Busy

by Mel Stride, Conservative MP

for Central Devon

LAST week I was busy right across my vast constituency.

I supported Small Business Saturday — a project highlighting business success and encouraging local shopping.

The Federation of Small Businesses and many local traders in Okehampton threw themselves into it. I visited a number of great local Okey retailers — most cautiously reporting improved trading conditions although business rates continue to be a challenge. My sense is that if we can just keep the economy going in the right direction then businesses will continue to fight back.

After Okehampton I was off to visit the Ashburton Makers Christmas Fair. An event where local craftsmen and women display and sell their wares.

In Crediton I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the annual Christmas tree exhibition at St Boniface Church. A wonderful event with, this year, 73 brilliantly decorated trees on display with one of them standing at 26 feet tall. Nigel Guthrie the Rector was very generous in taking me up to the Governors' Room high up within the church — a place from which for centuries the governors of the church administered its endowments. My thanks to Bill for providing me with such an interesting tour. There was a civil war uniform to view and some extraordinary books dating from the 17th century — all in all this was a very special visit.

In Chagford, after dropping in to buy some wine for Christmas from Jonathan at Best Cellars (highly recommended) I held a Q and A in Chagford's Jubilee Hall. A wide variety of issues were raised including the EU, our defence policy, rural broadband, local rail and road infrastructure and issues surrounding the potential rebuilding of Chagford school — I remain very supportive of the School governors' hard work on this.

I also held surgeries in Silverton and Bradninch.