Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Grist to the Mill
The Cobham Mill Preservation Trust do a fantastic job keeping this wonderful local historical gem, dating back to the sixteenth century, in great working order for people to enjoy today. I dropped by, last week, to visit the team, having worked together to get their lease of the mill renewed by the Environment Agency. They gave me a full tour and briefing - plus a bag of flour to test my baking skills!
Pictured - from left to right above: Richard Ward (Chairman of the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust); Patricia Ward (my wife and present Hon. Secretary of the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust), Gordon Mills (one of the original founders of the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust), Dominic Raab MP, Paul Bryant (past Chairman of the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust) John Ball (past Chairman of the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust).
Promoting Small Businesses
On Friday, I met up with the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (pictured below), to hear directly their concerns. The feedback from local entrepreneurs focused on finance, red-tape and the burden of taxation. I have signed up for their campaign aimed at addressing the challenges faced, and sought their advice in particular on measures to promote start ups and angel investors.
(Pictured with Sue Towner, Deepa Veneik,
John Walker, National Chairman of the FSB, and David Cane)
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Victim Support - the Local Dimension
Today, I was briefed by Victim Support on the local dimension in our community. Victim Support assess those who are the victims of crime, identifying a need for support in around a third of all cases (in the South East). They are backed up by community-based volunteers, who can help with emotional counselling, practical support (like fixing a broken window) through to processing a formal claim for criminal injuries compensation. They also support witnesses going through the court process.
So what does that mean locally in Elmbridge? Perhaps surprisingly, I was briefed that we have a relatively high number of violent crimes leading to referrals. There were 21 referrals (family support) for homicide in 2011, 550 for assault and wounding, and 399 for harassment (often either domestic violence or public disorder).
The budget for victim support will be devolved to the Surrey policing and crime commissioner (due to be elected in November). As a result, there will be direct local accountability for the running of those services from the people and communities affected.
So what does that mean locally in Elmbridge? Perhaps surprisingly, I was briefed that we have a relatively high number of violent crimes leading to referrals. There were 21 referrals (family support) for homicide in 2011, 550 for assault and wounding, and 399 for harassment (often either domestic violence or public disorder).
The budget for victim support will be devolved to the Surrey policing and crime commissioner (due to be elected in November). As a result, there will be direct local accountability for the running of those services from the people and communities affected.
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Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Type 1 Diabetes
Last week, I met up in Parliament with two local lads, Nick Taylor and Tom Parker (pictured below), to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. The event was organised by the charity JDRF. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening condition which can afflict young children and stays with them through life. It affects the immune system, undermining the body's ability to protect itself.
Nick and Tom explained their daily routine, which involves constant blood sugar tests (done by pricking a finger) and insulin infusions throughout the day. It is a tough condition for anyone, but especially youngsters. I was really impressed with Nick and Tom for their grit, resilience and tenacity - they are determined not to let it stop them enjoying a full life.
JDRF are raising awareness of the condition, and I am certainly willing to add my call for more focused research in this area to help international efforts to find ways to prevent and treat this serious illness.
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