Tables Turned on Tom:
An Annual Parish Meeting with a difference!

Lynsted with Kingsdown’s Annual Parish Meeting was held this year on May 2nd. As ever, Tom English, Parish Council Chairman, hoped that at least some parishioners would come along to hear what has been achieved during the year,  what is planned for the future, and to air any views.

Things did not work out quite as he had hoped! The Community Room was full to overflowing – but not with parishioners keen to hear about the work of the Council.  Rather, they were there to witness a presentation of a framed painting to Tom.  This to mark his thirty years of service to the community, first as a parish councillor and, for the last ten years, as Chairman.  Many past parish councillors, chairmen, and clerks had quietly materialised to join current councillors  for what was apparently a complete surprise to the ‘victim’! Tom expressed pleasure at receiving the picture: an original watercolour view of Cellar Hill, by Kent artist Peter Young, depicting the recipient himself in ‘parish council chairman mode’.  He was also clearly pleased and surprised to see so many ‘faces from the past’.

Tributes were read from those not able to be present, and Tom’s achievements over the years were roundly applauded.

It was a rather shaken Chairman who continued with the business of the meeting!

Bob Baxter.