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

24 July 2008

Last Thursday evening I went to the Marsh Academy to a meeting of the Romney Marsh Air Cadets.

There I presented various certificates, including some for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, to several cadets. I was very impressed by these young people who, under the leadership of Dave Law, give the lie to so many of the stereotypical clichés that we often read about their generation. And, of course, what they do provides one answer to the question so often posed: what is there for young people to do today?

I know that this kind of activity isn’t necessarily the right answer for everyone but I’m equally sure that many who do not now take part would find it very rewarding and life enhancing.

Last week was Proud of Pubs Week and on Friday, I went along to the British Lion in the Bayle in Folkestone for an excellent sandwich lunch with Nick and Denise Grant, the licensees. In common with the rest of the industry Nick and Denise are finding it hard going – the smoking ban and the cheap drink on sale in supermarkets are undoubtedly having an effect. Yet pubs are such an important part of community life that few of us would want to see their numbers dwindle.

Fortunately Nick and Denise are determined to persevere and I certainly wish them every success.

From the British Lion I went to open the new Shopmobility premises on the 2nd Floor of the Bouverie Place car park. This was the fourth time that I have opened new premises for them – and given the length of their lease it was also the last. Allan Jones and the Wheelchair Users’ Group do a terrific job for the increasing number of people who need help to get around. It is always a pleasure to support them.

Next stop was Stowting. Astrid Richardson, the inspirational headteacher of Stowting Church of England Primary School is taking early retirement and a party was held in her honour and also to honour the other members of staff who were leaving. Mrs Richardson has done an outstanding job during her 20 years at the school, making it a great example of what can be achieved in a small village school.

The large attendance said everything that needed to be said about the extent to which her achievements have been recognised by parents and others. Her successor has a very hard act to follow.