Celebrating the Spirit of the South Cotswolds
The Olympics left us feeling inspired, but the Paralympics now drawing to a close in Paris have been next level inspiration. The dedication, perseverance and sheer grit required to succeed at the highest levels of sport are truly remarkable.
As a former competitive rower myself, I understand the challenges athletes face in pursuing their dreams – and I wasn’t having to contend with cerebral palsy like Daphne Schrager of Malmesbury, who has won silver in the Women’s C1-3 3000m Individual Pursuit Cycling. Hugest congratulations to Daphne!
Behind every great athlete is a team of supporters – coaches, family, friends and communities who believe in them. This spirit of coming together to achieve shared goals is something we see throughout the South Cotswolds, not just in sport but in all aspects of community life.
I was thrilled to see that all three of Wiltshire’s best kept villages are in my constituency, with Ashton Keynes, Upper and Lower Seagry and Hankerton, coming top in the large, medium, and small village categories respectively, being judged on criteria which include tidiness, cleanliness, presentation, conservation and village community spirit.
These awards are about much more than just tidy streets and well-kept gardens. They represent hours of volunteer work, neighbours collaborating on shared projects, and a collective commitment to making our corner of the world a little bit better. They are truly a testament to the pride our communities take in the places they call home.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the privilege of attending community events in towns and villages across the constituency including Tetbury, Kemble, Cirencester, Siddington, Stratton, South Cerney, Fairford, Somerford Keynes, Great Somerford and Malmesbury. I’ve marvelled at the creativity on show as I followed scarecrow trails, sat on steam engines, handed out trophies, and applauded local music bands, carnival floats, and gymnasts.
At each one, I’ve been struck by the energy and enthusiasm of local residents coming together. Whether it’s a village fete, a community litter pick, or a fundraiser for the local school, these events showcase the very best of the South Cotswolds.
These events, large and small, are the lifeblood of our communities. They bring people together, forge new friendships, and remind us of the deep connections we share with our neighbours and our local area. Just as our Paralympians show us what can be achieved through determination and teamwork, our vibrant community life demonstrates the power of collective action.
As we look to the future, I’m sure that the South Cotswolds will continue to nurture both sporting champions and thriving communities.
By working together and supporting one another, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
ANNOUNCEMENT 1: I have been fortunate enough to come 3rd in the ballot to present a Private Members’ Bill, which I will be setting before the House on 16th October. Little did I suspect, as I pored over (or occasionally, snored over) the statute books in the law library at Oxford back in the 1980s that one day I might have the opportunity to add a few pages of my own.
I find I am suddenly very popular, as countless groups and individuals ask me to further their particular cause. I am taking some time to consider my options – there is so much that needs to be fixed. Stay tuned for further updates over the coming weeks.
ANNOUNCEMENT 2: I’m looking forward to taking part in the Sustain Britain conference near Royal Wootton Bassett on Friday 13th September – an informative day filled with inspiring talks, interactive breakout discussions, and networking opportunities. This FREE event is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainability and making a positive impact on Britain’s future. This is your opportunity to discover how Wiltshire is playing its part in bringing about a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Reserve your spot now!
A few of the things I’ve done this week…
✅ That back-to-school feeling as we returned to Westminster for the start of the autumn session – excited to settle into my new office and reconnect with colleagues
✅ Had our South Cotswolds team launch day in our new constituency office, a chance to get to know each other and develop our team spirit as Crew Cotswolds
✅ Met with community leaders at the Kingswood Community Hub in the westernmost part of my constituency to explore how we mitigate the impact of the tragic loss of the 84/85 bus route
✅ Marvelled at the creativity of the wonderful and often whacky floats and walking groups in the Malmesbury Carnival Parade
✅ Handed out the trophies for winning fruit, veg, flowers and baked goods at Siddington Village Fair (Right: this entry made me laugh – apparently a bad year for carrots! And the featured photo at the top of this newsletter was the winning cupcake)
✅ Spoke alongside the MPs for Gloucester and Tewkesbury at a youth/environment event in Gloucester called What Can I Do? Very inspiring to meet young people passionate about creating a better future
✅ Attended meetings with:
– Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester (right)
– OfWat
– National Sector Partner Group for Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity
– LGA Lib Dem Group
– BBC
– Post Office (please note – different entity from Royal Mail!)
– Biodiversity Net Gain roundtable
– Dignity in Dying (a cause dear to my heart)
✅ Attended the launch of a report on Securing the Future of Council Housing
✅ Attended a fantastic event hosted by the Green Alliance in the cloisters at Westminster Abbey (left) to hear Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for DEFRA, talk about issues including our failing water companies. Great to connect with old friends from my eco-campaigning days, as well as making new connections.
Quote of the Week
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
– Ken Blanchard
Have a great week!