Page 13 - br-aug-2021

August 2021 August 2021
BRIANTSPUDDLE AND AFFPUDDLE during the pandemic we have been operating on a hybrid system in parliament,
with some MPs being in the Chamber in person, and others appearing virtually,
NEWS from their constituencies, their offices, or even their living rooms! MPs have also
been able to have proxies, and most MPs have been on a proxy for several
months.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS Proxy votes are relatively new, and were first introduced for new parents – for MPs
on maternity, paternity or adoption leave. When the pandemic began, and most
As I sit here writing this we certainly are in uncertain MPs were asked to work from home, proxy votes were expanded and allowed for
times. Officially most legal covid restrictions are no all MPs. Like many families, we had to self-isolate for 10 days in July, but thanks to
more and yet I think most of us think it’s when not if the proxy system my votes were still counted.
certain restrictions are put back into place.
Thanks to technology, whilst self-isolating, I was able to carry on working, holding
But for now things at the village hall are officially my regular surgery by phone, as well as other zoom and Teams meetings with
very different. The trustees decided earlier this month to implement what is legally Ministers and colleagues. My team are used to working remotely, so we have
required and not impose further restrictions on hirers rather leaving them the excellent lines of communication to enable us to work wherever we are. As you
freedom to hire and use the hall as they and those who attend their events feel it can imagine, this has been especially important for constituency casework.
appropriate to do so.
Please do get in touch if you help or support. As my staff are all working from
Alongside that we are leaving everything in place for hand sanitising and social home, it is best to get in touch by email michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk . I
distancing for those wanting to make use of these things. Masks are no longer send out a regular email update – you can sign up on my website
compulsory but we would just ask that everyone be considerate to others around www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk where you can also find links to
them and if it’s crowded consider continuing to use your mask where possible. the latest coronavirus advice. Follow me on twitter
@michael4MDNP or find me on facebook
At the moment the village hall café continues to operate on Tuesdays and www.facebook.com/michael4MDNP
Saturdays making use of the open space between the hall and the shop and the
jubilee room with social distancing of tables still in place. Gentle cautious steps
back to normality hopefully.
Having said that I think most of us believe that we will see some strong guidance if
not regulated controls of varying forms from mask wearing to another possible
lockdown if infection rates continue to rise.
Anyone wanting to look into booking the hall should as usual contact Angela LOCAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Tozer, the booking secretary who will be glad to sort things out for you.

By the time you read this we will, at last., have had our AGM and a new Michael Tomlinson MP
Michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
committee of trustees will have been formed. Any changes to the people holding 
the various offfices, chairman, treasurer, secretary, booking secretary etc will be holds regular surgeries  01202 624216
posted on the main entrance doors to the hall with the appropriate contact in the constituency. For
details being placed there as well. details of forthcoming  www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk
surgeries or to make an
In the meantime I hope you stay well and can enjoy some of the freedoms along
with the glorious summer sunshine we are currently experiencing. appointment, please @Michael4MDNP
contact his office.
Stuart Chorley, Chairman of Briantspuddle Village Hall Trustees

Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle website: www.briantspuddle.info

60 13