Visits | rogergale

Visits

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.
Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.	Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.
Good to catch up with Paul James at 107.8 Academy FM Thanet again this week and an opportunity to thank all of those dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep these little FM stations on air. They have a following of loyal local listeners and of course also allow those who have moved away from home to tune in online.	Good to catch up with Paul James at 107.8 Academy FM Thanet again this week and an opportunity to thank all of those dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep these little FM stations on air. They have a following of loyal local listeners and of course also allow those who have moved away from home to tune in online.	Good to catch up with Mayer Schreiber the CEO of Discovery Park and to meet with a few of the thriving and enthusiastic life sciences businesses including Asymchem, Matheus Engineering, Particology and RS&RS (pictured). Discovery Park is fast becoming the location of choice for the Life Sciences and supporting businesses - and with good reason: a delightful and supportive ‘village community’ on the Park and a great area to live and to bring up a family.
DP is growing the jobs that will create real opportunities for the local graduates of tomorrow: instead of having to leave Kent to find employment young people will be moving into Sandwich and Thanet to realise their ambitions in science and technology. A shaft of bright light in these dark days.	An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.	An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.
An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.	Good to meet Ethan Williams from Sandwich at Westminster during Nuclear Week in Parliament. Ethan is an engineering graduate now working with Assytem and Rolls Royce on Small Nuclear Reactors. That really is the technology of tomorrow and the answer to our future energy needs.	A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.
A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.	Congratulations to Birchington Primary School, represented at the House of Commons by Abi Fowler, for receiving from Kate Ewart Biggs of the British Council one of the Council’s prestigious International School Awards. The award was given in recognition of Birchington’s achievements in promoting the French language through cooperation with primary school children from Nord Pas de Calais.	Congratulations and huge thanks to Mick Little, retiring after 47 years of service with Royal Mail - many of them as the ‘village Postie’ in St. Nicholas at Wade. Mick is one of the few Thanet postmen who has been around for longer than we have and has been present at all of our Christmas visits to the sorting office. Have a great holiday and a very happy and well-earned retirement Mick.
Also thanks to our Herne Bay and now Sturry, Fordwich and the Ash and Wingham teams at the Canterbury sorting office. They are not having an easy time this Christmas - but don’t blame the messengers if some post is delayed: they are doing their best to meet the Christmas deadline under very difficult conditions.	A great pleasure to meet with former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida “How to Train Your Dragon“ Cowell at the launch of the National Literacy Trust ‘Libraries for Primaries’ campaign in the House of Commons this week. Children from the 1000th Trust- supported Moreland Primary School in Islington, recently visited by Queen Camilla, were also present with authors Michael Rosen and Adam Kay.	Sadly only about one third of Britain’s children now engage in reading for pleasure - a figure that we have to improve on with support of Members of Parliament and the National Literacy Trust. How many of the Primary Schools in Herne Bay, Sandwich and West Thanet have school libraries? I have to make it my business to find out because through the Trust help is available.
Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.	Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.	A privilege to meet with the Speaker of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, in Mr Speaker’s House this week. Somalia is moving fast towards an elected democracy and can learn a great deal from the UK - particularly from our mistakes! I wonder what Sheikh Adan made of our behaviour at Prime Minister’s question time as he watched it from the gallery!
Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.	Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.	Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.
Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.	Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).
The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).
The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).	Opening the Community Shed at the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich with Town Councillor Clare Ungerson, Trustees and my small assistant Odeta - a trainee traffic Marshall! The sheds will provide workshop space and storage facilities for the gardening tools that will be used to create a community garden, tree nursery and orchard.
Opening the Community Shed at the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich with Town Councillor Clare Ungerson, Trustees and my small assistant Odeta - a trainee traffic Marshall! The sheds will provide workshop space and storage facilities for the gardening tools that will be used to create a community garden, tree nursery and orchard.	With the Autumn Gardening team at East Kent’s only community owned pub - The Chequer Inn Ash. Also took advantage of the excellent ‘Farmers Market’. Check out the Chequer if you have not already discovered it - a lovely old pub with a lot happening.	At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.
At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.	At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.	A pleasure to join Liz from Zaras cafe in Birchington’s Station Road on Dominic King’s Radio Kent show this morning. Liz has been doing a great job all this week on behalf of the businesses in a village that has just about everything to offer. If you’ve missed it tune in at about 11.10 for her final slot tomorrow. Has RK just discovered a new freelance reporter?
The official opening of the Snowdon Geophysical Dome, Monkton Nature Reserve Huge thanks to the many local businesses that have contributed finance and expertise to this project and to the army of volunteers without whose help the Reserve could not function. The Dome will now be open as an educational facility for school students but is also available as a team- building centre and for adult educational activities.	The official opening of the Snowdon Geophysical Dome, Monkton Nature Reserve Huge thanks to the many local businesses that have contributed finance and expertise to this project and to the army of volunteers without whose help the Reserve could not function. The Dome will now be open as an educational facility for school students but is also available as a team- building centre and for adult educational activities.	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for	A busy Saturday - Thanks to Birchington’s Rev Mark Ham for a splendid breakfast meeting followed by a constituency surgery, a sneak preview of the Geodesic dome with Warden Andrew, the sculpture trail and a photo exhibition at the Monkton Nature Reserve Open Day, and then off to the Minster Carnival Procession and show. Congratulations to Miss Minster Darcy Taylor and her court for leading the procession and doing the capital of Thanet proud and to the MC Derek Crow- Brown and the organisers for
Yesterday, it was good to meet up with Dani Lancefield, Principal of the Ursuline college in Westgate, and the patrons and chairman of the Westgate Ursuline Alumni Association, at their 120 years reunion celebration. Also delighted to welcome Dame Siobhan McDonagh MP, (Labour, Mitcham and Morden who has an Ursuline community in her South London constituency) to West Thanet.	Quite emotional to visit Sandwich for the first time as the Member of Parliament. I know that the town gave me great support in the ballot boxes and that is a debt that I shall seek to repay through hard work. Not quite such hard work, though, was the Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival and the chance to hear some sea shanties and to meet old friends from the Wantsum Morris side!	It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser
It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser	A useful meeting in The House with Maria Mezentseva, the member of parliament for Ukraine‘a second-largest city, Kharkiv. Maria confirms that Kharkiv is a city under bombardment and in urgent need of assistance from the West. “Two large drones can take out a thousand windows” says Maria “so we certainly need weapons and ammunition but we also need funds to buy the chipboard sheeting used to replace the glass in the shattered windows”	Katherine Updyke from Minster CofE Primary School with her winning entry “Cat’s Eye” in the 10 years old section of the Thanet Young Artist Festival 2024. Congratulations to the young winners and to all who contributed, from schools across Thanet. A splendid display of talent and huge thanks to Sainsbury’s at Westwood Cross for hosting the exhibition and to the organisers, The Rotary Club of Margate. A privilege to be invited to present the winners with their awards.
The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.	The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.	The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.
With Tammi Stewart-Jones and volunteers at Quex Barn to raise funds for the children’s charity Stand By Me	Good to meet some of the dedicated team of volunteers at Margate Citizens advice. Many people do still not realise that the ‘CAB’ as it used to be called is not a Government Agency but a charity funded locally by contributions. Call my office (01843-848588) if you would like to train as an advisor or help the fundraising effort	With Proprietor Paul Crocker and staff at the Minster McDonalds to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the company in the United Kingdom. (The first restaurant opened in Woolwich in 1974) Also with Paul Crocker and resident artist and employee of the month Freya recognising Mental Health awareness week.
With Proprietor Paul Crocker and staff at the Minster McDonalds to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the company in the United Kingdom. (The first restaurant opened in Woolwich in 1974) Also with Paul Crocker and resident artist and employee of the month Freya recognising Mental Health awareness week.	Visiting Ken's (Eaton Road, Margate) to mark #localbikeshopday! I won't remind Ken just how long he has been mending Margate's cycles but he used to repair my children's bikes and the eldest are now in their fifties! Thanks for years of service Ken.	With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.
With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.	Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.	Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.
Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.	Speaking in support of Ukraine at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg last week.	A fascinating exhibition of ‘extinct’ artefacts and fossils mounted by ‘Explorers Against Extinction’ at The House. A stark reminder of the effects of climate change over many millennia, the exhibition will soon be on public display. (I am not one of the exhibits!)
Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’	Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’	St Gregory's School visit to Parliament and meeting with Roger.
Great to be out in Birchington in the lovely weather today. Good to know that the Minnis Bay (‘Plus One’) Post Office is open for business again. Best wishes and thank you for providing this essential local service! Also, Congratulations to Liz and Patsy (Zaras cafe, Station Road) on being shortlisted for the Made in Kent Awards 2024. Best wishes for the Big Night!	Great to be out in Birchington in the lovely weather today. Good to know that the Minnis Bay (‘Plus One’) Post Office is open for business again. Best wishes and thank you for providing this essential local service! Also, Congratulations to Liz and Patsy (Zaras cafe, Station Road) on being shortlisted for the Made in Kent Awards 2024. Best wishes for the Big Night!	Congratulations to The East Kent Colleges Group- this year’s winners of the Association of Colleges annual Beacon Award for Governance.
Huge thanks to the cast and staff of another Thanet Police Pantomime (Treasure Island) raising funds for the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre and the East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). Pictured with Andy Yoofoo as Captain Crook	“Shut That Door“ In Sandwich to support Vicky Day (Kent Fire and Rescue Service) to promote fire safety. Just closing a door can win thirty life-saving minutes and contain damage to the home. It was also good to meet with local Councillors and Sandwich - Neighbourhood Watch in St Peter's Church.	“Shut That Door“ In Sandwich to support Vicky Day (Kent Fire and Rescue Service) to promote fire safety. Just closing a door can win thirty life-saving minutes and contain damage to the home. It was also good to meet with local Councillors and Sandwich - Neighbourhood Watch in St Peter's Church.
Good to see my old friend Betty at the weekend. Wonderfully looked after in a Westgate residential home and by her devoted daughter. At 98 years young, still as bright as a button!	A useful meeting with Tourism and Arts Minister Julia Lopez. We shall look forward to welcoming her to the constituency - a lot of good things to show her.	An excellent gathering of companies and employees for the Pfizer Jobsfair hosted by Discovery Park at Sandwich. Also good to receive a thorough briefing from the Pfizer site Director, Julian Thompson, and his senior management team. The planned reduction in the company’s workforce in the UK was of great concern, of course, but a great effort is being put into securing other employment and retaining science skills in Kent. Thanks, on behalf of Craig Mackinlay and myself (Clink link to read more)
An excellent gathering of companies and employees for the Pfizer Jobsfair hosted by Discovery Park at Sandwich. Also good to receive a thorough briefing from the Pfizer site Director, Julian Thompson, and his senior management team. The planned reduction in the company’s workforce in the UK was of great concern, of course, but a great effort is being put into securing other employment and retaining science skills in Kent. Thanks, on behalf of Craig Mackinlay and myself (Clink link to read more)	An excellent gathering of companies and employees for the Pfizer Jobsfair hosted by Discovery Park at Sandwich. Also good to receive a thorough briefing from the Pfizer site Director, Julian Thompson, and his senior management team. The planned reduction in the company’s workforce in the UK was of great concern, of course, but a great effort is being put into securing other employment and retaining science skills in Kent. Thanks, on behalf of Craig Mackinlay and myself (Clink link to read more)	An excellent gathering of companies and employees for the Pfizer Jobsfair hosted by Discovery Park at Sandwich. Also good to receive a thorough briefing from the Pfizer site Director, Julian Thompson, and his senior management team. The planned reduction in the company’s workforce in the UK was of great concern, of course, but a great effort is being put into securing other employment and retaining science skills in Kent. Thanks, on behalf of Craig Mackinlay and myself (Clink link to read more)
Met with the Minister of State for Health, Andrea Leadsom, to discuss the provision of the NHS and the NHS dentistry in East Kent. Major improvements are imminent.	Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!	Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!
Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.	Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.	Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.
Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.	On Saturday I opened the Westerleigh Group's fortieth crematorium in Herne Bay. An excellent new facility that will shorten both waiting and journey times for many of my bereaved constituents.	An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.
An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.	A wonderful evening with Suzy at Strode Park for the illumination of the Christmas lights- and huge thanks to the Herne Junior School choir for some beautiful carol singing.	We were delighted to welcome Sir Roger Gale to our Birchington HUB today. The work both Sir Roger and Lady Suzy have done in the community over the years is amazing and the advice was well received. Merry Christmas
At the Parliamentary launch of Small Business Saturday. Shop locally and support small businesses- not just next Saturday (December 2nd) but as often as possible	Good to celebrate Schools Parliament Week at Briary Primary School in Herne Bay last week. Thanks to Dan Stanley for arranging the visit. Bright young girls and boys with some very searching questions. Looking forward to a return match at the Palace of Westminster!	A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.
A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.	Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!	Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!
Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!	Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!	Thanks to pilot Rhys Thomas and to all at Polar Helicopters Ltd for giving me a stunning overview of North Thanet, Herne Bay and Sandwich. And thanks to my wonderful family for arranging such an amazing birthday present.
Thanks to pilot Rhys Thomas and to all at Polar Helicopters Ltd for giving me a stunning overview of North Thanet, Herne Bay and Sandwich. And thanks to my wonderful family for arranging such an amazing birthday present.	Have been out in the constituency today and popped into Maya’s Community Support Centre, where we have been packing suitcases full of sweets for the children of Turkey’s earthquake.	A great honour to meet President Zelensky in Westminster Hall today. All the courage and determination of a man intending to settle for nothing less than the complete freedom of his country.
	Out an about in the constituency today on Small Bussiness Saturday! In Herne Bay with Maya at her Community Cafe and food bank in Herne Bay High Street thanks to Maya for all that you do for the community in Herne Bay. Also visited Margate Jo Fulton Tolley at Jo’s Hair and Skin Beauty, 7 Margate High Street- congratulations to Jo on winning this year’s award for the Best Hair and Beauty salon in Kent! Then finally went to Birchington for the traders Christmas event!	Out an about in the constituency today on Small Bussiness Saturday! In Herne Bay with Maya at her Community Cafe and food bank in Herne Bay High Street thanks to Maya for all that you do for the community in Herne Bay. Also visited Margate Jo Fulton Tolley at Jo’s Hair and Skin Beauty, 7 Margate High Street- congratulations to Jo on winning this year’s award for the Best Hair and Beauty salon in Kent! Then finally went to Birchington for the traders Christmas event!
Out an about in the constituency today on Small Bussiness Saturday! In Herne Bay with Maya at her Community Cafe and food bank in Herne Bay High Street thanks to Maya for all that you do for the community in Herne Bay. Also visited Margate Jo Fulton Tolley at Jo’s Hair and Skin Beauty, 7 Margate High Street- congratulations to Jo on winning this year’s award for the Best Hair and Beauty salon in Kent! Then finally went to Birchington for the traders Christmas event!	A big thank you to @SirRogerGale MP, for visiting the new, expanded Emergency Department at QEQM. Final preparations are underway for the first patients to be treated in the unit this week and the department features a brand-new children’s emergency department, large treatment areas for adults, dedicated areas for patients with mental health needs, a new entrance for walk-in patients and waiting area.	For the fallen- Remembrance Sunday in Herne Bay.
For the fallen- Remembrance Sunday in Herne Bay.	The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.	The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.
The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.	Out and an about in the constituency. In Herne Bay- I was with Radio Cabin's Peter Jell at the Queen Vic Hospital fete in Herne Bay. Thanks to Radio Cabin for always being there when needed and to all those volunteers who have raised funds to help refurbish Heron Ward. In Thanet- I met with the President of the Thanet Scout Council, Mrs Ann Wells MBE to celebrate Ann's seventy years of active commitment to Scouting in Kent. Huge thanks from generations of young people for whom you have done	Out and an about in the constituency. In Herne Bay- I was with Radio Cabin's Peter Jell at the Queen Vic Hospital fete in Herne Bay. Thanks to Radio Cabin for always being there when needed and to all those volunteers who have raised funds to help refurbish Heron Ward. In Thanet- I met with the President of the Thanet Scout Council, Mrs Ann Wells MBE to celebrate Ann's seventy years of active commitment to Scouting in Kent. Huge thanks from generations of young people for whom you have done

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

Supporting English Tourism Week with the teams from English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort and volunteers at the Sandwich Medieval Centre and with Deidre Wells from VisitKent and Sue Chandler.

DP is growing the jobs that will create real opportunities for the local graduates of tomorrow: instead of having to leave Kent to find employment young people will be moving into Sandwich and Thanet to realise their ambitions in science and technology. A shaft of bright light in these dark days.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

An exhilarating visit to Wingham Primary School to learn at first hand about their Global Citizenship projects and to hear some African drums and Zulu chants! Top marks to Emily Douglas and her team and a couple of hours very well spent.

Good to meet Ethan Williams from Sandwich at Westminster during Nuclear Week in Parliament. Ethan is an engineering graduate now working with Assytem and Rolls Royce on Small Nuclear Reactors. That really is the technology of tomorrow and the answer to our future energy needs.

A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.

A warm Preston welcome and the luck of the Irish to Mossy and Laura and Ben. The Half Moon and Seven Stars is open again on time as promised.

Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.

Good to meet Father Christmas and one of his elves at the White Mill (Sandwich) Christmas Craft fair. I also took the opportunity to visit the mill and rural heritage centre - an excellent collection of agricultural artefacts and well worth a family visit.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Opening the new upper floor facilities Age Concern Sandwich with the Chairman of the Trustees, Geoff Sneller and the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter. Great thanks to the late David Hobby whose bequest made the project possible.

Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.

Paying tribute to the fallen from Herne Bay and Sandwich with West Thanet in The Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance.

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

The installation of Admiral Sir George Zambellas as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at the Duke of York’s Military music school (Dover).

With the Autumn Gardening team at East Kent’s only community owned pub - The Chequer Inn Ash. Also took advantage of the excellent ‘Farmers Market’. Check out the Chequer if you have not already discovered it - a lovely old pub with a lot happening.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

At Salem yard in Ash to support the ’Pass wide and slow’ campaign. Horses and their riders need to be treated with respect and courtesy. Wide and Slow should be the norm not a tiresome exception.

It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser

It will be some time before Manston is open for commercial air traffic again but it was good to see light aircraft flying in and out again over the weekend. Thanks to Steve Hoskins of the Kent Strut and Kerry Banks of the Martha Trust for organising a great charity fundraiser

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

The ban on the export of live animals for slaughter passed its final stage in the House of Lords this afternoon. Royal Assent and then it is the law of the land. Thanks for huge support from Lorraine Platt and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

With Tammi Stewart-Jones and volunteers at Quex Barn to raise funds for the children’s charity Stand By Me

Visiting Ken's (Eaton Road, Margate) to mark #localbikeshopday! I won't remind Ken just how long he has been mending Margate's cycles but he used to repair my children's bikes and the eldest are now in their fifties! Thanks for years of service Ken.

With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.

With Health Minister Helen Whately at the House of Commons to support the work of the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. KSS is seeking to raise £1 million to buy their aircraft. Link to their fundraiser below.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Yesterday I was in Herne Bay celebrating the centenary of Herne Bay Bandstand with David Moyse and his Model T Ford ( 5 years older than the bandstand!), Musical Director Kai Hoffman and Cllr Liz Harvey.

Speaking in support of Ukraine at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg last week.

A fascinating exhibition of ‘extinct’ artefacts and fossils mounted by ‘Explorers Against Extinction’ at The House. A stark reminder of the effects of climate change over many millennia, the exhibition will soon be on public display. (I am not one of the exhibits!)

Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’

Celebrating English Tourism Week with Deirdre Wells (Visit Kent) and Ami Britton (Hornby) at Hornby’s Wonderworks Exhibition on Margate’s Westwood Industrial Estate. ‘A show for children of all ages!’

St Gregory's School visit to Parliament and meeting with Roger.

Congratulations to The East Kent Colleges Group- this year’s winners of the Association of Colleges annual Beacon Award for Governance.

Huge thanks to the cast and staff of another Thanet Police Pantomime (Treasure Island) raising funds for the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre and the East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). Pictured with Andy Yoofoo as Captain Crook

Good to see my old friend Betty at the weekend. Wonderfully looked after in a Westgate residential home and by her devoted daughter. At 98 years young, still as bright as a button!

A useful meeting with Tourism and Arts Minister Julia Lopez. We shall look forward to welcoming her to the constituency - a lot of good things to show her.

Met with the Minister of State for Health, Andrea Leadsom, to discuss the provision of the NHS and the NHS dentistry in East Kent. Major improvements are imminent.

Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!

Had a lovely Christmas visit to King Edward Court (Herne Bay) - with my apprentice Guard Dog!

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

Christmas carols in Herne Bay yesterday in Wimereux Square with The Herne Bay Community Singers, The Bay’s Girl Guides and the vicar of Christ Church Anthony Everett. An excellent community event in aid of The Chemotherapy Cancer Project.

On Saturday I opened the Westerleigh Group's fortieth crematorium in Herne Bay. An excellent new facility that will shorten both waiting and journey times for many of my bereaved constituents.

An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.

An interesting fortieth pre-Christmas visit to the Post Office Sorting Office. There have been some changes over the years - and not all for the better. Questions need to be asked but don’t blame your Posties if your cards and letters are delayed this year.

A wonderful evening with Suzy at Strode Park for the illumination of the Christmas lights- and huge thanks to the Herne Junior School choir for some beautiful carol singing.

We were delighted to welcome Sir Roger Gale to our Birchington HUB today. The work both Sir Roger and Lady Suzy have done in the community over the years is amazing and the advice was well received. Merry Christmas

At the Parliamentary launch of Small Business Saturday. Shop locally and support small businesses- not just next Saturday (December 2nd) but as often as possible

Good to celebrate Schools Parliament Week at Briary Primary School in Herne Bay last week. Thanks to Dan Stanley for arranging the visit. Bright young girls and boys with some very searching questions. Looking forward to a return match at the Palace of Westminster!

A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.

A retired ‘Special’ supporting the Police Federation - time for proper recognition of police officers killed or forced into early retirement as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!

Another excellent exhibition at Herne Bay's Beach Creative CIC Gallery. Artist Phillip Long and photographer Martin Boatwright in collaboration (Martin's first- ever public showing) - But only until October 19th!

Thanks to pilot Rhys Thomas and to all at Polar Helicopters Ltd for giving me a stunning overview of North Thanet, Herne Bay and Sandwich. And thanks to my wonderful family for arranging such an amazing birthday present.

Thanks to pilot Rhys Thomas and to all at Polar Helicopters Ltd for giving me a stunning overview of North Thanet, Herne Bay and Sandwich. And thanks to my wonderful family for arranging such an amazing birthday present.

Have been out in the constituency today and popped into Maya’s Community Support Centre, where we have been packing suitcases full of sweets for the children of Turkey’s earthquake.

A great honour to meet President Zelensky in Westminster Hall today. All the courage and determination of a man intending to settle for nothing less than the complete freedom of his country.

For the fallen- Remembrance Sunday in Herne Bay.

For the fallen- Remembrance Sunday in Herne Bay.

The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.

The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.

The Margate mosque community is working hard to raise funds to provide flood relief for Pakistan. Times are tough at home but those made homeless need our support. Please join me in trying to help them. All details to donate on pictured below.