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Regular visitors to My Mablethorpe will be aware that we caused quite a stir last year when Mr Rudd became out first follower on Twitter. Christian Kerr of the Australian writes:

 

Mr Rudd's sudden interest in Mablethorpe became big news in Lincolnshire and Humberside. Even national newspapers such as The Times followed the story.

Helen Parkhurst, the enterprising Mayor of Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton-on-Sea, decided the council should get involved.

Mablethorpe last had a big-name visitor when the not-yet-ennobled poet Alfred Tennyson holidayed at Marine Villa in the town's high street in 1843. She hoped the Australian Prime Minister could be the next drawcard, and so the council extended an invitation to Mr Rudd.

Some locals suggested the Prime Minister might like to mark Australia Day in Mablethorpe, although the councillors realised he might well be otherwise engaged. So because Australians love the beach - and pollies from all countries are keen to head to warmer climes in winter - the council invited him to switch on their summer illuminations this July.

A response from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has finally arrived. Mr Rudd has declined, but he hasn't specifically said no to the Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council's clever Plan B. Ms Parkhurst suggested Mr Rudd could preside over the switching-on via weblink. The Mayor, like the Prime Minister, is well-versed in political subtleties. "Reading the letter, it has not been entirely ruled out," she told The Australian yesterday.

Whatever eventuates, Ms Parkhurst is keen for Mablethorpe to build on its new links. The town is famed for its Bathing Beauties Festival, Britain's only festival devoted to beach huts. "If any town has an interest in beach huts . . ." she begins. She must surely find some takers along Port Phillip Bay.

The full article can be read in The Australian HERE

Should Mr Rudd be unable to come in person he says he is looking forward to reading about a 'truly delightful festival' on our Twitter page (www.twitter.com/mymablethorpe). I'm sure the people of Mablethorpe will provide My Mablethorpe with plenty to Twitter about to entertain Mr Rudd if he is not able to come in person!

Next week's Leader may have further news on this story.  Meanwhile, if you missed any of last summer's Kevin Rudd / My Mablethorpe story you can catch up HERE.  See also Kevin Rudd Officially Invited to Mablethorpe