Many readers will know of Cliff Puffett as the former Swindon Town chairman, but he is also a committed supporter of a number of local charities and organisations including the Open Door Centre and Horizons College.
Having supported Cliff’s work in the past, I was thrilled when he contacted me with an idea to organise a disability showcase event in June.
Horizons College, which is part of the Uplands Educational Trust, provides young people with learning disabilities or complex needs the chance to take up educational, leisure and work opportunities.
The college provides opportunities for young people, providing them with the chance to increase their independence, reach their potential and make a real contribution to their community.
The event in June is going to be called Can Cook, Will Cook and will involve students from the college showcasing their skills and talents to the Swindon business and hospitality community.
We will show local employers just how beneficial it can be if they choose to hire somebody with a disability, and how the Government can help fund any sort of adaptations that may be required to the workplace. Crucially, we want people to focus on their ability, not their disability.
We will be joined by the inspiring Fred Finch, or as he prefers to be known, the Shaky Chef – who has a popular You Tube channel and cook book.
The event has also received the support of celebrity chef Marco Pierre White and Bardolino’s in Old Town, where last week we had a fundraising evening to raise money for the event.
If there are any employers from the business community and hospitality sector who are keen to come along to the event, please do let me know and I’d be delighted to send you the details – justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
Elsewhere, the Prime Minister has unveiled plans for the UK to launch its own satellite navigation system, ensuring the UK remains a world-leader in the technologies that keep our country secure.
This involves tasking engineering and aerospace experts in the UK to develop options for a British Global Navigation Satellite System that would power satnavs.
The UK is a world-leader in developing satellite technology and North Swindon is at the heart of this as we are home to the UK Space Agency.
Britain builds 40% of the world’s small satellites and one in four telecommunications satellites.
Finally, a big well done to Swindon Supermarine for making it through to the play off-finals of the Evo Stick League South-West Division after a thrilling 5-4 victory on penalties over Evesham United – certainly fine margins!
It will be a long journey down to Wimborne Town on Monday for the final but fingers crossed that the lads can secure a much-deserved promotion.
