Exciting news! On Monday 22nd June, I’ll be moving to a new branch office on Wood Street in Old Town!
The new address is:
Unit 1, The Arcade, 29c & First Floor Rear, 29b Wood Street, Swindon, SN1 4AN
As many readers will know, I have been sharing an office on Milton Road for the last five years with my friend and colleague Justin Tomlinson, Member of Parliament for North Swindon. Both Justin and I are deeply committed to providing a visible service within our local community and we both feel that a new branch office system is a new and innovative way forward.
We shall be keeping the 01793 533393 number with a call menu service to further improve the response to residents. Justin and I will still have regular contact so that we can continue to combine our efforts to deliver an excellent service to the residents of the town.
Speaking of Wood Street, I was delighted to see so many turn out to see the launch of the Old Town Festival on Saturday. After 14 years, support from the local community continues to grow. The festival is important for Old Town but also for Swindon, because you get such a range of musical and performing arts talent on display from right across the town. It was a real showcase.
I particularly enjoyed having a go on the 5-man bicycle, thanks to Apps Brokers who were runners up in the ‘Best Parade’ competition. I’d also like to say a huge well done to the Army Cadet Force Drums, who were crowned winners at The Lawn. It was great to see drama students from the local Commonweal School performing an unusual and highly entertaining street theatre – I didn’t expect to see Santa Clause in June!
Events like this require an awful lot of planning and hard work, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Josie Williams and her team for stepping up and organising such a special day. I enjoyed the festivities and the sunshine so much that I really didn’t want to leave!
Amidst the festivities on Saturday, I also decided that I will swap my suit for a pair of shorts and running shoes in October, for this year’s half marathon!
After all my walking during the election, I wanted to keep up the momentum so I’ve been running several times a week. The half-marathon is going to be a real challenge, but one that I’m eager to take on. I’ll be taking part alongside Cllr Claire Ellis (Old Town) and seasoned marathon runner Cllr Keith Williams (Shaw) to raise money for ‘CALM’ (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement) and ‘Hop Skip and Jump’ which offers respite care for children and young adults with disabilities and special educational needs.
I am proud to be raising money for two fantastic local charities which are committed to the care and support of children, young adults, and their families in Swindon.
The half-marathon is on the 11th October 2015, so keep your eyes peeled for your Member of Parliament on the day!
(This article was originally posted in the Swindon Advertiser on Wednesday 10th June 2015)