News

19 July 2007

Last weekend saw a typically mid-summer series of engagements, despite the un-seasonal weather.

 

On Friday I dropped in to The Britannia Inn at Horn Street to celebrate ‘Proud of Pubs Week’. I was made very welcome by licensee Gary Hooper who surprised me by saying that his business has increased since the introduction of the smoking ban. If this threat to one of the institutions which is such a staple part of our traditions does not materialise I will be delighted but I suspect we may need more than one week’s evidence before the implications are clear.

Next I went to Stelling Minnis Primary School where I was asked a series of very penetrating questions about the role of a Member of Parliament. Part of the buildings occupied by the school have been in continuous use as a school for nearly 300 years – longer than any other school building in Kent.

On Friday evening Sandra and I went to the Tower Theatre to see the FHODS production of “Plaza Suite”. The theatre is now very impressive thanks to the work of a dedicated band of volunteers. And the production was very enjoyable – not least the convincing American accents of the members of the cast.

On Saturday, in between my Marsh advice centres. I was privileged to launch the mobile counselling of New Romney Counselling Services. This will make it possible for the counselling to be taken to the housebound residents of the Marsh who need it.

In the afternoon I joined the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. I have always thought that the railway is one of the jewels in our tourism crown and with 170,000 passengers a year I think that is now beyond question.

We had a very enjoyable journey from Hythe to New Romney and back – pulled by the same engine which had pulled the original train on its first journey, 80 years ago. We were shown the impressive new workshops at New Romney which should ensure that the rolling stock continues to be maintained to the highest standards for many years to come.