Our Man in Westminster

One of the most difficult feats in the modern world is to keep a small charity running successfully. There are so many demands on people’s money that fundraising is always a challenge, and the big national charities are now so professional that their smaller counterparts are in permanent danger of being squeezed out.

This is why we should all salute Ashford’s own Find a Voice, which helps those with severe communication difficulties, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

I should declare an interest as I have been an active supporter of the charity since my early days as Ashford’s MP but others deserve all the credit for this great local achievement.

I can almost never remember a time when Find a Voice was not facing financial difficulties, but every time a real crisis has loomed it has found a way through.

Even more importantly, it has never wavered from its commitment to those who lack the ability to communicate.

Modern technology has made this possible, and the Find a Voice model of testing what works for each individual has proved the right one.

Over the years, the early concentration on young people has been altered so that older people, such as stroke victims, are also helped by Find a Voice.

Some of those helped by the charity came to the 20th anniversary lunch at the London Beach Hotel in Tenterden, and enjoyed the celebrations.

Operating from Beaver Lane, as it has done for many years, Find a Voice is a model of how a few determined and persistent people can make a difference to many lives over a long period of time.

I have always been proud that Ashford founded such an institution, and we should wish it well for the next 20 years.