The Best Staff in Local Government

I paid a visit to the Kent County Show at Detling both on Friday afternoon and this morning. There's something reassuring about the annual show, with prize-winning livestock sitting cheek-by-jowl with hot tub jacuzzis, traditional country crafts alongside the latest biofuel cars.

Kent County Council had its usual two long marquees, with every service represented, and a huge number of dedicated KCC staff on hand to advise and assist, always smiling, always enthusiastic. The difference for me this year was that almost every stand was interactive - from the Thanet Skills Studio demonstrating the workings of car engines and braking systems, through downhill slalom on a Nintendo Wii and the Kent Youth rock climbing wall, to the "interactive floor" which had children of all ages stamping on cars, leaves and clouds (you had to be there to get it!) and the chance to read the news by autocue with the Gravesham Youth Project's portable TV studio. Everything was hands on, everything was fun - and not at all how you'd expect a County Council to be!

I was very proud - and not at all surprised - that once again Kent County Council won First Prize as the best 'stand'. It wasn't just the graphics, the giveaways, or the equipment - none of it would have been possible without the best staff in local government.