Out and About

MY travels last week took me to Buckfastleigh to meet the local food bank — a highly successful project and part of the Christian Trussell Trust charity.

I also dropped in to learn more about three exciting businesses; AGB Services in Okehampton where owner Alan Andrew has created an innovative new product to assist disabled workers; National Bee Supplies which provides high quality hives and beekeeping products and Bowdens Nursery at Sticklepath who specialise in growing Hostas and ferns — for which they have received Seven Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show.

On the flower theme I visited the studios of Bovey Tracey botanical artist Rosie Sanders.  Rosie has won five Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medals — she is a rare talent.

I also met with members of the Central Devon Business Club. I set up this group to help me stay in touch with constituency-based businesses. It was good to gain the positive feedback that the economy now seems to be improving. I visit more than a hundred businesses and voluntary organisations a year and if you have any suggestions for visits please let me know.

I also met with the headteachers of South Dartmoor College and Buckfastleigh Primary to catch up on educational issues.

I spent time with farmers in South Zeal and discussed the new EU CAP arrangements and Bovine TB.

I took questions at a 'Meet your MP' gathering near Coldridge attended by over a hundred people. I also attended the Sandford charity sale in support of Hospiscare a charity that provides remarkable support for those at the end of their lives.

I also held four surgeries (Crediton, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Thorverton and Ashburton) to assist constituents with a wide variety of issues.