It was lovely to be in Romsey Abbey last Sunday for the new Mayor of Test Valley's Civic Service. The theme of the service was community, and gave me the opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are in Romsey to have such a strong civic community, which certainly pulls together in a time of crisis. I can remember just how well numerous community organisations supported others during the pandemic, and the difference that made to the vulnerable and shielding.
On Saturday I did the Ganger Farm Parkrun, in pretty warm temperatures and wearing a Motor Neurone Disease Association t-shirt. Romsey Rugby club member Nick Smith is a regular at the Romsey Parkrun, and having been diagnosed with MND he is determined to both raise awareness of the condition and raise money towards the research effort to find a cure for MND. His strength of mind and purpose is absolutely phenomenal.
It was also West Dean Fete last weekend, with a fly past from a Spitfire. I am not sure who it is in the village who has the amazing connections, but I can remember in previous years they have had the Red Arrows fly over the fete. So it was fitting this week that we had Aeralis in Parliament, the British designers and builders of the future Red Arrows jet. The aircraft is planned to be designed and built in the UK, in constituencies from Ayrshire to Gosport and creating 4000 jobs, and be ready to be exported into a £90bn global market.
The Wildlife Trusts from across the country came into Parliament this week to talk to all MPs with chalk streams in their constituencies. These unique habitats are too little understood and too often overlooked. They deserve a focus on them in particular, especially if we are to see the dwindling numbers of Atlantic salmon protected from extinction. I had some really useful conversations with representatives present and indeed like minded colleagues.
Friday is, apparently, National Fish and Chip Day, which I guess is an excuse to not cook and to go to the chippy. But that will come after another pharmacy visit, a conversation with the New Forest National Park Authority, a trip to see some divers in action and a long day of surgery appointments. I do not know how divers find the courage to launch themselves off a 10m platform, certainly not one for me, but I have massive admiration for those who do it, and it is evident the facility in Southampton is much cherished regionally.