Pleased to say that further to my motion to Folkestone and Hythe District Council last week on changing the governance system (which was passed, amended by the Conservatives but leaving, I think, the intention intact) there has been feedback from the Council Head of Paid Service Susan Priest outlining how she plans to move forward.

The Folkestone Book Festival: The Shape of Things to Come brochure has landed!

Inspired by the ideas of Sandgate resident, H G Wells, this year's Festival presents one-off events stretching into the wild Romney Marsh, Victorian Tin Tabernacle, 12th century church and seaside fish and chip shop!

This year's line-up includes Booker Prize-winning author, Ben Okri who explores the role of fiction in these difficult times; actress Imogen Stubbs reads excepts of Jean Rhys' Wild Sargasso Sea; and The Guardian features writer, Nesrine Malik investigates the stories used to maintain the status quo.

Millions of people care for relatives, friends and neighbours, often at huge personal cost. They need more than our gratitude; they need our support.

Carers UK have estimated that over 8 million people are currently caring for someone ^[1]. That is an increase of nearly 40% on the number of reported carers in 2011. It is likely that 3 in 5 of us will be caring for someone at some point in our lives.

Environment Committee meetings are usually held every 1st Tuesday of each month (except August) commencing at 7pm. However, please confirm date and time on the agenda of the next meeting. For more information visit http://www.sandgatepc.kentparishes.gov.uk/

It is important that all Councillors follow the rules regarding declaring their Pecuniary Interests for the councils they sit on.

By doing so, it allows the public, councillors and officers to be clear if the decisions they are taking part in are likely to have more impact on them than others in their area. So for example, you would expect a Councillor to leave the room and not speak or vote on a planning appliation next to a property they own or live in for example, as the impact would be potentially disproprtionately felt by them which may impact their view.