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Last week, after the Party Conference, I had a busy weekend in the constituency.

Friday morning began with a meeting of the Kent Autistic Trust Family Support Group at the Harvey Grammar School. They have a number of concerns about funding and about the facilities that are currently available to these children who are undoubtedly in need and deserving of help.

From there I went to Hythe Library where children from Stepping Stones nursery were taking part in National Bookstart Day. This was one of 4,500 events taking place around the country to encourage every child to learn and enjoy the benefits that arise from a love of books.

Next was a meeting with Roger Coe-Salazar, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Kent. We discussed a number of issues, including the concern that sometimes arises when those guilty of inflicting quite serious injuries are prosecuted for less serious offences which do not appear to fit the gravity of the act.

Then I went to the Folkestone Academy to meet headteacher Sean Heslop. I was delighted to be told of the progress made at the Academy, as evidenced by this Summer’s exam results.

In the afternoon I visited Kidz Planet, the immensely successful playgroup in Caesar’s Way, Folkestone. One measure of its appeal is that parents bring their children from as far afield as Dover, and even further, to enjoy the facilities it provides.

On Saturday, after my advice centres in the morning, I opened an exhibition of the Friends of Folkestone Art Collection at The Grand in Folkestone. This was the first time in 10 years that the works in this very significant collection have been on view to the public. It is a truly remarkable collection that is well worth a visit.

Finally, on Saturday morning, I went to Cheriton Baptist Church for the 15th Anniversary of What4, the Christian group that does so much admirable work with the disadvantaged both here and abroad. I was present at the very first meeting, all those years ago, so it was a particular pleasure to catch up with what they’ve been doing over the intervening period. They are certainly making a difference.

All of which goes to show that community activity in our area is alive and kicking and something we can all be proud of.