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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September so far!

Weald of Kent Ploughing Match

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match – one of the highlights of the rural calendar and a wonderful celebration of our farming community.

This year’s event was especially meaningful for me as it was held in my home village of Headcorn. Despite the rain setting in for most of the morning and the ground turning very wet underfoot, the atmosphere was as warm and welcoming as ever. It was a great opportunity to speak with farmers, landowners and rural businesses about the challenges and opportunities they face.

The event was extremely well attended, and it was a privilege to catch up with so many dedicated members of our agricultural community. 

In true countryside style, the weather added a little extra drama – even the Mayoral car found itself stuck in the mud! Thanks to some good humour and teamwork, we managed to get moving again, which only added to the spirit of the day.

My thanks go to the hosts, organisers, volunteers and everyone who made this year’s ploughing match such a success. Rain or shine, it is always a pleasure to celebrate the essential work our farming community does to feed us and care for our countryside.

I am already looking forward to next year’s ploughing match, which will mark the WKPMA’s 80th anniversary – a wonderful milestone for this much-loved event.

No One Here is Me – A Powerful Play on Male Suicide

I was deeply moved to attend a performance of “No One Here is Me,” a play created and produced by Sarah Winn and Colette Robertson. The production tackles the difficult but vital subject of male suicide, drawing on true events to shine a light on an issue that affects far too many families and communities.

Coming so soon after Suicide Awareness Day last week, the play was especially poignant. It was a stark reminder of the importance of talking openly about mental health, challenging stigma, and ensuring that support is available for those who need it most.

I was also delighted to see Deputy Lieutenant Victoria Wallace representing the Lieutenancy at the show.

The performance was powerful, thought-provoking and full of meaning. My thanks go to the writers, cast and all involved in bringing this important story to the stage. By raising awareness and encouraging conversations, they are helping to make a real difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please do reach out. There are organisations and people ready to listen and to help. Support is available:

• Samaritans – call 116 123 (free 24/7) or visit www.samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably – all 0800 585858 or visit www.thecalmzone.net
• Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk

Let’s keep the conversation going and ensure that no one feels they have to suffer in silence.

Possibly the Busiest Mayor in August!

August is usually a quieter month in the mayoral calendar, but this year it was a whirlwind of activity! I’ve even been told I might be the busiest Mayor ever in August. Here’s a look back at a limited snapshot of what I’ve been up to:

Saturday 9th August – Swan Upping

I had the honour of taking part in the annual Mayor’s Cruise of Survey – better known as Swan Upping. You may know that the King owns all unmarked swans in England and Wales, with one exception: the Mayors of Maidstone and Medway, who were granted this privilege in 1619 by King James I. Together with the Mayor of Medway, I counted the swans along the River Medway and continued the tradition of toasting each other at the old borough boundary stone. A big thank you to our hosts, Hampstead and Yalding Cruising Club.

Wednesday 13th August – Lullingstone Manor House:

A fascinating tour given by Tom Hart Dyke as he celebrated the 20th anniversary of the World Gardens.

Thursday 14th August – A Day of Reflection and Remembrance

• President’s Lunch at Mote Cricket Club, with High Sheriff Jonathan Neame.
• VJ Day Commemoration Service at Brenchley Gardens, an evening of remembrance with silence at 7pm, followed by moving music from Medway Concert Brass.

Friday 15th August – VJ 80

• Flag Raising Ceremony at County Hall
• Celebrations at Poplars Care Home, marking the day with residents and staff.

Tuesday 19th August – Citizens Advice Bureau

Pre-meeting with the CEO and Chair of the Trustee Board ahead of their upcoming AGM.

Wednesday 20th August – Audley Mote House

A warm welcome from residents as I gave a talk about the duties of a Mayor. 

Thursday 21st August – Open-Air Theatre

The Wind in the Willows, performed by Hazlitt Theatre’s summer tour. I was thrilled that this tour came to Headcorn this year, and it was a huge sell out success!

Friday 22nd August – Celebrations and Fireworks

• Venture Photography – marking the studio’s 3rd anniversary with staff and even a mini photoshoot.
• Swanley Town Council’s 1812 Night – an evening of music from the Eynsford Concert Band and fireworks in the park.

Sunday 24th August – Family Fun Day at Great Danes Mercure Hotel

Family Fun Day at Great Danes Mercure Hotel. Fundraising for the Medway African Caribbean Association – bringing communities of Maidstone, Medway and surrounding areas together. It was great to have MACA in my “back yard.” Great Danes has been part of my life since I was a child and it’s very local for me – I am a member of the Sports Club there! But it was great to have MACA there today and wonderful to meet so many super projects and businesses. You can see the picture of me holding a very large albino python, what a beautiful reptile.

  

Thursday 28th August – Triumph of Grace Ministries Youth Summer Event

The Grand Finale Awards Ceremony – a celebration of energy, talent, and community spirit.

Friday 29th August – Mayor of Dartford’s Charity Event

An outdoor bowls evening raising funds for RBLI, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Sea Cadets.

Saturday 30th August – Festivals and Models

• Faversham International Hop Festival. Faversham was buzzing, it was a great festival with much to eat and drink as well as various music acts and fringe activities.
• Southern Model Show at Headcorn Aerodrome – incredible displays of model cars, lorries, boats, planes, and trains.

Sunday 31st August – Annual Mayor’s Parade

An honour to present awards and promotions at the Army Youths Annual Mayor’s Parade at Boughton Monchelsea Recreation Ground.

 

With such a packed schedule, I was glad I managed to fit in a little holiday at the start of the month! I drove down to Biscarrosse, just south of Bordeaux, for a week of sunshine, great food and some rest & recuperation.

 

Looking Ahead – September

September brings an important focus on mental health.

• Baton of Hope – Coming to Maidstone on 22nd September. This national initiative raises awareness of suicide prevention. The baton will be carried by people affected or bereaved by suicide, including myself. I’ll be honoured to carry it from The Town Hall to Mote Park, where a day of activities will follow.
• The play “No One Here Is Me” by Sarah Winn, which is in support of the Baton of Hope, will be performed next Friday 12th September at both Canterbury Christchurch University and Mid Kent College Maidstone. This powerful play is about men’s mental health and addressing key aspects, it will make anybody that sees it come to some sort of realisation. It may create empathy, it may shock, hopefully it will create a reaction for positive benefits.
• I will be attending the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match at a dear friend’s farm in my own home village. I am especially proud that this event is happening locally during my mayoral year!

 

What a month August was! Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into their events, traditions, and celebrations. September promises to be just as meaningful.

The Summer Holidays are more or less over!

You can probably tell by the lack of posts for the summer holiday period that I have both had a holiday and been busy!

There will be more to say and report soon! Meanwhile some of us have been setting up an event that I really care about:Mental Health and well being especially of the young .....and trying to prevent self-abuse of all kinds, or suicide. 

Only some people know that Mental Health & wellbeing features in my life in several ways. My mother was a Senior Psychiatric Manager, so that got me started in awareness, but I was always aware of more;in life and for most people. Years in the hospitality and food industries seem to make me very people aware; A "people person". After my own coming to terms with numerous issues, including a very severe road traffic collision - and not only major physical injuries that I have to live with, but radical mental effects - I then went into Mental Health as a profession, advising & supporting people. I moved on into more economic and business focussed enterprises, where I ultimately finished my full time working carreer at Mid Kent College at both Maidstone & the University/College campus at Chatham. 

Obviously I had seen or been fairly close to lots of trauma, tragedy, trials, severe illness and hardship, poor health, ageing and death and some difficult times either personally or through professional and social connections, probably more than most. I was both resilient or hardy to some matters whilst also empathetic or extra sensitive and even "touchy". Even the subject of premature death & suicide amongst friends & family had been TOO close. 

BUT it was there at Mid Kent College where I lost a close male colleague. He had all to live for. He loved his work and we thought other aspects of his life were going well for him, but he committed suicide. 

My name is Round, what comes round, goes round! How wonderful it is that Mid Kent College are hosting this incredibly good insight into a serious issue. As Mayor I have wanted this production to be seen AND FELT by more and more.

This play will make you think, it will provide some realisation. I hope it will find some hope and ways to address a serious issue. 

Please join me and support this if you can.  Check it out on Eventbrite FOR FREE.