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July 2018 July 2018

NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER AUTUMN LEAVES

OVER 50’S CLUB
Every week I receive hundreds of emails from
constituents about things they are concerned Once again a good turnout of members were enthralled by a
about. Some are from people who require talk from Mary Graham about the little known outbreak of
assistance – whether with the Child Maintenance Typhoid in Poole and Bournemouth in 1936. Over 700 people
Service, housing issues, immigration or schools. Whilst became very ill and more than 50 people died, but it was all hushed up, and only
I cannot wave a magic wand, sometimes an by diligent detective work by a doctor was the source traced to infected milk
intervention from my office can prove to be a from a dairy in Wimborne.
catalyst for positive change. Other people get in
touch about local issues – from affordable housing to Next month we will have an equally interesting talk by Frank Holden about his
traffic problems, and broadband problems to grass experiences as a registrar of births, deaths and marriages. Do come and join us
cutting frequency. Some of these can be dealt with by the local councils, and I at the Scout Hut on Wednesday 11th July at 2.30. Bring a friend! I'm sure you will
work closely with local councillors across the constituency. enjoy it!
Other people are more focussed on national and international issues. Brexit
obviously is the subject of many emails I receive – from both side of the argument.
Animal welfare also always features highly, as does the environment. I am often BERE REGIS WILDLIFE
contacted by people about the NHS and I’m really pleased that the government
were able to give nurses a pay rise this year, as they provide such an important GROUP
service.
People also have worldwide concerns – with issues such as Rohingya Muslims, We have enjoyed some warm sunny weeks through
persecuted Christians around the world, the Middle East and Syria featuring May and June, which has been a boost for our wildlife.
recently. As the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for This is very evident if you walk along the meadow area
International Development, part of my job is to have a deeper understanding of in May’s Wood, between the primary school and the
international affairs and to be the “eyes and ears” in Parliament. I do not ask or far end of Shitterton. The flowers and grasses are
answer questions in Parliament about International Development, but I am the link fodder and host to
between parliament and ministers on this subject. a wide range of butterflies and insects. Do go

More generally, I respond to all individual emails and letters – and they receive the along and see what you can find.
same level of attention. If you send me a standard text campaign email or
postcard, you will be able to see my responses to the most popular campaigns on Notable, Veteran and Ancient Trees
my website.
In mid-June we had a very informative talk by
As well as emails, I like to hear from and speak to constituents in person. I hold
regular surgeries by appointment right across the constituency for people with Sean Cooch from Natural England on old trees.
specific and urgent concerns. To book an appointment please contact my We heard about the great importance of
office. For more informal discussions, I also hold street surgeries across the ancient and veteran trees. In Britain we have
constituency. I have recently held them in Broadstone, Wimborne, Wareham and some of the most important old trees in Europe.
Bearwood. I hope to hold more during summer recess – if you see me do stop to This was followed by a walk to look at learn
more about some older trees in the field. These
chat!
trees are of particular wildlife value. They are
As always, I will be attending a variety of events in the constituency in the summer much enjoyed by villagers and visitors for their
– if you are holding an event and you would like me to visit, please do get in impressive stature and beauty, and they can be
touch. of great historical importance. We were told
how to start to start recording such trees across

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