News

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

18 June 2009

After my advice centres on Saturday, I went to St Martin’s Community Centre in Cheriton to launch its new fundraising appeal. The appeal, of which I am Patron, needs to raise £1.6million to build a new “state of the art” Community Centre for the residents of Cheriton and Folkestone.

The present community centre was erected from 10 mobile buildings given by the Channel Tunnel Group after the building of the tunnel. Those temporary buildings are now well past their sell-by date and their planning permission expires in 2011. So no change is not an option.

There can be no doubt whatever of the need for this project. There are no other facilities locally other than school halls which obviously can’t be used during the day. When completed the new centre should ensure that the leisure needs of all local community residents from pre-school age to senior citizens can be met within the local area.

I was joined at the launch by Reverend Hilary Jones, Rector of St Martin’s Church, who us the moving spirit behind the appeal and deserves to be congratulated on the effort she has put into this initiative, and Janet Andrews, the Town Mayor of Folkestone. Clearly £1.6 million is a great deal of money to raise but we are all determined to reach the target. As Hilary said, when I was foolish enough to ask what would happen if we didn’t succeed, “You forget. We have God on our side.”

On Saturday evening it was my turn to play a supporting role as my wife Sandra, in her capacity as President of FHODS, introduced the programme for their fundraising event at the Tower Theatre.

FHODS had arranged a star-studded musical event to raise funds for the installation of a hearing aid system at the theatre.

Happily this project will not cost £1.6m but it is no less worthy a cause.

FHODS consistently stages very high quality productions at the theatre and it is distressing that so many people are unable to enjoy them fully. The hearing aid system will enable them to do that and will greatly enrich their lives.

Two local projects which will do much to enhance the quality of life of local residents. I am delighted to be able to support them.