Out and about

Since the recess began, along with handling constituency correspondence and casework, here are some of the things I have done locally:

Constituent surgeries held in Crediton, Tedburn St Mary, Chudleigh and Buckfastleigh. Spoke and presented awards at the Rotary Young Leaders' event in Okehampton — a group of very inspiring young people. Like most youngsters, when given the chance to excel they take it.

Met with National Apprenticeship Service and NFU to discuss plans to promote the take up of apprenticeships amongst our farmers and so encourage more young people into farming.

I met with Action on Hearing Loss in Bovey Tracey to discuss the issues of funding for lip reading courses, the better promotion of the understanding of hearing loss within the NHS and the better provision of subtitles on television.

I also caught up with the Chairman of Torbay Hospital. I spent time with the Chief Executive and the Chairman of Dartmoor National Park. We discussed budget issues, various matters that relate to the part of the park that is within my constituency and visited an area near Poundsgate where parking and littering has been a particular challenge.

I popped in to spend time with a park home site owner and residents in Liverton to discuss park home site reforms.

I also attended a viewing of the Dartmoor Artists' exhibition in Ashburton – another stunning show.

I spoke at two evening events organised by local branches of the Central Devon Conservative Association in Bovey Tracey and Colebrooke. I had a very uplifting time visiting the newly opened Ilsington Community Shop.

I visited an arts and craft fundraiser in Stoke Cannon Church and took the opportunity to climb the tower to inspect the new bells.

There is plenty more to come before I return to Westminster. Details to follow.