Shepway councillors are out in force for this event; I spot two of the three Cheriton ward councillors, Peter Gane and Tim Prater as well as Carole Waters who is Shepway cabinet member for Sport and Culture. The mayor of Folkestone, Janet Andrews is also present in her chain and a very fine black hat. She tells me that the Folkestone mayor’s protocol decrees that she wears a hat at all events before 6pm.
We eat hot dogs and burgers from the barbecue and watch the talented youngsters from Studio 6 (who use the current community centre) sing and dance. The community centre is also home to a pre-school group and the local philately society (celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011).
Our MP Michael Howard officially launches the appeal and Janet and I also say a few words. £1.6 million is a lot of money to raise but Hilary Jones reminded everyone that this was a church project and we must have faith.
Chairman and escort
Today I have my husband, John Hall, with me. John is with the UK Border Agency and his work means he’s often away so this is a rare photo of us together.
Tags: St Martins. Cheriton