Reflections on public meeting tonight

About 200 people gathered at Hawkhurst Primary School this evening to question Graham Gibbens and Margaret Howard about the proposal. There were local residents, relatives of Bowles Lodge residents and day centre atendees, local business people and various parish and borough councillors.

I learnt nothing new apart from Margaret suggesting there was a significant supply of empty beds in independent homes (both not-for-profit and profit) across Kent. This is not backed up by home managers I have talked to! Also I learned that no new people can be taken at the day centre. I was shocked about this. I agree with not taking any new permanent residents in the home but day centre provision is different and can be provided on a temporary basis with less long lasting negative effects.

There was a lot of debate about alternative sites and availability or lack of money but less about people. When they were discussed the standard lines were trotted out.

Having put up "Bowles Lodge Stays!" posters and stories or residents on the walls I chose to stay quite and lingered outside in the cool evening air. Did a TV and radio interview and pondered how to win this thing. I believe it is possible and look forward to more media opportunities to get our message across.

We have a special meeting next week - more on this another time.

I had tea with mum at Bowles Lodge earlier. It took her about 10 minutes to dislodge a stubborn piece of bread off of her teeth - something I would do in a second. It revealed a huge amount about the challenges that mum grapples with every day. I love her deeply. Good night mum - sleep tight.