On Saturday I had popped into the Sandgate Arts and Crafts Fair which is held monthly in The Chichester Hall, Sandgate. It is a new market so I wanted to have a little nose around to see what was there and I was very pleasantly surprised.

There were many lovely items on display: beautiful handmade earings, bracelets and other jewelry, paintings by local people, patchwork goodies and many other exicting things. I wanted to buy most of the items on display but finally settled on a beautiful patchwork table runner - and I have plans to use it as a wall hanging because it was such lovely cheerful colours. I will certainly have to go back next time to buy something else and my guess is that this event will now be a regular part of my Saturday morning from here on. For more information or to book a space to sell your work on one or more of the above dates please contact mirandabest@talktalk.net

When I came out of the Arts & Craft Fair I wondered across the road to see what all the fuss was about - I could see lots of people going into the new bicycle shop The Hub.

I had popped into The Hub a week or so ago - the shop is full of stunning bicycles and I couldn’t resist a look. This business is owned and run by Sara and Simon Barnes The Hub, a triple fronted shop, has a huge range of cycles and specialises in makes such as: Marin, Electra, MirraCo, Sunday - and also has a range of Cycling clothing and helmets too. The white bike in the window is very beautiful and reminds me of days long gone - it is based on an original design but made with new materials and given a contemporary treatment - just beautiful! If you already have a bike - The Hub can also offer a full service and repairs when needed. Oh…I forgot to mention…the reason I popped over on Saturday was because lots of people were going into The Hub…so I wondered over and popped my head in and found a lovely contemporary coffee shop where we bought two coffees and home made cake. What a delight that place is!! - a lovely big space, furnished in contemporary style - just the right place to sit down to read the papers (which are also on hand) whilst considering which bike you would like to buy. A brilliant idea and a welcome addition to Sandgates High Street.

If you want to find out more contact The Hub by email at: thehubcycleshop@hotmail.co.uk or tel: 01303 210311. A new website will be up and running soon at: www.thehubcycleshop.com The Hub can be found at: 61-63 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3AH

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If determination and passion guaranteed success then I have no doubt that The Sandgate Trading Co will be a resounding retail triumph. Its proprietor, Nikki Wilson, has been planning the venture since she and her husband Paul returned to Sandgate two years ago and she has found inspiration in the seaside village they love.

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Conservative Damian Collins won through early this morning with a good majority which means that he succeeds Michael Howard as Folkestone and Hythes MP.

The count starting last night at just after 10am in the Leas Cliff Hall - and at around 2.30am this morning an annoucement was made to say that Damian Collins had won with a 10,122 majority - with nearest other result being for Lib Dems.

• Cons 26,109
• Lib Dem 15,987
• Labour 5,719

Conservative supporters cheered and applauded when the annoucement was made - and Damian Collins thanked the election staff for their hard work and his supporters and said he would get to work straight away by running his first surgery on Saturday.

“It’s a fantastic honour to be elected as the new Member of Parliament.

“I will give it all my energy and passion to be a new champion in Parliament for everyone in the constituency, whether they voted for me or not.

“Tonight is a night for celebration and rest after a hard campaign. But at the weekend the work starts again – I’ll be holding my first surgeries on Saturday and intend to get down to work as the new MP straight away. If anybody wants to join me in Brookland at 8.45 on Saturday morning they’d be more than welcome.

“I look forward to starting work on the change we need in our community and in our country at Westminster.”

Just over an hour later came the result that Charlie Elphick Conservatives had taken Dover, previously a Labour seat. This result was also cheered loudly by Folkestone & Hythe Conservative supporters as they had also supported Charlies election efforts.

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Come along to the new Sandgate Art and Crafts Fair - starting Saturday 8th May from 10.00am until 4.00pm at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate. Refreshments available.

Fair dates:

Saturday 8th May

Saturday 12th June

Saturday 10th July

Saturday 14th August

Saturday 11th September

Saturday 11th December

For more information or to book a space to sell your work on one or more of the above dates please contact mirandabest@talktalk.net

FREE PARKING is available for all visitors and stallholders at the SAGA premises in Sandgate