Well I return with a great interviewee this week, one who was mistaken for a popstar if you can believe it.

But we will get to that later.

This is Matthew Webster, 27 from our very own County Town of Kent, Maidstone!

So Matt is his name and Account Management is his game (Occupation for all those who are not up to date with their rhyming slangs).

As always, I like to find out what my interviewees like about Kent and this is what Matt had to say.

"I like the people, the places and the general atmosphere of Kent."

To expand on what Matt has said, he likes having a game of football with his mates, shortly followed by a cold pint or 10 down the Albion and the elegant banter with other fans about who is the greatest footballing side in England.  We both know it is Manchester United but he lets them stress their point on why the other teams are worthy of competing against United before casually turning to them and singing "He scores goals galore, he scores goals, he scores goals galore, he scores goals, he scores goals galore, he scores goals, Paul Scholes, he scores goals."

A fitting tribute to one of the greatest English Midfielders of modern day football and also a great way of sticking it to the other football fans.

Since the beginning of 2011, I have introduced a new question which is designed to find out what the people of Kent really know about their County and to see if they can inform others in Kent of interesting facts or pieces of information that are not well known.

"Kent is the most populous County in the UK." Matt said "Over 1.6 million people reside in Kent."

I found this to be a very interesting fact as I thought Greater London and the Northern Counties such as Lancashire had bigger populations so thanks Matt.

Matt's favourite eating spot is Buenos Aires in Maidstone which he describes as "The best steak in the county."

In his free time, Matt likes to compete in various sports such as Football, Squash and Tennis.  Equally, he does enjoy going to the Cinema, eating out at a range of eating spots and socialising with his friends.

So the part you have been waiting for, the mistaken identity of a popstar.  I let Matt fill in the rest.

"I was once spotted by a young woman who worked in the Bowling Alley in Maidstone who thought I was Danny from Mcfly.  I played along temporarily before confessing.  It was a long time ago."

Looking at the picture above, I think this woman was either crazy or blind because I see no resemblance.  Sorry Matt!

As always, it is important for me to find out my interviewees thoughts on how to improve the county.

"I think the county could have some bigger gigs / festivals.  We have the space for it and I think it could be a big money spinner for the county.  We have a picturesque county so we should utilise it.  I'd certainly go..."

Again this suggestion has come up and I think it is about time that we did start using the facilities available in Kent to cater to the entire population.  Often there are events held that are in the interest of a small majority of people which is a waste of public money and inconsiderate to the rest of the residents in Kent.

And now for my random question of the week: If you could travel to any planet in the Solar System, which one would it be and why?

"I think it would be Jupiter.  I liked the song by Train and it looks cool.  Mysterious."

A good choice!

So another Kentish resident has given me their views and opinions on our county and as always I would like to extend my thanks to Matt, my interviewee, for his time.

I will post again soon so who knows, it could be you next!

If you live in Kent, let's talk!

If you would like to appear on my blog, all I ask is that you live in Kent and that you are willing to talk to me for 10 - 15 minutes about yourself.

If you think you'd like to give it a try, drop me an email on millendauthor@gmail.com and we will see what we can do!

Read more: http://blogs.kentonline.co.uk/author/Dan+Millen.aspx#ixzz1SJYJTrvX

Such sad news about the death of Sir Henry Cooper, who was born in Kent and spent much of his latter years in the county. I met him less than 18 months ago and was struck by what good shape he appeared to be in. Like many people comfortably into his seventies, he had suffered the odd health problem but was in fine fettle, in marked contrast to his legendary foe, Muhammad Ali. His posture was superb for someone who had a slightly crouching style from which he unleashed 'Enry's 'ammer'. Even more remarkable since he had put his body through 80-odd amateur bouts before embarking on a professional career of 55. I was sat next to the great fighter at a dinner at the Ramada Hotel in Maidstone and was transfixed, not necessarily by the man himself, but by the fact that the left hand which now held a fork had felled the one and only Ali. In the reception beforehand I bumped into a former colleague of mine and knowing I would be introduced to the great man in a few minutes asked if he was 'Sir' Henry (wanting to avoid dropping a faux pas - not that the most modest of men would have been the slightest bit bothered). "Nah", came the reply "..think he's just an OBE". Then just as I marched up to the plain 'Henry' I saw that former colleague looking slightly panic-stricken, gesturing to me behind the former boxer's back (I think by tapping himself on both shoulders) that he was indeed a 'Sir'. And rightly so.

A three-day week might be great for some but it presents challenges for us journalists. News doesn't stop and we are still producing the same number papers and pages, web updates and radio bulletins as any 'normal' week. It's an incredible busy time with politics to the fore, a certain marriage, and the climax of the football season with Gillingham giving us fans the usual palpitations.

Gravesend has become an election battleground with Ed Miliband, Baroness Warsi and Ken Livingstone on the stump, as Labour bid to wrest control of Gravesham from the Tories. We're expecting a heavyweight visit today.

In Medway tonight we're gathering the three party group leaders on the council as well as a Green Party candidate to ask the simple question: Who should run Medway? Also joining them on the panel is Professor Tim Luckhurst of the Centre for Journalism at Kent University, which is hosting the hustings meeting. Chaired by our political editor Paul Francis, it takes place at the Pilkington Building at the University's Medway campus in Chatham.

While we'll be concentrating on local issues, the little matter of AV might come up. There's a view that there is widespread ignorance of the system and how it works. Our reporters are putting this to the test today in a major exercise to establish how Medway is likely to vote and do they understand what AV is about.

It's Olympic deadline day for ticket orders tonight and we're asking people have they applied and if so, what have you bid for. Have you taken a punt on being one of the lucky few to watch Usain Bolt defend his 100m title or have you chosen a less mainstream competition like synchronised swimming? It will be interesting to see if the folk of North Kent really take advantage of being on the doorstep of the 2012 games.

Like I said, there's a lot going on ...

I hear Jeremy Clarkson's had a bit of trouble with his garden fence; he should have creasoted it to be fair, then perhaps it wouldn't have fallen down so easily.  What a shame... poor Jeremy ¬_¬

A few weeks ago Mr 'Loophole' Nick Freeman, lawyer to the 'stars', opened a fab debate regarding raising the speed limit on the motorways.  I have a few choice words to say on this.  This man is nothing but a 4x4, A to B driving pen-pushing, armchair anarchist.  Mr Freeman needs to look up "Cery's Law" and read a little bit more into the carnage a particular footballer created after killing two little boys, leaving a family completely broken.

I've been reading about lorry drivers who have been killing cyclists 'because they didn't see them'.

I've collected frequent articles on dishonest driving instructors which really gets on my... big end.

I see Oxfordshire County Council have turned their speed cameras back on again after a rise in road deaths... (-silence- makes a change eh).

And I've been reading about head on collisions.

I hear Lewis Hamilton's brother Nicolas, made his debut motor-racing appearance at Brands Hatch this weekend to follow in his brother's footsteps and to prove again, disability does not have to hold you back from achieving anything.  Congratulations on 12th place in the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup, Team Nicolas.

I've YouTubed the first demo of the electric powered Rolls Royce.  Sorry guys, I know I'm a woman and I know you've spent a cartload of money on this thing but LMAO, ROFLMAO, LOL.  It'll go even more like the wind after the armour plated glass, doors and 'special' tyres are fitted.  Oh did I say wind, I meant a cool summer, net curtain breeze.  Nice try though but hey, what do I know; teach me.

In May, thanks to Kent RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), I'm going out on a Saturday 2-10pm shift with Kent Traffic Police with my eyes and ears open and my gob shut, to have a most privileged driving lesson (no pressure guys and gals, none at all - we've all read the same book...).

Anyway, yes, I'm afraid I'm backkkkk.  The above just scratches and sniffs the surface; I have lots of things to write about, so many in fact that it's going to be difficult to choose where to start.

Watch this space...

Gillingham fans will have more reason than normal to tune in for England’s European Championship qualifier against Wales on Saturday.

The call-up of former Gills youngster Matt Jarvis to Fabio Capello’s England team has been a hot topic this week, and with Gillingham’s game at Cheltenham taking place on Sunday, there could be a bumper audience from Kent watching the match.

Not only could there be a full international debut for Jarvis but another Gills product, Andrew Crofts, will also be involved after winning a regular place back in the Wales set-up.

Both players may have to settle for a place on the bench but an appearance from either will be warmly received in Kent.

And if the Gills did their haggling wisely when Jarvis departed for Wolves there could be some money in it as well. The fee wasn’t disclosed at the time, when Jarvis moved on, although speculation puts it at around £600,000 and the Gills did pocket some cash when Wolves were promoted to the Premier League.

Shortly before the Gills negotiated a settlement for Jarvis in the summer of 2007, chairman Paul Scally declared, "I believe he’ll play for England within the next three or four years."

His vision could be proved correct.

Jarvis at the time was heading for the Championship and soon made a name for himself with the club, helping them to achieve promotion to the top flight in 2009.

Gillingham fans will remember the many times Jarvis had them off their seat, while bombing down the left flank, sending numerous full-backs into meltdown.

There were times when the final ball or shot lacked quality but others when he raised the roof by finishing off a burst of speed with a goal. With quality coaching he has developed what was obvious raw quality into a polished Premier League performer.

I just can’t understand why he wasn’t called up sooner. England have been crying out for a decent left sided player - a proper winger - with natural pace for as long as I can remember.

Jarvis quickly established himself in the Premier League and there is no reason why he can’t do the same at international level. Let’s hope that is the case.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler recently said their current academy player Ashley Miller is showing more promise than Jarvis did in his youth so at least it looks as though the production line at Priestfield is still fit and well.

You wait 14 years for a professional boxing show in Medway and then two come along in the space of a couple of months. Well, that's the plan anyway after a successful Battle of Medway promotion featuring our very own heavyweight hope Tom Dallas at Medway Park. There are plans for another event at the same venue in May. I reckon the 1,200 estimated crowd was perhaps exaggerated - it certainly didn't seem that - although it was hard to tell given that the audience was often split between those in the auditorium and those in the makeshift bar beyond a partition in the caverous sports hall. It's a pity that the lighting wasn't concentrated on the ring itself, leading to a certain lack of atmosphere and feeling that there could have been a badminton game going on in the corner while two guys slugged it out yards away. But let's not be churlish, this was by and large a successful event, which culminating in the fairly routine destruction of Hungarian punchbag Gabor Farkas, a game opponent, who took some serious punishment and certainly earned whatever the promoters had offered to lure him over. A familiar face at ringside was Frank Maloney, former manager of Lennox Lewis, who has an interest in Dallas. He told me the May bout could attract Sky coverage, although there maybe some logistical issues to surmount with the venue. Frank wasn't the only familiar face. Referee Ian John Lewis, whose day job is as a custody officer at Medway police station, oversaw a few fights - quite a contrast to taking charge of a world heavyweight title fight recently. Also there was Ronnie Davies, Chris Eubank's long-suffering trainer, bringing a bit of boxing gravitas to the proceedings.

MONDAY night was a first for us at the KM Group as we decided to try out a live question and answer session on the internet with Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler.
I know we have been running regular Monday afternoon sessions with myself and Gillingham fans, but on Monday we set a new first, by giving people the chance to ask Hessenthaler questions directly over the internet.
We have been experimenting for some time with the different opportunities that the internet and social media has given us and it’s great to see a large section of Gillingham fans getting on board.
I’ve sat in the Great Hall at Priestfield several times where fans get the chance to grill the club’s hierarchy and it has always proved a popular draw.
So why not try the idea out on the internet?
It didn’t take much persuading for Andy Hessenthaler to agree to take part, even if it meant he had to give up an evening of his own time to join us at our office in Strood.
He seemed more than happy to liaise with supporters and didn’t seem to mind that nobody bothered offering him a drink! All he got was a couple of tic-tacs, but it didn’t seem to hinder the night.
While Hess asked assistant Ian Hendon to cover his scouting duties he came to face a huge number of questions from Gills fans on the internet. Almost 250 came in by the end of the evening.
All credit to Andy for taking any questions thrown at him. His responses were revealing, honest and insightful. It’s just a shame we only had an hour as by the amount of interest and questions coming our way we could have been there all night!
For us it was also a good opportunity to listen to Andy’s thought on a wide variety of subjects, something we don’t often get chance to explore.
If you’ve seen the Q&A session feel free to send any comments, good or bad. The more feedback the better.

On another matter, we’ve got a new columnist appearing this week in the Medway Messenger newspaper.
Mark Bentley’s decision to join Cambridge United on loan meant we had to bring someone in on loan ourselves to replace Benno’s Beat.
Taking over the role is Nicky Southall and his debut column, “Trigger’s Tales” (that was his choice) will be with us shortly!

Gillingham fans are growing used to the sight of players in their latter years excelling at Priestfield.

Nobody will be able to touch current boss Andy Hessenthaler for stature around these parts, and he has only recently hung his boots up, but the man currently impressing significantly is central defender Matt Lawrence.

With the Gills struggling for defensive cover at the start of the season, Hessenthaler plumped for a player with vast experience, and one who had just helped Crystal Palace survive for another season in the Championship.

Lawrence joined up with the Gills for their trip to Hereford and after briefly assisting with the right-back duties he’s now settled in nicely to the centre of defence.

At the end of February in Shrewsbury Lawrence made his 600th appearance and it was another typical no-nonsense show from the centre back.

He’s been putting in man-of-the-match performance on a regular basis now and at 36 there seems to be plenty of life in those legs just yet.

Apparently he has an extra day off training to keep in prime condition and he’ll have no better person to show him the way to go than Hessenthaler.

Hess was still tearing around for the Gills after turning 40 and surely Lawrence has done enough now to earn himself an extended stay at Priestfield. Those watching Dover even saw a 40+ Hessenthaler in action.

Lawrence is apparently on an apperance based contract, meaning a second season should automatically kick in at some point, having already played over 30 times this season. I’m sure few people will be grumbling at seeing Lawrence with the Gills for another year.

Now he is forming a formidable partnership with Garry Richards where does that leave the likes of Simon King, Josh Gowling and Tony Sinclair?

There is a rich depth of quality in the Gills back line, something that hasn’t always been the case, but who to choose?

Lawrence and Richards are coming along nicely as a partnership and both Gowling and Sinclair are going to struggle to get a look-in at the moment. King, meanwhile, is just returning from a hamstring injury and even he won’t be able to just walk back into the team.

If all five of those defenders are fit and ready should you be looking at past performances or current form? Pity the likes of youngsters Callum Davies and Connor Essam who are trying to forge their way into the first team.

At least they have a quality role-model in Lawrence.

It takes something at Lawrence’s age to still be keeping up in the modern game and he could be well on the way to 700 appearances by the time he hangs up his boots.

When he first signed for the Gills he insisted: "I’m not going to say I’ll play until I’m 40 but I have another couple of years left in me."

He may not have King’s looks, Gowling’s cool or Richards’ physique but Lawrence has so much more in his head that he could keep any of them out of the team when playing to his full potential, even in his latter years.

In this form Lawrence is certainly showing the age is not the be all and end all and that he’s more than capable of battling it out with the best at this level.

I read comments this week from fans suggesting he could challenge for the player-of-the-year crown. It will take some doing if McDonald can start finding the net again soon, but defending is as important as scoring, and he’s proved to be a key man for the Gills this season.

Football is a game of opinions but it seems that one man’s decision has proved costly for Gillingham.

In January 2005 Andrew Crofts celebrated sealing a new three and a half year deal by scoring the winner against Plymouth in the Championship.

Four years later and the midfielder was playing Conference football for Wrexham after then manager Mark Stimson decided he wasn’t the man for him.

A player who was at one time rated to be the next big thing, and seemingly due to follow Matt Jarvis up the football pyramid, was ousted from the club never to kick a ball again for the team who he grew up with.

It hasn’t taken Crofts long to prove what a mistake that was - and what a costly one it has become for the Gills.

Crofts was born and raised in the Medway Towns and as a schoolboy played for Chelsea before settling into Gillingham’s academy.

At 16 he made his Gills debut and quickly started to become a much-loved figure in the squad.

Stan Ternent’s decision to hand him a contract extension in 2005 came on the back of some great performances. It was also security for the club, as they knew some big teams were starting to take interest in the youngster.

Ronnie Jepson, the man to step into the manager’s hot-seat following Neale Cooper’s brief and unsuccessful reign, was a big fan of Crofts and installed him as captain.

The arrival of Stimson in November 2007 was the beginning of the end for Crofts and Gillingham.

It is true that the player’s form dipped as the Gills sank into League 2, but Stimson’;s decision to strip him of the captaincy while the player was away on international duty with Wales in October 2008, was the final nail in Crofts’ Gillingham coffin.

Stimson’s comment that Crofts “was not too happy” was clearly an understatement.

Jepson had once labelled Crofts as “Mr Gillingham” but the player’s dedication to the cause was being questioned and that must have hurt a player who since his boyhood had given his all for the club.

Crofts was transfer listed and sent out on loan to Peterborough. He returned briefly before linking up with Wales assistant manager Dean Saunders at non-league Wrexham.

It was the start of the comeback for Crofts.

In the summer he was snapped up by League 1 Brighton, then managed by Russell Slade. Crofts became a regular in the side and when Gus Poyet was appointed manager he made him a key member of the side, eventually making him captain.

In May last year he moved to Norwich for a reputed £300,000 and on Saturday proved what a class act he is.

He scored both Norwich goals in the win against Barnsley, with the second a superb volley from the edge of the area, and is earning rave reviews once more at Championship level. A chance in the Premiership one day, with Norwich or someone else, surely isn’t out of the question.

I wonder what Crofts is worth now. A million pounds?

So what would Mr Stimson be making of it all? Perhaps he made up for it in the money made on Simeon Jackson - ironically now Crofts’ team mate at Norwich. You win some, you lose some.

On this occasion it’s been  a massive loss for Gillingham.

*What have you made of Crofts' return to glory? Add your comment below.

So the old magician, Alan Jarrett, did wield his wand, and produce a couple of big rabbits from his hat at last week's budget meeting.

But don't be deceived.

The offer of a Freedom Pass for children to use on local buses may not be as good an offer as some would hope.

The county set have been eagerly lowering their sights to allow their children to discover what life is like without a car.

They've forked out £50 a year to then get unlimited travel on buses before 9am - and then right through the day and the weekend.

Not that there will be that many buses operating after April if KCC are chopping away at the many services it supports as I hear they are.

Medway is throwing £250,000 into a pot to provide "easy and affordable" travel on Medway's buses.

A check with the council this morning revealed that they are not sure how the scheme will operate - or whether there will be charges for the pass or the journeys.

If it is free, if the services are maintained (and that is a big imponderable), then it could help not just the scholars to get about, but also give a greater assurance to the bus operators - which would be a carrot to increased services.

The big problem for many youngsters, however, is that there are virtually no evening buses after 6pm on the peninsula (where the transport portfolio holder, Phil Filmer, is a local councillor). In the more densely populated areas of Medway there are scarcely that many more buses running.

The community needs more public transport: buses that it can rely on, at prices that are reasonable, that are quick and priced at sensible (not hyper-inflated) fares.

It may be a commercial operation, but it is still a public service that needs public support.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to learn the council is going to fund free swimming for kids and codgers once again. Not that I got my toes wet when the previous scheme was operating, but maybe I shall this time around.

***

Spare a thought for the many friends of Bob Wade, whose funeral takes place today.

The union rep was a Green Ambassador of the highest order, and the moves to commemorate him around North Kent with trees, vines and signs highlighting his work have been staggering.

They'll see him off in the way he wanted: all dressed in rugby shirts... and enjoying a last pint on him into the process.

***

Eric Pickles, the local government minister, really should wake up to the real world.

While he is eagerly expecting bloggers, tweeters and video camera crews to attend council meetings and encourage openness, he should visit Allhallows Parish Council.

It formally banned all recordings of discussions except those by its clerk.

Mind, I would have loved to have seen how the cameras would have recorded the screaming, the shouting and the stupidity that peppered the meeting.

There were some performances that would have earned Oscars if they had been on film!

Openness is not the name of the game in that area of the borough.

Roll on their next meeting.