. Cook chill engineering en masse and volume distribution was key, whilst computers were being integrated into everything. 

I worked in the world of chickens and eggs. 

Having met politicians like Geoffrey Howe, Willie Whitelaw, William Prior  in roles before Edwina Currie was now my fear!  

We then went on to produce many successful food concepts using pasteurisation and cryogenics and built production engineering for mass distribution and sale. Again we produced jobs, in a closing coal mining community.

A new cook-chill product was nicknamed Mr 0 , that actually meant Martin Round Eggs - as in the shape of an 0. 

That was the Thatcher era, then John Major. Everything was all change or suffer. I actually "had a seat" at Ulster talks too! I still travelled there. 

Then another accident. To me. I was rendered totally immobile for a very long time. Multiple operations and new technology have helped. I was one of the first to use a MRI scanner. It was LOUD, very loud. 

Again I had to change and adapt. I went into Local Govt Social Services and Health. That was changing too. I was involved in closing hospitals and regenerating old sites and rehabilitating people. I became a Mental Health and disability specialist and campaigner and trained as a Psychologist. .I was also Kenneth Clarks worse nightmare. But I did innovate, change and create new initiatives from meals on wheels services and methods to addressing employment and training concerns. Then creating new companies especially CICs. 

I was never comfortable as a professional in Health and Social Care. But I was as an agitator and Community Volunteer. 

I went into Economic Development. It was now the turn of Tony Blair to run the country.  And it was bonus time and spending money time, especially Euro money. I worked on many projects ALL involving Technology Transfer, knowledge exchange, new Training and methods, innovation and R&D where jobs would be created.  I then became involved in transferring that intelligence across the EU in "clusters and networks".  We were sent to some weird and wonderful places. One country was Albania, which hadn't seen "civilisation" for 50 years.  But like all well done projects the fact finding diagnosis and examination in the initial stages was critical. Greece was actually the biggest challenge! 

The methodology was the same when we went to Ulster and set up KFC all those years before  in the 80s, but this was nearly the new Millennium. A world changing daily in respect of computers/IT, TV and telephones. The World Wide Web was taking off. But it needed infrastructure physically or satellites, mobile signals and connections. It needed people to use it and recognise its attributes and risks. Critical mass didn't take long in some places, but others were isolated and disenfranchised. It needed work. The EU pumped money behind it and people like me became "experts" to senior politicians. BUT.... Cutting edge technology and innovative challenges and timely demands  with MONEY in politics creates rivalries and enemies! 

I was the fall guy! In Nottingham. I went home to Kent in 2000. Hence those that know me NOW did not know about me before then! 

So I re-invented again. I applied new methods, ideas and directions to Further and Higher Education  and also took up lecturing. We put new skills into industry and supported more qualifications for more people. 

But I had to reinvent again. I was losing control of my legs and back ...20 years after the accident that broke three limbs in multiple places and poked at everything inside me.  I hadn't done badly. I was given a prognosis of never walking again originally!   

So I just did some advisor and consultant roles , in several fields as well as act as Care Quality Commission Inspector and well paid Food critic roles. I set up a village Youth Group. I became a Parish Councillor. I actually earnt very good money for just 6 to 10 days work per month so I subsidised my philanthropy. 

New roles, new places, new responsibilities and change. 

So what goes ROUND comes ROUND. Round by name and nature. 

Now I am being asked to visit a region as a guest of the Kurdish League. To examine new opportunities, make friendships, develop trade and seek out further fact finding concerning structures, democracy and health and well being. 

I look at it with some humour and realise there is a lot of peace dividend work going on at present in the Middle East, Ukraine and further with new "deals" and Trump in the White House. They had to drag the bottom of the barrel and found me!   

Its not new really! Its an adventure though. 

Research has been done, briefings sought, immunisations taken and safety advice computed. 

Briefing at the Foreign Office Thursday, depart Friday for Erbil. 

So I sign off 

     Mr 0

 

     

50 years since Mrs Thatcher took leadership of the Conservatives

 Mrs Thatcher 50 years on: it’s a different country now but she still has lessons for Mrs Badenoch

The press and media have covered the story well, some better than others and some with a vitriol of bad taste. 

I was a student at College in 1971 and like so many was a left leaning Liberal with a very strong emerging Green agenda. I went on a student demo to London to protest against Thatcher, who was then Minister of Education. She had stopped "school milk" and cut funding in certain moves. 

Some years later, only a few, the lady made sense to me. In order "to do" things we needed a strong economy, then we could aspire to bigger and better lifestyles ...for the country and as individuals.  

I joined the Party. She became PM. BRILLIANT. I was working in the private sector and in a business that involved MILLIONS in turnover.

I "got serious" in certain parts of politics. But I still retained some "caring" and equalitarian views. I also became a Rural activist. 

One can never be all things to all people and you're damned if you do and damned if you don't so often when you try to do your best .....but the Thatcher direction suited me. Yes she did make some errors of judgment but she was forthright and LED.

Sadly her demise and departure was poor. The Tory party are good at lousy interaction and communication...when it suits...with too many "powers that be" that usually ignore Members and elected representatives that actually are in touch with reality! 

John Major was actually a very good PM and a follow up to Thatcher, but too many "powers that be" let him down, so we got Blair and Brown.

Id love to think we have learnt from it all. WE HAVENT.  

Ill always be a Tory and very Right Wing in some aspects like Law and Order  but somewhat left leaning in a desire for fairness and equality ....but the Party is a  "machine" that fails at present. 

And the public know it and where I live they will vote Reform tomorrow. 

My days are numbered as a Tory? 

 

Business must be allowed to succeed-we need them.

 Navigating Economic Challenges

The past few years have been a testament to the resilience and determination of our local businesses. I have had the privilege of engaging with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who continue to drive innovation and economic growth despite mounting challenges. However, it is no secret that businesses today face significant struggles.

Many small business owners have expressed concerns about increased operational costs, making it harder to maintain profitability. Additionally, shifts in consumer spending habits have prompted businesses to rethink their strategies and adapt to a rapidly changing market environment.

Despite the difficulties, this moment presents an opportunity for businesses to innovate. Embracing digital transformation, improving operational efficiency, and investing in workforce development are key strategies to remain competitive. Our local government is also offering grants and training programs to help businesses integrate new technologies and upskill their workforce.

As we work towards economic recovery, we must remember that our success depends on collaboration. I urge consumers to support local businesses to remain engaged with community resources. By working together, we can build a resilient and thriving economy.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with determination, strategic planning, and community support, our businesses will continue to be the backbone of our local economy.

As always, Ziggy and I are available to hear your concerns and ideas - together, we will navigate these economic challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

Unitaries? Local Government Reform?

Local Government Reform: Kent Left Off the Priority List

As discussions on local government reform gain momentum across the UK, Kent has found itself in an unexpected position – not included on the government's Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).

Despite the strong case put forward, Kent was notably absent from the areas prioritised for devolution.

Kent County Council elections will now be going ahead in May 2025, ensuring that local leadership continues to have a democratic mandate while discussions on devolution progress.

What This Means for Kent

Had Kent been included in the DPP, the county could have seen significant changes, including:

- The potential election of a county-wide mayor by 2026.

- The formation of a combined authority to oversee regional development.

- The restructuring of local councils, potentially reducing the current 14 district and borough councils into fewer, larger unitary authorities.

Now, without a place in the DPP, these changes remain on hold.

For now, residents and local officials will need to wait and see how the government’s priorities evolve. One thing is certain - Kent's journey toward local government reform is far from over.

A bit late, but still very important to note.

 King Charles III’s Tribute at Auschwitz

How good it was to see Charles go to this event. I note others in the Royal family did some other events too.  So in reflection of this solemn occasion, I wish to extend my deepest respect and gratitude to His Majesty King Charles III for his significant visit to Auschwitz to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration and extermination camp. His presence at this sacred site of remembrance is a powerful testament to the importance of honouring history, educating future generations, and standing against hatred in all its forms.

Auschwitz stands as one of history’s darkest symbols of inhumanity, where over a million innocent people - predominantly Jewish men, women, and children - perished during the Holocaust. It is a place that demands our continued reflection, a reminder of the horrors that can unfold when intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination go unchecked.

The visit by King Charles III underscores a steadfast commitment to Holocaust remembrance. His engagement serves to reinforce the critical lessons of the past and strengthens our resolve to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a phrase but a promise we uphold with vigilance. His participation in commemorative ceremonies reaffirms the values of compassion, respect, and remembrance that must guide us as a society.

I commend His Majesty for taking part in this historic moment of reflection. In doing so, he honours the memories of the victims and the resilience of the survivors, ensuring that their stories remain a living part of our collective conscience.

As we observe this anniversary, let us all take inspiration from this act of remembrance and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, tolerance, and unity. We must continue to educate, to remember, and to stand together against all forms of hatred and division.

A friend in Nottingham just reminded me!

 I've been both very lucky and very fortunate to have been involved in cutting edge new ideas and innovations in my life. I just wish I had the patent or copyright. But then its been a major period in invention and creativity, and the last 50 years have not just been creative ideas, they have been engineering and market based and especially media and technology strong. 

I just wanted to be a creative foodie  as a chef and presenter trying to instil a passion for fun and experience when eating and drinking with an ambiance or charismatic style and "oomph" at a decent price. I had enjoyed French cuisine and Italian food in France and Italy. They had a sense of "joie de vivre" and "bon viveur" every time they dined. And in those countries it wasn't expensive. Yet as I grew in my food career  in the 70s, the UK had limited choice or great food from great chefs mainly in London at vast cost.  I wanted to change that.  I had a lot to learn. Early days in Hastings gave me a great grounding, learning the best and the worse, the simple and the ambitious. And I also got involved in the early days of entertainment and hospitality management, from Pier shows and Theatre to organising an up and coming celebrity itinerary. I mixed with some of the most famous in the 70s and some outstanding acts, some legends and some that disappeared as soon as they arrived. I also worked with some pains in the backside!  

Yet my life has not just been food and entertainment.  I have moved sideways so often. And every time it has been to create  something new and radical. 

In the catering world I was very involved in moving a very old fashioned seaside service of many food services into more efficient times with microwave ovens. In the 70s they were an industrial product. By the 80s they were a domestic product. When I worked for KFC /PepsiCo we started to use computerisation for timed and programmed cooking. I later worked on new engineering methods for mass food production that then finished up as "cook-chill and boil in the bag TV Dinners" all for domestic rushed lives using the microwave. Then we changed egg and chicken methodology radically by using pasteurisation. 

As that world was developed further I had my road accident and my life changed drastically-as per previous post- I went into being a changer of habits and lifestyle for people as I was encouraging people that had been affected by mental health or disability to take up training or employment. I was also a "guinea-pig" and was one of the first to use MRI being developed in Nottingham.  

I left "people help" to be "business and enterprise" help as an Economic Development Officer, where the world of computer chips, new devices, mobile phones and websites was evolving.  There was Napster and My Space and NO Facebook. Whilst DOT COM bubbles came and went Universities were the place for "social networks" . Facebook actually started at Harvard. In Nottingham we had Student Net. It was sold for mega money 25 years ago!  And I didnt take up any personal or financial interest I  but knew all about it.  

Wow how the world has moved on...and I have been so close to some of these new ways. 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/618268.stm

35 Years Ago - Waking up to a New Life

On 1^st December 1989, my world changed in ways I could never have imagined. That was the day I slipped into a coma following a serious car accident - a state where reality blurred into darkness, flickering occasionally like a faulty lightbulb. For three weeks, I hovered in and out of consciousness, my body held in suspension as time passed without my awareness. The following weeks continued to be greatly confusing and literally in trauma, mentally, physically and psychologically.  

Eventually, somewhere between "pre Christmas" and somewhere in January, I came round, waking to a reality as disorienting as the void I had left behind.  

I woke to find three of my limbs strapped in traction, bound and suspended by intricate contraptions attached to the ceiling. I’d like to say that I was immediately flooded with gratitude for being alive, but the truth is, my first few moments were consumed by panic.  A series of intense panic attacks gripped me as I tried to piece together where I was and what had happened. My body was immobile, my mind a whirlwind. It was very overwhelming. I had also forgotten some things, some really major things, whilst other matters had become more pronounced and very much out of kilter and not conforming to common sense or for that matter a proper sense of reality. It was very disconcerting. I was scared. Both mind and body had been affected. 

In those early moments, the only anchor I had was my sense of humour. It might sound odd, but laughter became my lifeline. Jokes and wry observations from cynical views to sick perceptions helped me navigate the fear and confusion.

And then there was the music.

The first song I remember hearing as I regained full consciousness was “This Is Your Land” by Simple Minds. It played in the background, its lyrics and melody seeping into my awareness and giving me a strange sense of grounding. This was the days of the Walkman. Somebody had put one of my favourite bands recently released cassette albums; Street Fighting Years into that gadget.  To this day, that song holds a special place in my heart. It was as if the universe was nudging me, saying, “Welcome back. This is your land, your life, and it’s yours to make of it what you will.”  

Thirty-five years have passed since that life-altering moment. Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to be alive. Surviving such an experience has taught me the fragility of life but also its incredible resilience. Waking up on 11^th January, wasn’t just about regaining consciousness; it was about starting anew, seeing life with fresh eyes, and realising how precious it is.

Since then, I’ve been determined to make the most of every moment. Life isn’t always easy, and it certainly hasn’t been without challenges, but I’ve held onto the sense of humour and gratitude that pulled me through those dark days. I’ve strived to live each day with purpose and to give back in ways that matter.

To anyone facing their own struggles, I want to say this: even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found. It might come in the form of a song, a joke, or simply the passage of time. Hold onto whatever gives you hope, and don’t underestimate the power of resilience – and perhaps a little humour – to carry you through.

Those days became even more pertinent when Nelson Mandela was released from house arrest. He had given and taken years of striving, believing, hard times & dark days and now he provided light for a new generation. That day was the 11th February 1990. And on that day I was released from all my traction bars and strings! 

Oh Mandela Day!  And who sang that song? Simple Minds! 

Here’s to 35 years of second chances and to making the most of the journey ahead.

And theres much to be told about the way I did adjust and how. The first priority was to stand and possibly walk in some sort of capacity, with a prognosis that I may never walk again. 

By the way I do walk in a limited fashion now, but it has a few painful consequences. 

I may mention some of this again in future blogs, but  let us get on with the now, the today and future in the next blog posts. 

https://youtu.be/GqpAY2OBJzc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfk13uUuD8Q

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Headcorn Primary School Annual General Meeting

Tomorrow evening, I have the privilege of attending the Annual General Meeting at Headcorn Primary School. This important event is an opportunity to connect with the dedicated educators, PTFA, parents, and community members who contribute so much to the success of the school.

The AGM provides a forum to discuss achievements over the past year, address challenges, and share aspirations for the school’s development in the coming months.

I am particularly looking forward to:

• Celebrating achievements: Hearing about the successes of students and staff and the exciting programs introduced over the last year.
• Engaging with the school community: Meeting the passionate parents, teachers, and governors who work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for children.
• Exploring future plans: Learning about the school’s vision and how we, as a community, can support its goals.

I want to commend the hard work of Headcorn Primary School’s leadership team and all those who contribute to the vibrant learning environment. It is through such collective efforts that we can ensure every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re a part of the Headcorn Primary community, I encourage you to attend the AGM tomorrow evening. It starts at 8pm in the School Hall. Together, we can continue to build on the wonderful work happening at the school and ensure a bright future for our children.

I look forward to sharing my reflections and takeaways after the meeting.

See you there!

Happy New Year

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the Borough of Maidstone a very Happy New Year. I hope you all had a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and that 2025 brings health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

The past few weeks have been relatively quiet, allowing many of us to take a much-needed break and reflect on the year gone by. However, as January unfolds, things are starting to pick up again across our community. Parish Councils are becoming busy again, diving into important local matters to ensure the smooth running of their Parishes.

I’d like to highlight a productive meeting attended by Ziggy and myself with representatives from South East Water. This session provided valuable insights and was an excellent opportunity to discuss key concerns.

Additionally, I continue to liaise with our MP, Katie Lam, on a number of pressing issues, including catapult law and accessibility for all at Headcorn Train Station.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with the work we’re doing. I am looking forward to another year of serving our wonderful community and making progress on the initiatives that matter most to you. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember for all the right reasons.