by Mel Stride, Conservative MP for Central Devon

Busy LAST week I was busy right across my vast constituency. I held three MP surgeries to assist constituents. I met with a member of Cheriton Bishop Parish Council to discuss local concerns. In Chagford I met the Chagford Community Trust that aims to ensure that local housing development is affordable and for locals. I had an excellent visit to the Moor Merriment event in Lustleigh, a wonderful celebration of the rich heritage of Dartmoor music and dance. My thanks to Alexa Mason who was instrumental in organising it and for showing me around. Whilst in Lustleigh I took the opportunity to visit the stone-quiet village church — with some parts dating back to the 13th Century. I spent a very enjoyable evening in Bovey Tracey speaking and participating in a 'Meet your MP' Q&A. The following evening I addressed a dinner in Plymouth in support of my friend, Oliver Colvile MP. I visited Mary Quicke of Quickes' cheeses just outside Crediton. Mary had not changed a bit in the several years between visits — forthright and determined she put me right on cheese and a good few government policies as well! In North Tawton I toured the local medical centre and then met with a number of local stakeholders to see how I could help their aspiration for a new centre as part of a housing development planned for the town. I also re-visited the Valiant Soldier in Buckfastleigh — an evocative pub that closed its doors for the last time in the 1960s and is preserved just as it was then. Of particular interest this visit was the accompanying World War One exhibition. I also dropped by to support Okehampton Community Transport Group's stall in the town centre — my thanks as ever to Pat Sawyer and her brilliant team.