April Week 2
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you”.
The first week of April flew by and with now just under a month until the general election I am still out canvassing hard across the constituency.
Thursday the 9th of April began in Rickinghall and Walsham where I enjoyed indoor bowls in the hall and visited the excellent Butchers and Clarks the Merchants as well as door knocking. This was followed by Stowupland. I managed a site visit to Gipsy Lane with Gordon Crosby to fully understand the contentious local issue of the need for a suitable crossing / underpass in this lovely area that would fit the needs of local residents.
Friday began in St Olaves where I had a great morning talking to local residents and joining in an ‘Upbeat’ class for those who have suffered a Heart attack to rebuild confidence and keep fit followed by the afternoon spent in Rattlesden. I was very pleased to revisit both these areas and felt that I gained valuable insights from local residents about their issues, both positive and negative within their areas.
Saturday I headed back to Rickinghall to continue canvassing but also to visit the local farmers market. Meeting local residents and wandering round the market made for a lovely morning although the weather kept me inside! I was impressed by the variety on offer and will definitely be back again soon. The afternoon had me in Botesdale where the pub sign intrigued me!
Sunday was spent on a family excursion as my second eldest daughter turns 21 tomorrow! We walked locally and visited Needham Lakes and had tea and cake at Alder Carr farm shop- definitely worth a visit. The homemade scones were particularly delicious!
This week consists of the start of the final lot of Hustings leading up to the general election. Monday I spent in Pakenham canvassing with help from Christopher Spicer, David Corrie and others and we managed to make it a fair way round the area trying to speak to as many residents as possible.
Tuesday morning I spent out and about in Ringshall, followed by Hustings during late afternoon and early evening at West Suffolk College. The last time I was at the St Edmunds Restaurant at the College (open to the public and run by the students) it was for food. This time was a work focused visit. Constituents from the college led the first session of questioning, the response to Votes at 16 was very interesting personally. The second session was business led, business has been my life for 20 or more years I do see it as the life blood of our economic success and that which sustains both personal and community endeavours a focus on education inextricably linked to the whole skills agenda was also interesting.
Following on I spent Wednesday out and about canvassing and got to Stowmarket North, Rickinghall and Walsham and Abbeygate. With the continued help of many willing volunteers we managed to get to speak to many local residents and provide them with literature on my campaign strategies and values for the future.
Another interesting and busy week, filled with all sorts of different and exciting opportunities. Already halfway through April means the election is scampering towards us incredibly quickly. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks getting out and about in hopefully a variety of areas within the constituency and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.