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Last Saturday was a busy day.

After my usual advice centres in Hythe and Folkestone I went to the Abbeyfield Home in Lyminge. Abbeyfield is a national charity which provides residential care homes for the elderly all over the country. I am one of its patrons and strongly support its work.

Unfortunately Abbeyfield has had to reach the difficult decision to close a number of its homes for a variety of reasons and two local homes, including the one at Lyminge, are on their closure list. I was certainly impressed with the standard of care given to the residents at Lyminge. Some of whom I met on my visit. So I am trying to persuade Abbeyfield to think again about this.

I then went to New Romney to open a new NHS dental surgery. The Pennypot Dental Practice has operated from Hythe for some time and plans to open another surgery in Hawkinge in the New Year. The surgery in New Romney will serve the whole of Romney Marsh and is clearly much needed.

Later I went to St Nicholas Primary School in New Romney to open a fund raising event for local brownies. Next year sees the centenary of the foundation of the Guides and Brownies and there are ambitious plans to celebrate it appropriately across our area. But celebrations cost money and Saturday’s event was designed to raise the money that will be necessary to fund them.

It was very well attended and everyone was clearly expecting to have a good time – an inspiring example of the vibrant community spirit which we are so lucky to enjoy.

Finally, I attended the annual dinner of the Folkestone and Hythe Conservative Association held at the Harvey Grammar School. Over 100 people came along to listen to Eric Pickles, the Party Chairman.

All this took place against the backdrop of the torrential rain we suffered last weekend. It was, of course, nothing compared to the disasters that befell Cumbria. I am sure that you all shared my admiration of the remarkable way in which the people of Cumbria coped with adversity and, once again, the heroism of those who are responsible for our emergency services.

They did a wonderful job and we owe them a real debt of gratitude.