2023 is coming to a close – another year gone by in a flash. As we head into the new year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by.
As many will know, I am a passionate champion of independent businesses – particularly in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector. Throughout the year I have visited and supported many of Swindon’s amazing small independent businesses, such as Burt’s Books, Cabin and Cowshed, Highworth Emporium, Gurt Wings, Sugar Shack, and Café Vialottie. Earlier this year I lobbied the Chancellor to maintain business rate relief at 75%, and I was delighted that he did so. Many independent businesses have found the business rate relief a vital lifeline as they navigate the current economic challenges they face. I will continue to showcase small businesses and highlight the character and colour they bring to our communities.
I also had the opportunity to meet with a number of local sport groups, including Swindon Harriers Athletic Club, Evoke Gymnastics, and the Swindon Town Football Club Community Foundation. I was extremely proud to welcome STFC Community Foundation to Parliament and present them with the EFL’s Community Club of the Season Award for League 2 in recognition of the brilliant work it does with people of all ages and abilities. I was also fortunate to have a tour of the group’s impressive new facilities, which I was pleased to be able to help them secure. On my regular visits to Draycott’s Sports Camp I even had chance to meet Charlie Austin!
In Swindon we have a number of fantastic community groups and charity organisations, whose volunteers do incredible work to support people across Swindon. It was a pleasure to catch up with many organisations throughout the year, including Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, Swindon and Cricklade Railway, The Open Door Centre, and all the groups at the Highworth Volunteer Expo.
I attended many community events, such as the Blunsdon Community Shop Macmillan Coffee Morning, Swindon Beer Festival and the Ridge Coffee Club. These events showcase our fantastic community volunteers, often raising money for local and national charities.
My Community Office was busy as ever, with a number of different groups using it for a wide range of activities – such as knitting and crochet with The Big Knit, first aid training with IPSUM, and Mental Health First Aid Training with Headstart Skillz. It was very lively over the summer with a number of young people taking part in my Summer Work Experience Program and learning more about life in an MP’s office.
I also enjoyed delivering lots of my Primary School assemblies this year, where the students recreate Parliament and pass their own School Bill for more school sport! Visits to Secondary Schools such as Warneford, Great Western Academy & Kingsdown were also very enjoyable with an opportunity to speak to both staff and students.
In Parliament I had the opportunity to highlight and speak on a number of topics – including: promoting a fit and healthy childhood, children’s literature and access to books, and support for people with disabilities. I also attended events hosted by a number of charities and organisations as part of their wider Parliamentary work.
Looking back at all the people I met last year and the events I attended, reminds me of what a fantastic place Swindon is and how proud I am to represent it as an MP. May I wish all readers a very happy New Year!
