After a very busy couple of weeks since the election, I can’t believe how quickly time has passed! I’m absolutely delighted to continue supporting our local community, and I’ve already been involved in different events and local organisations across South Swindon.
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than to enjoy a cold beer in the sunshine, which is exactly what was on offer at the third annual Old Town Beer Festival last weekend. After opening the event, which was provided with delicious food courtesy of Wilson’s Butchers and Biplob restaurant, I was able to tuck in to a few samples of West Country beers and ciders. My favourite was a pint of Dark Age beer brewed in my homeland by Caerphilly’s ‘The Celt Experience’ which I shall be ordering more of very soon!
It was great to have some downtime after the election, and I would like to say a huge thank you to Gareth Hutchinson and the team for organising such a wonderful event for the local community with proceeds from ticket sales support the church.
I have also been to visit members of our Nepali community at Buckhurst Park Community Centre to talk about the devastating earthquakes in Nepal. It is always an immense pleasure to meet with such a wonderful community, and I have promised to do all that I can as MP to support families that have been touched by these disasters.
On Friday 29th May, Buckhurst Centre are hosting a dinner to support victims of the recent earthquakes. Tickets cost just £10, and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend so that our local community can help make a difference to those affected. Please email my friend David Bell at david.m.bell@btinternet.com to arrange tickets.
Last Friday I hosted my first Advice Surgery in the Brunel Centre in town. It was great to see some familiar faces, as well as some new ones, and to receive so many congratulations after the election. I look forward to continuing to host surgeries on a regular basis, so please contact me if you would like to know when the next one will be.
On Sunday morning I thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis and bowls at the annual Sport Open Day in Hoopersfield, Wanborough – although I was a bit rusty! As a big sports fan myself, I was thrilled to be involved and see so many people getting stuck in to lots of different activities and taster sessions.
To round off an action-packed weekend, I got my hands dirty helping a team of litter pickers in Old Town as part of a project called ‘Let’s Look After Old Town’, organised by the Pipers Residents Association. We had a great turnout, which meant that we were able to litter pick the Winfred Street area and squeeze in some digging to tidy borders up in the Berenger area as well! To the Pipers Residents and those who helped, my thanks.
This week, I will be sworn in for my second term as South Swindon’s MP. I’m a huge believer in the traditions of Parliament, and I am incredibly proud to be involved in such an important ceremony. It is an honour to represent the residents of Swindon, and cannot wait get involved with more events and organisations across the town in the coming weeks.