Tom McNeice's Folkestone Mayor's Journal

In May 2010, Liberal Democrat Morehall ward Councillor Tom McNeice was elected as the Mayor of Folkestone. This journal is a record of some of the event, meetings and people that he has seen as part of his time of Mayor, and the good things happening across Folkestone and Shepway.

The journal is written jointly with Folkestone Mayoress Kate McNeice, who accompanies Tom to events wherever possible.

You can also follow Tom McNeice on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cllrtom and Kate McNeice at www.twitter.com/katemcneice

Recent Journal Entries

Sat 21st Aug 2010:

Park Farm Allotments Prize day

I'm not a gardener and I was quite worried that I was being asked to judge the competition at the allotments, but luckily two representatives from Age Concern were there to undertake that task.

Sea Scouts Summer Ball at The Salisbury Hotel

I knew the time would come when I would have to go out and buy a Dinner Jacket and Bow Tie. This was the first time this year that it was necessary and I dutifully wore the apparel. I thought I looked rather smart until I met the officers who greeted me. Their uniforms are neat, smart and rather figure hugging, which might have been a problem for my particular physique!

Fri 20th Aug 2010:

BBC Battle of Britain Film Showing

Watching the BBC setting up procedure was almost as interesting as the film itself, until we heard from Mahinder Singh Pujji that is. To listen to the personal reflections of a Battle of Britain pilot was humbling, especially as he seemed confused about our reaction to his statement about never having been afraid.

Thu 19th Aug 2010:

All Souls fund raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind

As always at these events, I learn something about a charity that I didn't know before. Apparently it costs £49,000 to breed and train a Guide Dog for the Blind and cover all the costs throughout their life. I had no idea that the charity covers all food, care and medical costs for the dogs, so no wonder they depend on charitable giving.

Wed 18th Aug 2010:

Mont Calm Garden Party

Being greeted by The Mad Hatter and offered a drink by a White Rabbit is a bit surreal, although once Alice started handing round strawberries on scones we had started to get used to it...

Sun 15th Aug 2010:

VJ Day Service at the Garden of Remembrance

65th anniversary of the end of fighting in WW2 is an event that deserves a dignified celebration. Various dignitaries gathered at the Garden of Remembrance to pay tribute to those who fought and died but also to acknowledge the moment when the conflict officially ceased. Wreaths were laid at the Burma Star Memorial and a two minute silence gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on what this occasion means to them.

Cinque Ports Bowls Tournament at Radnor Park Bowls Club - Continued!

...and so back to the Bowls Tournament, where Folkestone had taken the lead but only by five points. One game remained to be played before tea with a final game after the refreshments.

Sat 14th Aug 2010:

Cinque Ports Bowls Tournament at Radnor Park Bowls Club

Thank goodness I wasn't asked to bowl the first wood again this time! Although I was the hosting Mayor, it was in fact the Cinque Ports Bowls Association who organised the whole event. Making a speech comes easier now and I am finding the words to show my pride in Folkestone itself.

Donkey Derby on Radnor Park

The heavens opened and as we arrived, the organisers, The Lions Club, were having to make a decision whether to carry on. The donkeys were still under cover and the riders sheltering in the car. The sausages were becoming nicely into charcoal whilst the lid was on the BBQ.

Sat 7th Aug 2010:

Gurkha Memorial Fund Appeal in Folkestone Town Centre

Attendance on the overcast morning started small but gradually grew as the weather improved and word spread to the shoppers of Folkestone. We are so fortunate to be able to watch quality dancing and listen to such talented singers.

Wed 4th Aug 2010:

Cheriton Bowls Club and The Chelsea Pensioners

It's strange to find that people are so pleased to meet the Mayor, and yet it is me who is honoured to meet them. Today, this is exactly the case when I was privileged to meet the Chelsea Pensioners who were visiting Cheriton Bowls Club for a small tournament.

Tue 3rd Aug 2010:

Mayor and Mayoress of Canterbury fundraising picnic and outing to the theatre

At the Mayoral outing today there were Mayors and Mayoresses present that I have not met before who had travelled from Tunbridge Wells, Bromley, Medway, Gravesend and the more usual Cinque Ports. We drove to the venue ourselves this time as Canterbury is outside our area and not a Cinque Port and parking amongst the rather smart Mayoral Cars was a bit daunting. However, seeing the stunning venue of Tower House and it's gardens and grounds was an uplifting experience.

Sun 1st Aug 2010:

Step Short 2010

The day started on the Leas where I had a photo taken with two soldiers dressed in Middlesex Regiment Uniform from the WW1 period. We quietly processed from The Grand Hotel along Leas to the top of the Road of Remembrance, formerly called 'The Slope Road' and the long column walked down the road followed by the many spectators. The destination was the harbour where ten million men had departed for France almost a hundred years ago.

Sat 31st Jul 2010:

Newington Garden Club Competition and Prizegiving

Oh, the things I don't know that are taking place all around me! I had no idea that such a lovely group of people gather every month to hear about gardening skills and share experiences and stories.

Thu 22nd Jul 2010:

Installation of the Deputy Constable of Dover Castle

My feet are becoming used to the additional standing to watch important events and my leg muscles are getting stronger to cope with the extra walking and standing. This event however, required endurance of feet, legs and back! Perhaps because the military are so used to standing and walking, they have forgotten that some of the rest of us are pretty unfit!

Earlier Stories

Complete archive on the official site