"In May, communities across Basildon and Billericay came together to light beacons in remembrance and celebration of Victory in Europe. It has been 80 years since our brave men and women fought with the Allies and defeated Nazi Germany, bringing an end to World War II, and we should be eternally grateful for their sacrifices. Locally, I managed to dash between the beacon lightings in Billericay, Laindon, and Noak Bridge. It was wonderful to be able to meet and catch up with so many constituents all coming together to remember our brave heroes.
In Billericay, we had the fantastic Soapbox Derby, and I loved seeing so many people turn up for a really good day out. I will not forget the team spirit behind #13 when the wheel buckled and everyone drove the cow forward nor the trauma of seeing Doogle’s head and body not quite make the jump before the finish line. I am incredibly grateful for the work of the volunteer organisations – Billericay Rotary, Mayflower Rotary, and Billericay Lions – for putting together this event and others in our community.
Over at the award winning Barleylands, we had the pleasure and honour of welcoming HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh for her visit to the Educational Centre there. The Philpot family – who have made Barleylands open to the public since the 1970s – gave a tour to The Duchess and local dignitaries showing off their commitment to farming and the local community. The Educational Centre helps work on children’s knowledge of farming, and, of course, there are some fantastic events at Barleylands all year round.
I continue making my way round as many organisations as possible across the constituency. I have been to see various businesses of all sizes, I am seeing more and more students of all ages in their schools to chat about being an MP, and I am slowly making my way round each of our many churches for a service of worship. In Parliament, I’m also pressing ahead with my campaigns to protect pie and mash and to ban marriages between first cousins.
My team and I continue to make great strides on casework issues for any and all constituents that get in touch. Recently, we’ve had many wins and I’ve been posting these good news stories on my Facebook page and website. If anyone needs some help with fighting the system and getting a response from an organisation that isn’t very responsive, then please contact me through my website and I’ll take up the fight on your behalf."
