The summer recess is over and parliament is back in full swing.
However, before heading back to Westminster this week, I took the opportunity to visit the new Wilton Park School. It was great to see the old Middle School site once again vibrant and in use for educational purposes.
I wish Dr Evans all possible success as he navigates the task of bringing two schools together on one site, greatly adding to the diverse range of educational provision in and around Salisbury.
Back in London, it is straight back to business as usual. Yesterday, I was delighted to have a chance to catch up with Bryn Parry, the founder of Help for Heroes, who came to Parliament to address the Defence Select Committee, of which I am a member.
I asked the committee to hear from him as, following my visit to Help for Heroes, I felt he had a great deal to contribute to our understanding of the relationship between the charitable sector and the MoD, and how they can work together more effectively to achieve the best outcomes for our servicemen.
Later the same day, I hosted a meeting of MPs on behalf of the British Council, of whose all-party parliamentary group I serve as secretary.
These are exciting times for my office, as we welcome two new members of the team. Laura Mason, outgoing head girl of South Wilts, is joining my constituency team following an outstanding stint of work experience over Easter which persuaded my existing staff they simply couldn’t do without her.
We are all thrilled she is with us and know that she will do a superb job, helping us to provide the best possible service to the constituents of Salisbury.
Also, 15 years after I served as a parliamentary intern with the Christian charity CARE, I am delighted that they are now kindly providing me with an intern to support my office in Westminster.
Recent graduate Stuart Ramsay shows exceptional promise and will be getting to know the team while he completes his induction training, co-incidentally hosted by Sarum College.
