I was pleased to be able to facilitate a trip round Westminster this week for the Wellow WI. Although Parliament is in recess that sometimes gives a better opportunity to have a really good look round and access to parts of the Palace of Westminster that are harder to get to when we are sitting.  I have certainly had some very positive feedback from members that they enjoyed it. It is always well worth a visit and although dates can get quite booked up I am always happy to help. 

This week I have been accompanied on some of my visits by two work experience students, who had the chance to shadow me in surgery appointments and on a trip to the Appletree Centre to the Tree of Life Cafe run by Southern Health and Andover Mind.  It was a great afternoon and a lovely opportunity to talk to service users whilst playing a mean game of Dobble.  There were also some fantastic pieces of artwork going on, including a very impressive piece of "diamond art" of a pair of stunning tigers.  

We also had a trip to the local BetFred shop on The Hundred to talk to the Betting and Gaming Council's representative about a range of issues from problem gambling to horse welfare.  It was ahead of this weekend's Grand National,  for many the highlight of the racing year and also the betting industry's single biggest day of the calendar. Each year the Council encourages us to make a trip to the bookies, talk to the staff and learn a little more about the work they do. We also get the chance to do a charity bet - this year I have opted for Shakem Up'arry, a horse that can really run and jump on heavy ground.  It might need that ability this year, with the wettest period since records began. 

On Tuesday I was in Houghton for the most recent meeting of the Pan Parish River Pollution Forum, which followed my trip to Fullerton last week.  There is much collective will to both monitor the water in the Test and also to hold Southern Water to account for the improvement in performance that is so clearly needed.  Unsurprisingly Southern Water issues came up again during surgery appointments this week, it is getting a depressingly common theme, albeit very varied issues and complaints. 

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee