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HOWARD'S WAY.... a weekly column from Michael Howard MP

15 December 2005

Last Friday I visited The Churchill School at Hawkinge.

Under the inspirational leadership of headteacher Jennie Carter, great strides are being made and I was very impressed with what I saw. The Churchill School was one of the case studies used in a recent paper about ‘The Intelligent School’ and the fact that one of our local schools is used as an example in this study of excellence is something in which we can all take a good deal of pride.

Next I went to a meeting with local optometrists who are concerned about some of the proposed changes in NHS funding and their likely impact on their ability to offer the high service of eye care which they currently make available to their clients.

Then it was the annual Christmas lunch of the Channel Chamber of Commerce. This was an opportunity to review some of the existing developments which will contribute to the regeneration of our area.

After that I had to hurry home to do a TV interview for Meridian.

On Saturday, after my advice centres, on the Marsh, I was able to go to Reachfields to see Hythe gain a memorable victory on the F.A. Vase. Congratulations to all concerned.

On Sunday morning I was privileged to open Hythe’s Fun Day Sunday. It was a very festive occasion with a good turn out on a sunny, if cold, morning.

And then the highlight of the weekend – the Salvation Army Christmas Carol Concert at the Leas Cliff Hall. There was a huge turnout and great atmosphere at a very enjoyable occasion. These occasions take a great deal of hard work to organise and I would like to thank those who were responsible. At the concert £875 was collected for a children’s cancer charity. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously.