News

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

30 August 2007

 

Before the memories fade let us celebrate a glorious Bank Holiday weekend.

What a relief it was to escape from the weary woes of the world just for a few days, enjoy the sunshine and the many attractions and activities which Shepway has to offer.

I pick out three, partly because they illustrate the sheer variety of the opportunities on offer, partly because they were the three I was able to visit.

Last Friday saw the long awaited opening of the multi-games play area at Greatstone. This project has encountered many difficulties over the years but its ultimate implementation shows what a persistent and dedicated band of local volunteers can achieve.

The opening ceremony was accompanied by a training session for the local footballing stars of the future conducted by some coaching staff of Charlton Athletic.

From Greatstone I went to St Peter’s Church in Folkestone for the Bank Holiday weekend Arts and Flowers Festival. This was a terrific display of local talent, much appreciated by the large number of people who came along.

And on Bank Holiday Monday I opened the Sandgate Sea Festival which made use of our most prized asset, the sea, in a thoroughly imaginative way. I am afraid that my performance in starting the raft race means I will never be asked to start the Grand National but none of the competitors seemed to mind.

None of these events could have happened without an enormous amount of hard work on the part of the small group of people who organised them.

Those of us who were merely on the enjoyable receiving end of their efforts owe them all a great debt of gratitude.