Busy

LAST week I was flat out. In Chagford I attended a coffee morning raising funds for the local hospiscare branch. My thanks to Barbara and Gay.

At Castle Drogo I viewed the renovation work. The view from atop the scaffolding was extraordinary — the whole roof gone and the various rooms having their stone removed and cleaned - 16 km of new pointing underway. My thanks to Pat Sawyer (of Okehampton Community Transport fame) who did such a great job of showing me around.

I also visited Okehampton Golf Club to see their new simulator. I was pleased to support the club's funding bids for this, as it is part of expanding the club's appeal to younger players.

The club pro is now regularly coaching at Okehampton College. The only downside was when I was asked to step up and take a swing on the mighty whirly-gig machine myself. Simultaneously clipping the astro-turf with the club, lifting my heal in the follow-through and holding the club with thumbs lined up in a 'relaxed and natural' fashion all proved far too complicated for a simple MP — the machine burped its disapproval.

A craft fair in aid of Save the Children was attended in Cheriton Bishop and time spent with the local Post Office which has recently announced the astonishingly liberal opening hours of 6am to 9pm seven days a week — what about people who want to buy a stamp at 1 in the morning I wondered?

Farmers were met — CAP reform discussed. Chagford's school rebuild considered. In Newton St Cyres I viewed the station improvements and unveiled the new village sign.

Dinner in Crediton saw Judi Binks give a fantastic talk on how the Great War impacted on the town — a fascinating and enjoyable end to the week.