14/10/2026
What has our Mayor Cllr Winston Michael been up to over July, August and September?☀️
Hi everyone, I can’t believe it is already October now – hasn’t this year gone quick?!
The Mayoress and I have been busy over the last few months, attending some exciting community events across the borough.
🐅🐈Back in July, I attended the Grand Opening of the Small Cat Rescue Centre and Rusty Spotted Cat Conservation Centre at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Headcorn. The sanctuary is recognised globally for its efforts to protect species under threat, so it’s very exciting to see that they have now started looking after smaller cats as well. The work they do here is invaluable and we should be proud to have such an excellent conservation centre in the borough.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
Image credit: The Big Cat Sanctuary
🍟Later in July, I attended the re-opening of McDonalds in Eureka Park. While I was here, the team were kind enough to show me around the kitchen and I was impressed by the cleanliness and attention to detail that went into each individual order. As well as delivering excellent service, McDonalds deserves recognition for its contribution to Ashford’s economy by providing a wide variety of jobs to 300 people.
🤝Also in Kennington, I was delighted to attend the Amber Foundation’s open day to celebrate 30 years of supporting young people. The foundation provides a temporary home for those ages 18-30 who are homeless and unemployed, giving them the support they need to rebuild their lives. On top of this, the centre educates young people, providing them with key skills so that they can learn to manage their lives independently and improve their lives for the better.
🧑🤝🧑There was clearly lots of exciting work in Kennington this month as I also attended the opening of the newest hub of East Kent Mencap. This organisation does such valuable work across Kent, supporting people with learning disabilities as well as providing support to families. Their services include training, employment pathways, creative and social activities, advocacy, and projects that promote equality, visibility and voice, so it is wonderful to see another branch set up in the borough.
East Kent Mencap
🍺Over in Bethersden, I attended a wonderful Oktoberfest celebration at the George pub. Receiving a CAMRA Pub Award of the Year in both 2025 and 2026, the George is a testament to the power of an active community as when the pub originally closed during COVID, the local community came together to bring it back. It was lovely to see the pub thriving for this event, everyone really got stuck into the Oktoberfest celebrations. I even got the chance to break the barrel and pull the first b**r, (without spilling any, might I add!).
https://orlo.uk/ms6MN
The George, Bethersden
🩰I then had the pleasure of watching Jasmin Vardimon’s fantastic new performance, “Lullaby”. The dance is set in a hospital and uses movement to capture the frustration and sadness that is all too familiar to those in hospital or who have had family members in hospital. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend going along to see a JV production!
Jasmin Vardimon Company
🎖️I was also proud to present 2 fellow members of the Ashford Rotary Club with a Mayoral Achievement Award.
Delphine Plehiers – Since joining Rotary, for enthusiastic personal display of Ideal for service to single handedly raise charitable funds through innovative means.
Mary Castiau – For Tireless Dedication and unstinting support to Pilgrims Hospice and Ashford Homeless over the years – A true Rotarian in every sense.
