One of the unsung heroes of life in Ashford is Chris Dixon, who runs the arts and culture side of the Council’s activities. His latest project is one that can certainly be enjoyed by everyone.
The Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ashford is one of those quietly important institutions that we are lucky to have in the town. I have been in touch with them recently to support them over the pressures they are facing because of energy costs, so it was timely to make a visit.
I suspect I have written more columns in this space about the M20 and its problems than any other single issue over the years. This one is slightly different, in that it relates to an important area right next to the motorway, which could have a significant effect on it.
The exam question this morning is how much do we know about our local community? The data from the 2021 Census is becoming available, and it shows how the constituency of Ashford is not only growing but changing.
This is my last column before Christmas, so I am going to be resolutely cheerful, as we could all do with some cheer at the end of a year which has been difficult in so many different ways.
Damian Green has visited Newtown Works in Ashford which is set to be redeveloped into mixed-use site including an international film studio, apartments, hotel and a new Kent Film School.
Some plans take a long time to come to fruition, so I very much enjoyed a visit to Mersham Sports Club. It is the best part of ten years since they approached me about buying some land from the Church Commissioners to extend their facilities, which are in great demand.
