Minutes:
The Chairman advised on the following:
“During the last 6 weeks we have lost another two members of the District. Although not members of this District Council they were members of Town Councils within the District. As we know Town and Parish councillors are all volunteers who put themselves forward to serve their towns and parishes. Two of those past councillors that we have lost recently are: Reg Belcourt and John Heasman.
RegBelcourt past member of Hythe Town Council who died after a tragic accident whilst on holiday, As well as serving on the Hythe Town Council he was a member of Hythe Rotary and was a prime mover in getting the Christmas Lights in Hythe. Reg and his wife Keren did an amazing amount of fund raising with their quiz nights and popular Curry lunches they also fostered around 80 children.
John Heasman past Mayor of Hawkinge who served as a Councillor for 43 years. His input into the community of Hawkinge was phenomenal, He was one of the prime movers for the new Community Centre and in recent days he was awarded the freedom of the Town of Hawkinge. He served them well.
Let us take a moment to remember them
Since the last council meeting on the 26th June the Vice-Chairman and myself have attended the following functions;
On 27th June I was invited by Folkestone Creative to attend the opening of the Gas works exhibition at the Folkestone town hall.
Sunday 30th June was Armed Forces day held on the leas. This year it was an all day event which brought in thousands of visitors. The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Band started the opening by marching from the Arch along the leas to the bandstand. There were many charity stalls and events put on for every ones enjoyment, highlight at the end of the afternoon was the Red Arrows who put on the most breath taking spectacular display.
Monday July 1st Canada day. We all gathered at the Shorncliffe Canadian Graves for the annual memorial service. Children from most of the primary schools in the area were in attendance and laid flowers on the graves there. This is something that has been done since 1920. Next year will be another important year for this commemoration.
From Thursday 4th July the Deputy Mayor fulfilled many of my duties. He has advised me of the following:
“During the Chairman’s absence I have been privileged to represent her on the Council’s behalf at a number of events.
On 4th July I attended the Ramsgate Annual Civic Service, where the Town Mayor presented a number of awards to many individuals who had made huge contributions to the town in various ways making significant improvements to many lives.
On 5th July I accepted an invitation to the Official Opening of the new Canelian Bar in Hythe in the company of a number of local councillors and business owners and it was very encouraging watching more new business developing in our district.
The 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles celebrated their 25th Birthday Party at Shorncliffe Barracks on 9th July where I was privileged to meet a number of our very brave servicemen and witnessed HRH The Prince of Wales awarding them their well deserved medals. It was an even greater honour to meet HRH in person and during our informal chat he expressed great interest in the exciting developments and progress in our district.
Later that day, accompanied by my consort, I visited The Oast Theatre in Rainham as part of the local Mayors fundraising events. A local drama group gave a brilliant performance of the popular 1980’s TV comedy series “Are you being served”.
On 13th July I was invited to the 30th Birthday Party of Hanover House where I managed to speak with almost all of the residents of this very well run block of assisted living apartments for retired gentlefolk. Everyone I spoke with seemed very happy there and it was rewarding to see such an example “caring for the elderly”. We exchanged a few stories (and, no I won’t go into detail) and left with them displaying a lot of smiling faces.
On 14th July I attended Margate’s Annual Civic Service at St John’s Baptist Church where I met with the Mayor and several other dignitaries”.
Thank you”.