Last weekend was a busy one, with the installation of the new Baptist Minister in Romsey, the fabulous St George's Day Service with the local Scouts and Guides, and also a wonderful charity rugby match at Ganger Farm.
But this week in Parliament it has been back to work, and a long conversation on Monday about dementia, with Dementia UK and their "Time for a Cuppa" annual tea party. They have teamed up with Nationwide, to deliver expert dementia specialist Admiral Nurses to support people affected by dementia in branches across the UK. There can be no doubt dementia is the defining health and social care challenge of our time, with one in two of us set to be affected by dementia, either through our own diagnosis, or caring for a loved one with dementia, or both.
Locally I know what incredible work RomDag do, supporting people living with dementia and their families, and their information days and DEMFEST have always been absolutely brilliant. Romsey was, of course, the first dementia friendly market town in the UK I can well remember the training I did as part of that.
We have also had the South East Region Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in Parliament this week. I know what a great experience being part of the Cadets can be and it was lovely to meet Hampshire based cadets, and their proud parents, and to hear about all the activities and benefits being a member had brought them. Wonderful also to see so many girls taking part.
The VE Day celebrations start locally and nationally this coming weekend, and I am very much looking forward to the Service to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe at the Abbey this weekend. There will also be the fabulous picnic in the park, and a number of Street Parties dotted around the constituency. King John's House is also re-opening the garden on Monday and it is the Upper Clatford May Fayre. Hopefully the beautiful weather will hold for all of the outdoors events