During school holidays, I like to visit and support many of the local organisations and clubs who put on activities for young people. On Wednesday I had the real pleasure of watching the Rising Aspirations Academy of Performing Arts performance of ‘Alice in Wonderland – The Pop Musical’ at the Wyvern Theatre.
This was a two-hour show performed by students aged between 4 and 18, following 12 weeks of extensive rehearsals. What an amazing opportunity for all the students to firstly enter via the stage doors and then perform live at the Wyvern Theatre itself - something they will never forget.
It was a real credit to Principal Laura and her team of Ellen, Shannon, Mayra, Bryony, Georgia and Rosie for organising such a professional quality performance, as well as co-ordinating so many students who were involved – heaven knows how they managed it!
I, and an audience packed full of very proud families were absolutely blown away by the quality of the performance – matching what you would expect in a traditional West End show!
It was great to see the Wyvern Theatre so busy, with both the daytime and evening performances – this is exactly why we need facilities like the Wyvern Theatre.
I’d also like to congratulate Draycott Sports Camp for celebrating their 10th anniversary. This incredibly popular camp offers a huge range of sports and other fun activities, with owner Mark even helping advise the Government on how to roll out the national Holiday Activities scheme. Well done, Mark!
Yesterday’s latest economic figures are a reminder while inflation has more than halved from 11 per cent to four per cent, wages are rising, mortgage rates are falling and taxes are being cut, we are not out of the woods yet and there is more to do.
High inflation is the single biggest barrier to growth which is why halving it has been our top priority. We must stick with our plan that’s easing the cost of living and providing more financial security for working people.
The economy is turning a corner, with forecasters agreeing growth will strengthen over the next few years. The IMF forecast we will grow faster than Japan, Germany, France and Italy on average over the next five years.
In the Autumn Statement we announced 110 growth measures to boost business investment by £20bn a year and this is filtering through.
Wages have been higher than inflation for six months in a row, employment remains at a near record high, and we are expecting interest rates to start falling as inflation reaches the target of 2% within 3 months.
This is why the economy is doing better than many predicted - a year ago forecasters were expecting the longest recession in 100 years. Thankfully they have been proved wrong again, but with the forthcoming Budget, we should stick to the plan – cutting taxes on work and businesses to strengthen our economy.
Finally, congratulations to Amy and Adam the owners of the popular ‘Love Brownies Swindon’ café in Faringdon Road, who have had a makeover and will now be known as the ‘Kitchen on the Corner’, which it literally is! They are an example of how excellent customer service and good quality products will attract a strong following – well worth a visit!
