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Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

18 October 2007

My first appointment last Friday morning was at Tesco’s Cheriton store. There I presented computers to representatives of local schools – a result of a voucher scheme which Tesco have been running for many years.

Then I went to the Conservative Offices to meet the Chief Fire Officer for Kent. The Fire Service, in common with many of our other public services, is under stringent financial constraint as a result of the local government settlement in the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report last week. That is likely to lead to proposals for a reduction in the number of fire pumps at Folkestone Fire Station.

The plan is to issue a consultation document in the next few weeks which will give us all the opportunity to express our views. At the meeting on Friday I asked a number of questions about the basis for, and implications of, the likely proposals. The answers I get will determine my attitude to the proposals when they come.

Next I went to Hythe Conservative Club for a very pleasurable event. I had been asked to present the RNLI Gold Medal to Judy King for over 25 years service to this great cause. Judy has spent a very large part of that time manning souvenir stalls, organising sponsored walks and generally doing everything possible to raise significant sums of money. The Gold Medal is highly valued and Judy was a well deserving recipient.

Another kind of voluntary activity was celebrated in Folkestone on Sunday with a Church Service and Parade in honour of the local Sea Cadets. We read lots of articles about bad behaviour by young people. This was a heart warming demonstration of the best behaviour – young people immaculately turned out, learning very useful skills in a disciplined environment.

They were a great credit to themselves and to all who give up their time to make their activities possible.

Very well done to all concerned!