Thank the heavens we have seen a little rain since I last wrote, and isn’t everything looking so much better for it? I know that many of us will be hoping to see a bit more sun before the summer’s out…but I can’t help but be grateful for the rain we have had and the good that it will do not only for our gardens, but also for our wildlife!
Some of those that I know will be hoping that the summer sun lasts a little longer are the amazing team behind Eastleigh Film Fest which takes place from Monday 24th September to Saturday 29th September! This is a brilliant local initiative that brings the WHOLE community together. I admit to being more than a little excited that their Opening Night is kicking off with a sing-along to The Greatest Showman! To get your tickets visit the Eastleigh Film Fest website!
A true gentleman that was absolutely committed to bringing our local community together - particularly in support of our veterans and service men and women - was Norman Brown MBE, who I was so, so sorry to hear passed away last week. Norman was President of the Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and District Branch of the Royal British Legion having been a member for over 25 years. Indeed he had already organised my poppy wreaths for me locally for later this year. Norman also raised thousands of pounds in support of the RBL, and played a central part in the renovation of Eastleigh’s War Memorial. Like so many local people, including many of you reading this column, my thoughts are with Norman’s friends and family.
Over the past week a number of folks have been in touch to say how important the protection of our Elephants is to them, adding to the hundreds that have already contacted me over this really important topic! Given that last Sunday marked World Elephant Day, I thought I would use this week’s column to send a few quick Elephant facts your way! Elephants are the world’s largest land animal, they live on average for between 50 and 70 years, yet tragically 55 African Elephants are killed for their ivory each and every day. My work in Government to protect these gracious creatures continues, with legislation currently in the House of Lords, soon to be an Act of THIS Parliament. It is SO important that we protect these animals for future generations to admire, and I am delighted that my constituents are as passionate about this as I am!
Similarly for this week’s column, many of you care just as deeply for our domestic animals and pets as you do for those in the wild, which is why - again further to my work alongside the DEFRA team - I am so pleased that draft legislation which will see Animal abusers who commit the most heinous crimes face up to five years in jail has gained strong support from welfare groups and the public.
The Government has also supported the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, introduced to Parliament by Sir Oliver Heald MP. The Bill, which passed its second reading last month, will ensure service animals such as police dogs and horses will be offered greater protection.
This is REALLY significant progress, and I look forward to seeing it coming into force soon.
Finally for this week, many of you will be aware that the consultation on Eastleigh’s Local Plan initially closed last Monday, before being extended to last Wednesday following a number of IT issues! I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with me so that I could try and ensure that my submission to Eastleigh Borough Council covered all possible bases. To see my full response to the consultation, please visit: https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/news/EastleighLocalPlanSubmission
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend!