This week has seen numerous fantastic local events, Romsey Show, DemFest at Hilliers, the Southampton Boat Show, the Battle of Britain Service at the URC and the Commemoration Service to celebrate 120 years of St Leonard’s Church in Sherfield English. 

 

Given the strong links Southampton has to the Spitfire, and therefore the Battle of Britain, last week was a timely opportunity to meet representatives from the Spitfire AA810 Project.  Its aim is to secure a permanent memorial to the brave pilots and navigators of of the Photo Reconnaissance Units, and to find the families of those who tragically lost their lives gathering intelligence on enemy operations and installations from 1939. 

 

The sun shone for Romsey Show this year and it was a great opportunity to debut my new travelling surgery tent.  During the course of the day I had conversations with hundreds of local residents, and some from further afield, on a wide range of issues.  Foremost in people’s minds was definitely the removal of winter fuel payments from most pensioners, but I also had the chance to talk about the agricultural budget, hedge cutting, road safety and water issues.  There were also many people who wanted to hear about my new role as Deputy Speaker and were genuinely pleased to learn what it entails. 

 

The Boat Show is a huge boost to the local economy, bringing in the region of £31 million of direct spending.  I had the chance to speak to local businesses exhibiting there and direct to British Marine, about how important it is as a showcase for the industry. The Show usually attracts 100,000 visitors over the ten days, for a wide variety of events and attractions within the Show.

 

The new Bishop of Winchester came to Sherfield English for the commemoration service at St Leonard’s. It was fascinating to hear a little about the history of the church, and how it had been wholly funded by Lady Ashburton of Melchet Park.  120 years seems very young compared to some other churches locally, but the thing that has always stood out for me about the church is its fantastic peal of  bells.  Huge thanks must go to the bellringers who were hard at work on Sunday. 

 

 

 

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP

Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons