The European Court of Human Rights last week ruled against a claim by an Austrian same-sex couple that the authorities' refusal to allow them to marry was a breach of their rights to marry, to a family life and to non-discrimination, all of which are protected by the European human rights convention. But it did so only narrowly, signalling a prospect of a more liberal interpretation in future.
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed a review into search and rescue helicopter cover launched by the new coalition government. The government has suspended plans, announced in February, to privatise the service which would have reduced the amount of cover available in the Lake District at night.
I was delighted to be asked to accompany Alan Risley-Settle to the meal where the handing over of the Presidency is announced. The speeches affirmed my opinion of the good work that the Rotary Club undertakes.
KPMG, the government appointed auditors of Wiltshire Council, have issued a damning interim report for 2009/10. In it they clearly state that overall the Council has not been fully effective. They particularly highlight significant weaknesses in the Information Technology (IT) control environment plus concern about PFI schemes.
Following the sad death of Mike Nevins there are two by-elections on Thursday 15 July. One for the county seat of Normandy & Pirbright and the other for the borough seat of Pirbright.
Town Sunday is a tradition where the Mayor formally accepts the office of Mayor and promises to work for the people of Folkestone. Gathering around the cross in the grounds of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church is the beginning of the formalities. In times past, this was the moment that the new Mayor was chosen and if he refused to accept the honour, his house would be burned down. I willingly agreed to be Mayor!