This week was the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, following the Lib Dem conference last week and ahead of Labour’s conference next week.
Party conferences are an opportunity for ministers / shadow ministers to set out their plans and policies for the country. They are also a time for members to engage with policy makers and have their input – whilst also enjoying the social side of the conference.
While I would normally attend the Party Conference, a packed diary of local visits kept me busy this week. However, I thought the Prime Minister gave a powerful and passionate speech, expressing why we remain the best party to govern. This was best summed up in the media, “his speech bristled with traditional Tory values: strong defence, sound money, family enterprise, hard work, and the vital importance of a good education for all, to secure an opportunity without which there can be no social justice.”
I have written previously about my passion for sport and how much I enjoy meeting the amazing clubs and organisations we have in Swindon. I was therefore delighted to visit Swindon Harriers Athletic Club to learn more about the work it does and meet some of the brilliant volunteers who run the club.
Swindon Harriers have an incredible 500 members, and an impressive range of track and field events suitable for all ages and abilities. The club provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to try out the various different sports before potentially specialising in one.
It was a pleasure to meet the team, and I am very much looking forward to supporting the club develop as they look to upgrade the floodlights and improve overall facilities.
We have some fantastic independent businesses in Swindon that are more than worthy of our support. Two such businesses are Café Vialottie in Redhouse, and the Blunsdon Community Shop. I was delighted to visit them as they took part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Small businesses are so important for the local community, providing character and a much more personal touch.
I would really encourage people to use local independent business, because the conclusion is always the same – use them or lose them.
A huge congratulations to Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom who have secured gold at the Royal Horticultural Society Britain (RHS) In Bloom awards! The award is the highest accolade in the RHS and is testament to the fantastic work of TGV in Bloom and its brilliant team of volunteers. I was present when the judges visited TGV to inspect the work done by TGV in Bloom – I remember at the time how impressed they were, so we are all thrilled this led to the gold award. The local community have really benefitted from their tireless work.
Finally, I want to say thank you to the Year 11 Citizenship students at Highworth Warneford, who I enjoyed meeting earlier this week. I visited their class to discuss my experience as an MP, as well as taking part in a Q&A. It is always fantastic to see young people engage with politics and I was very impressed by their enthusiasm.
