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 8th
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment