Churchill said that Reservists are “twice a citizen” because of what they contribute to our community. The same is true of our nation’s volunteers. Since my selection as Conservative candidate I have spent time meeting many who contribute so much to our community—the local, often unsung heroes, who work tirelessly to make the lives of all of us in this wonderful corner of Kent better. These are some I have met over the past year. I pay tribute to them all.
The amazing Borough Green Station Volunteers do tremendous work keeping the station clean, tidy and beautifully planted. Their efforts to remember those who gave their lives in service of their country deserves our thanks and the widest recognition.
My “Tea with Tom” events brought people across our community together to question me on what I hope to do in Parliament. We’ve had events in Penshurst, Platt, West Malling, Hadlow, Wrotham, East Peckham and Tonbridge – wherever someone has wanted to organise them. Please get in touch if you could host one.
I was honoured to be invited to officially switch on the West Malling Christmas Lights. I am passionate about supporting independent retailers and our traditional High Streets.
Robin Betts’ award-winning cheese makers is a great example of diversity and innovation in the rural economy. Their cheese tastes great, too!
Ryarsh
Wrotham
West Malling
Borough Green
As a former soldier I take great pride in our Armed Forces and was delighted to join residents marking Armed Forces Day in Kings Hill.
Kings Hill Wateringbury
Hadlow East Peckham
Hildenborough Edenbridge and Tonbridge Cottage Hospitals deliver vital care to the local community. I was shown around Edenbridge War Memorial Hospital by Matron Emma Starsmore and Dr Andrew Russell.
Leigh
TONBRIDGE
Edenbridge Penshurst Cowden
I didn’t need much persuasion to visit the excellent Larkins Brewery in Edenbridge and sample their fine ales. I am pictured here with their Head Brewer, Bob Dockerty.
Flooding ruined Christmas for many last year. Local Flood Warden Carl Lewis is making sure any future damage is reduced. I am working with Carl and the Council get better flood protection.
For me, politics is about duty. It is about serving our community to achieve the best, and to help ensure others fulfil their own potential. That doesn’t mean taking easy decisions, anyone can do that, it’s taking tough, difficult and at times unpopular decisions that make the difference. Over the past decade I have been on duty around the world serving my country. Today, I am honoured to be doing the same at home. It is the duty to protect the nation. That is why I am committed to spending what we need on defence and security. But today national security is about more than ships, soldiers and aircraft. It is also about our economic security; the finances that support us and enable us to shape our own destiny. It is the duty to grow the economy. That is why I am committed to the reforms we have made to balance the books. Everyone knows
I love Ian Chatfield’s Old Tonbridge sausages. His award winning butcher’s shows what Tonbridge High Street could become. I am working with local councils and the Chamber of Commerce to bring high quality stores to our vital towns and villages.
I support many local charities, including this visit to a Macmillan Coffee Morning organised by Jean Atkinson in the Baptist Church in Trench.
that a home which cannot pay its debts will go bankrupt and the whole family will suffer. Our nation is at risk of the same. If we fail, it is not the wealthiest who will suffer most, but the poorest and most vulnerable. Across Europe, we have seen bankrupt nations slash services and close hospitals. That is the consequence of failing to tackle the deficit and hoping to spend our way out of debt. It is the duty to plan for the future. Investing in real education to ensure our children are able to grow in the humanities, arts and sciences, and be able to stand tall in the competitive world. Growing strong, confident and capable citizens requires the knowledge that can only be imparted through good schools and inspirational teachers. Today, our children are competing and co-operating across the world. It is the duty to be open to new ideas. No nation has a monopoly on genius but our success over the centuries has been to harness the thoughts of others and provide
The preservation of local history and landmarks is often down to the dedication of volunteers who will always have my support. I was delighted to visit Hadlow Tower recently with Owen and Chris Baldock
I love walking through our beautiful countryside so joining the East Peckham Walking Group to inspect the flood defences on the Rivers Medway and Bourne was great fun.
the security, investment and the freedom to allow these visions to grow. That is the British way. It is why businesses, trade and individuals come to the UK and it has made us respected, prosperous and free. My duty to you is to ensure we are secure, stable and open so that together we can prepare with confidence for a future that will provide hope, opportunity and security for all. Together, I know we can do it.
If you would like to discuss any local issues with Tom, please get in touch at tom@tomtugendhat.org.uk If you run a group, voluntary organisation or charity and would like Tom to visit to meet your members and learn about your work in the community, please get in touch. Visit Tom’s website: www.tomtugendhat.org.uk or follow him on Twitter @TomTugendhat