I enjoyed a very productive and enjoyable couple of days in the constituency at the weekend.
On Friday, I went along to Ridgeway Academy in the latest visit in my quest to go to every school in the constituency. I met with head teacher Mike Bennett and saw some of the animals that are kept at the school, including sheep, a lizard and the adorable Lottie the golden retriever, who gives quality pastoral care to children who need it. I was impressed with the breadth of experience given to children attending the school and it was good to meet pupils and hear from them how much they enjoyed going to school.
On Friday afternoon, I went along to the BBC studios at the Mailbox in Birmingham to make a recording for Sunday’s Politics Show. I had the opportunity to discuss, among other issues, defence, gambling laws and Donald Trump and his Tweets. It was my first time on the show, and I look forward to being asked again sometime in the future.
On Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting with a number of constituents, who came along to meet me in the Kingfisher Centre at my pop-up surgery. I am always keen to make myself accessible to all who want to have a say, and people came to talk to me about women’s pensions and what actions I am taking to get capital funding for the hospital among other things. As chair of the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on Endangered Species, I also offered to help a university student with his dissertation. A couple of constituents also asked for my help on local issues, and I am always happy to assist where I can.
I then went on visit three local businesses in support of Small Business Saturday. Small businesses employ millions of people up and down the country and play a major part in the economy, and I wanted to thank a small number of them personally for the part they play in Redditch.