Over the last few weeks the wonderful place that I live and work has suddenly become the episode centre for the media and politicians of the country as we experience a by election before the general election next year after our MP defected to UKIP.
Seeing places that we pass every day on TV at first was quite exciting, having people from across the country and even my mum and dad who are currently in the Falklands calling to say they d seen Rochester and Strood on television was fun. However it wasn't long before it began to feel like politicians were acting like children playing in the playground; point scoring at our expense and I began to wonder if anyone actually cared about the people of Medway at all.
I don't really “do” politics in the sense that I'm keen to vote and take an interest personally but won't promote a certain party. What I really wanted was someone to actually sit down and listen to the people of our communities and take on board our cares and concerns for the place that we all love.
A few days ago I received a very cryptic call asking if I could be free on. Friday 24th around 3.15 venue to be disclosed later to be a present as a respected member of the local community! Unfortunately on Friday I had a wedding but said I would do all I could to get there.
Friday arrived and no message of the forth coming meeting arrived and then suddenly I received the message...be at the brook theatre at 3.15....you do not want to miss this!
How could I refuse? I did the wedding and hot footed it down to Chatham to discover that the person we were meeting was running late from Brussels! As I looked around at the satellite dishes, security and loads of police I realised that my initial guess was correct, I would be meeting the prime minister! I can't say I've always agreed with our PM but the chance to actually sit down and chat was a little bit exciting! .and Yet I really was genuinely impressed with how he spoke normally , down to earth but genuinely seemed to be interested in our concerns. A friend of mine shared her concern for post 18 care of young adults with special needs and promoted Abbey court school the place I'm a chaplain which I was able to support her in and also raised the concern for the bad press medway gets when we are so proud of where we live.
The most daunting thing about the experience was the cameras sat facing us for the first few minutes of the meeting...and as I was sat next door but 1 to the PM I was key focus!... I hadn't realised how key until 101 calls came from across the country as ITV national news aired with me on it agh!
What will happen at the by election is anyone's guess, all I would suggest is that you think carefully about voting, if you care about where you live use your vote but use it wisely, for a party that supports your views. We want our MP to be a positive reflection on our towns !
So, how do you say goodbye to a Prime minister….well of course ask him for a selfie, and to give him credit he accepted and I'm proud to say I'm the first dog collar he's ever had a selfie with!
