A comment on Mims' activities through the week and the latest news from Parliament.
Each and every day in our calendar there is an opportunity in which we can highlight a particular topic or celebrate a certain group of people. Last week was no exception, with Thursday marking National Smile Day…a smile a day keeps the doctor away! Friday marking National Fish & Chip Day – obviously it had to be a Friday! Last Friday also marked the beginning of Volunteer Week!
I was told at a young age that there is no greater kindness than to pass on a smile, and I have continued to smile – and laugh too – ever since! A simple smile can also brighten up the darkest of days that someone might be having, so when you’re out and about, remember to don your best smile! It will undoubtedly brighten someone’s day.
Living down by the coast I think that the tradition of Fish and Chips on a Friday has retained much of its appeal. We are fortunate to have many brilliant ‘chippy’s’ in the area, including The Cod Father in Hedge End which has been ranked in the top 50 in the country and Sonny’s in Fair Oak which has previously been named the top fish and chip shop in Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire!
As I said earlier, Last Friday marked the beginning of Volunteer Week and by so doing celebrated some of the most incredible characters in our communities, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL of those that spare their time to support charities, organisations and individuals across the Eastleigh constituency.
Volunteering comes in many different forms, from the passionate and caring volunteers that I have had the pleasure of meeting at the Countess Mountbatten Hospice in West End, to the hugely knowledgeable team of volunteers that I spoke with recently during a visit to Eastleigh Museum. Many of us will be aware of the incredible work carried out by volunteers at One Community, and I was delighted to see this brilliant local organisation awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service – the highest accolade for voluntary groups in the UK – and attend the Queens Garden Party! Of course, in some cases our volunteers literally save lives, and it was therefore an absolute pleasure to visit Hamble Lifeboat last Tuesday.
Hamble Lifeboat, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, plays a vital part in marine safety in The Solent, from Lee-on-the Solent and Cowes to Gurnard Bank and the mouth of the River Beaulieu as well as Southampton Water and the rivers Hamble, Itchen and Test. One of 8 independent lifeboats in the area, it is completely funded by donations, staffed by volunteers and is therefore a really worthy cause for anyone looking to contribute in their community. My thanks again to Liam and the team for taking the time to show me around and chat about the key role that they play in our area!
This week has been another busy one as I begin to push the Ivory Bill forward – firmly placing the UK as a global leader when it comes to the protection of elephants - while also working on local constituency issues. As always, you can be sure that I’ll continue keep you all updated!