Respect where respect is due.

It's been a while, again. I haven't really had anything much to talk about if I'm honest. Work has kept me under the radar. It's all been a bit doom and gloom, and let's face it, the weather hasn't helped!


I wasn't going to blog the doom and gloom part, but I felt, out of respect I should least write a little note:


Sadly, both Canterbury and Thanet Councils have lost some dear lovely Councillors recently. The late Brian Goodwin passed away back in May (One of my favourite Councillors to have ever worked with) and left a gaping hole in TDC. A quick on-the-trot by election followed. This was a double edged sword for me, because not only was I mourning the loss of a friend and colleague ... I was dropped into the deep end, fighting a By Election. Which we lost, by the way. Not by far, and not because we didn't try. Our candidate James was awesome but it just wasn't ours to keep. C'est la Vie. We didn't win the battle but doesn't mean we won't win the war... I can almost feel Brian putting a hand on my shoulder and saying "S'alright Pet" which is a small comfort I guess.


Margaret Sheldrick, formerly a Councillor for Birchington and Chairman of TDC lost her battle with the big C a few weeks ago. She moved to Cyprus back in November and her presence has been missed ever since. She used to pop in to the office for a catch up and chat away about the most random of subjects and catch up on the political gossip. She taught me a lot on how to work with Councillors (Not saying for an instant that they can be difficult, no, never!!) For such a tiny little woman she had so much power and strength, I was told she fought the cancer to the very end. I couldn't see it any other way really.


Then of course, the sad tidings of Hazel McCabe last week. This wonderful lady was the spirit of the Council, having stood for Blean since 1973! I'd only got to known Hazel a little in the past year, but what I saw of her, I couldn't help but love. She was so passionate about what she believed in. I always respect and admire someone who fights for her ideals. It was Full Council last night, and it was lovely to see so many people come to pay their respects, no matter what their political background. So, By Election to follow in Blean shortly. On the brighter side, this is not my patch for work so I do not get dropped in the deep end. However, I'm sure I'll be helping in some way or other.


It's funny how people can mould and shape your life. Each of these lovely people were not necessarily close to me, but all had a significant impact on my life and views in the last few years. Each of them taught me different ways of looking at things, and their insight into life and living was invaluable. 


You will be missed.