I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter break and did not overgorge on chocolate. Well done to Lancing Parish Council for an excellent Easter market and to the councillors who braved the sweaty Easter bunny outfits to hand out more than 280 donated eggs to local children.
My street surgery was a livelier than usual one involving a punch-up with a local constituent. All in a good cause though as Scott Welch’s team, who are doing a fantastic job of regenerating the Monk’s Rec pavilion into a boxing and youth centre, were wearing ‘body armour’ and inviting locals to take a few jabs at them. Or as one of the councillors who slightly over-vigorously took up the challenge put it ‘that’s what happens when you don’t pay your council tax!’
Nominations are still open for the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2023 until midnight on 23 April and I have only had a few in so far. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise staff in Sussex who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. People across the region are being asked to contact their local MP with details of an individual or organisation they would like nominated, so please get in touch. There are more details in my March constituency newsletter.
In a similar vein nominations are also invited for the Parliamentary Taxi and Private Hire Awards being organised by the MP for Cambridge. The annual event is a chance for Parliament to shine a light on the excellent work going on by cabbies which often goes unnoticed. We are looking for examples of charitable work; local heroes who helped someone in need; supporting customers with disabilities etc. Again, let me know before the end of the month if you would like to nominate someone and the winners will be invited to a special awards reception in Parliament in June.
This week I have a scheduled appointments only surgery in Southwick. If you would like to book an appointment, then just ring the constituency office as usual.