The Surrey Comet

The local newspaper, Surrey Comet, is currently celebrating it's 150th year. I have had quite a history with the paper.

I can clearly remember it when the offices were in Church Street, Kingston. You could see the presses from the window although I am sure they never actually worked. Somewhere in the Surrey Comet archives must still be pictures of me from around the late 70's or early 80's when I was Oliver at Wimbledon Theatre with what was known as the New Malden Operatic Society (NEMCOM). No idea whether they are still around. They were fun days with some fun people and really started off my fascination with music and theatre.

Never knew where the nickname came from but the Comet became colloquially known as the "Vomet" but where or who started that I have no idea.

As papers go it has changed a fair bit but still has that local edge. In fact there has been some good stuff I have helped with over the last couple of weeks. Helping bring the issue of affordable housing to the fore when approached by some nurses at Kingston hospital was one. Another has been the issue over the actions of our militaristic parking wardens, good to see others have picked up the fight as well. I was told by the Councillor responsible that there was nothing wrong; well that's not the perception!

Another busy day ended with a reception and a dinner for some Council visitors from Oldenburg, Germany. Links have been forged with them over a number of years and it would be good to see it move beyond the rather informal position we have now.

Busy day tomorrow with delivering in the morning.