Cllr Daniel Friend

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Cllr Daniel Friend

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Dover District Councillor for Sandwich and Woodnesborough. Promoted by Dan Friend of HB & S Conservatives, 215A Canterbury Rd, Birchington, CT7 9AH

https://cllrdanfriend.substack.com/p/open-letter-standing-up-for-our-communities

29/10/2026

Rest in peace Sir Patrick Stewart. You will be forever loved, never forgotten and always missed. Sending love to you, your family, your friends, and your fans all over the world.

29/10/2026

🏠 Want to know where your home is losing heat? You can now borrow a thermal imaging camera for FREE! 🔥❄️

With colder weather arriving and energy bills putting pressure on household budgets, this is a fantastic initiative from Kent Libraries!

Residents across East Kent can borrow a thermal imaging camera to help spot where heat might be escaping from their homes.

🔍 What can you discover?

✅ Draughts around windows and doors

✅ Areas where insulation may be missing or ineffective

✅ Cold spots around your home

✅ Potential opportunities to reduce heat loss and save money on heating

The cameras use infrared technology to show temperature differences, helping you identify areas worth investigating.

📚 Best of all, they’re FREE to borrow through participating Kent Libraries!

It’s a simple idea that could make a real difference to households this winter.

🏡 Know someone who might benefit? Share this with them!

29/10/2026

🏛️ Kent Local Government Reorganisation – an important update!

You may remember that back in September, I reported that the Government had paused plans to reorganise local councils across Kent and Medway.

Well, there’s now been an update!

Following yesterday’s Budget, the Government has written to the leaders of Kent County Council and Medway Council confirming that Kent and Medway will be taken forward as part of a new wave of devolution.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Local Government Reorganisation is STILL paused!

The Government has confirmed that:

🔹 Work will begin on establishing a new Kent and Medway Strategic Authority, potentially with an elected Mayor in May 2028.

🔹 A single giant unitary council covering Kent and Medway would be incompatible with the proposed mayoral arrangements.

🔹 The future of our existing councils, including Dover District Council, remains undecided.

🔹 The proposal for a new East Kent council covering Dover, Canterbury and Thanet remains a possibility, but has not been approved.

🔹 New funding has been promised, including a potential 30-year investment fund, although the Government hasn’t confirmed how much money Kent would actually receive.

So, we’re potentially heading towards a Mayor for Kent, new unitary councils and a completely different structure of local government.

Yet we still don’t know what that structure will look like, how much it will cost or when a final decision will be made!

I’ve always maintained that any reorganisation must deliver better services, genuine savings and stronger local accountability, not simply more politicians, bureaucracy and expense.

For residents in Dover, Deal, Sandwich and our villages, those should be the priorities.

I’ll continue to keep you updated as the picture becomes clearer.

💬 What do you think? Should Kent have an elected Mayor, or is this another unnecessary layer of local government?

29/10/2026

Nearly 800 years of caring for the people of Sandwich.

Today, I was delighted to be re-elected as a trustee of Sandwich United Charity for another five years, a role I’ve been proud to hold since 2018.

It’s one of those wonderful local organisations that quietly does so much good, often without people realising. It’s roots stretch back to medieval Sandwich, with St Bartholomew’s Hospital founded before 1227 and St Thomas’ dating back to the 14th century.

Today, the charity continues that extraordinary legacy, looking after our historic almshouses at St Bartholomew’s and St Thomas’, providing homes for local people in need, and caring for the beautiful St Bartholomew’s Chapel.

For me, it’s about far more than maintaining historic buildings. It’s about the people. Giving someone a home, a sense of security, a community and somewhere they can feel they belong.

There’s something quite special about knowing that generations of Sandwich residents have looked after one another through these charities for centuries, and that we’re still carrying on that tradition today.

I’m incredibly proud to play a small part alongside my fellow trustees and everyone involved in keeping this important part of Sandwich’s heritage alive.

Our town has a remarkable history, but what makes it truly special is its people.

29/10/2026

🌺 Our Poppy Collectors are in Sandwich today!

You’ll find them at the Sandwich Market, the Co-op and our War Memorial on Market Street.

Every year, rain or shine the dedication of these wonderful humans is nothing short of inspiring, raising money and sharing their own pride and passion for the cause!

The Royal British Legion is an incredible charity we can all get behind, every donation helps, so pop down and say hello to the team!

We Will Remember Them.

Sandwich and District Royal British Legion Sandwich Volunteers

29/10/2026

There’s always time for a catchup!

29/10/2026

🍺 Good news for the Kings Arms! 🔑

After the uncertainty of recent days, it’s fantastic to see some positive progress at the Kings Arms in Sandwich, despite attempts to frustrate the process!

The new team are already in the building, carrying out refurbishment works and preparing to welcome customers back.

As the notice now displayed in the windows confirms, the closure is temporary, with plans to reopen very soon!

I’ve been pleased to work with those involved to help navigate the Asset of Community Value (ACV) complications following Sandwich Town Council’s decision to unnecessarily nominate the building for listing.

Crucially, the transaction is exempt from the ACV moratorium, meaning the six-month restriction does not apply!

That’s excellent news for everyone who wants to see this historic pub back open, serving customers, providing accommodation and contributing to our local economy.

There are still improvements to be completed, but it’s encouraging to see investment going into one of Sandwich’s much-loved pubs.

I’ll continue offering my support wherever I can to help get the doors open again as soon as possible.

A few weeks of refurbishment is a small price to pay for a brighter future for the Kings Arms! 🍻

29/10/2026

Thursday morning in Sandwich on the Sandwich Guildhall forecourt you'll find the market in full swing!

I'm talking bread, cakes, eggs, flowers, meat, fruit, winter warmness and Age Concern Sandwich are here too!! Pick up a few bits, stop for a chat and you can even get warmed up with a hot drink at one of the lovely cafes!

If you are able, do pop down and support Hank and the Sandwich and District Royal British Legion raising funds for the Poppy Appeal 2026!

Did I mention it's not raining and there is a glimpse of the sun! 🫣😂

Shopping in Sandwich Sandwich Community Website Sandwich Business Page Sandwich Town Business Compass Royal British Legion

29/10/2026

Sandwich and District Royal British Legion

29/10/2026

🍭 Could you be Sandwich’s next lollipop person? 🚸

Sandwich Junior School needs a friendly face to help our children get to and from school safely!

Kent County Council is recruiting a School Crossing Patrol Officer, and this could be the perfect little job for someone local!

✅ £13.56 per hour
✅ Just 7.5 hours per week
✅ Monday to Friday, term-time only
✅ Full uniform provided
✅ A chance to make a real difference to local families!

Whether you’re retired, looking for a few extra hours or simply want to give something back to your community, this could be ideal.

📍 Sandwich Junior School, St Bart’s Road

📅 Applications close 14 November 2026.

🔗 Apply through Kent County Council:
https://jobsearch.kent.gov.uk/jobs/job/Road-Crossing-Patrols-Various-Schools/15053

📧 Questions? [email protected]

❤️ Please share! You never know who might be looking for a few hours’ work while helping keep our children safe.

Address

Sandwich

Telephone

+447723364042

Website

http://danfriend.co.uk/, https://cllrdanfriend.substack.com/, https://cllrdanfriend.start.page/

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