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Thank you, Peter, for that lovely comment above. Indeed, when we first began The Dover War Memorial Project on Remembrance Day 2005, the concept was that it would be a community thing, involving as many people as possible. I'm very pleased to say that we now have supporters and helpers, all volunteers, in Dover and across the globe - the Big Society probably doesn't get much bigger than that!
We've made so many friends, and an interesting side effect I've found from all our voluntary work with the DWMP is - and contrary to perhaps a philosophy of a modern world, where in our culture there are strong elements and aspirations of instant fame and riches by use of the media, and calculatory discussions (for example, rights, legal interchanges, etc) - that a real fulfilment and joy comes from not taking but giving.
That fulfilment, and indeed a sense of community pride and place and worth hasn't just touched Simon and me, but many others too, including those with whom we work. (I shall never forget, as just one example, the brilliant performance by St Martin's on last year's 90th anniversary of the homecoming of the Unknown Warrior, and the confidence of the young people taking part, who had learnt so much about their school and our local heritage - nor the absolute pleasure in being with them at Westminster Abbey.)
Thank you too, Peter and Kathryn, for being the hosts (and so accommodating) at the CAMRA presentation last week. We had a great evening (and oh, the lovely food!)
