An MP’s hectic countdown to Christmas 2013

On Tuesday I was delighted to attend a manufacturing dinner at the Institution of Royal Engineers and was delighted to hear of a Rolls-Royce competition I shall be informing our secondary schools about.

I was then back to Burnley for constituency engagements which included going to Wellfield School to discuss an area of recreational ground within the school which is not fit for purpose. After this meeting it is necessary to meet Lancashire County Council in early January to discuss having it refurbished and replaced.

I then went to Shuttleworth College to speak to students who are doing work on major issues including speeding, tuition fees and human trafficking. It was very impressive and I have agreed to speak to the relevant government ministers to answer some of their questions.

It was great to visit the Royal Mail delivery office on Friday to meet the manager and his team who are working feverishly to ensure our Christmas mail is delivered in time.

I then visited Profit Optimiser which is a small company offering business advice to small companies and start-up companies and I was delighted to hear once again that many of the small businesses in Burnley are doing very well.

On Saturday I had my usual street stall and was off to the 110 club for the Catholic Fellowship for the Handicapped Christmas party. It was fantastic and was topped off with Frank’s amazing potato pie.

I then went to see Junior Basics who were performing “Annie.” It was an amazing show put on by children aged six to 12. I was proud of my grandson Charlie who had a substantial part as one of the orphans.

It was the annual Christmas concert at St Peter’s on Sunday which was great and I was also privileged to hear a pre-recording of the Houghton Weavers at Accrington Town hall.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Enjoy the lovely food and time with family and friends. I look forward to more great things happening in our town in 2014.