A great privilege of this job is the opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions people make to our community so I was pleased to invite a colleague, Jack Lopresti MP to Penzance Fire Station on Thursday where we were able to meet four separate organisations worthy of a thank you. Representatives of the police, firefighters from the station, members of Penzance Community Flora Group and veterans all gathered in the station and it was good for Jack (who shares responsibility for the Armed Forces and Veterans) and I to acknowledge the excellent work they do for our community and in support of each other. We also saw the sculpture created by Patrick McWilliam to be displayed in the Veterans Garden at the Station, the garden the Flora Group are busy preparing for next season, and we went down to St James’ St to view the recently unveiled plaque mounted in honour of Jack Michell, a firefighter killed in 1941 in the line of duty following a bombing raid. On Sunday the station held its open day which was an opportunity to see the garden along with the exciting kit the firefighters use to carry out their work and there will be further opportunities to see the veterans garden in the future I’m certain.
Then on Saturday it was a privilege to join the Captain and the Armed Forces and Veterans Charity at RNAS Culdrose to meet veterans from across the Southwest. This special Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast club event mirrored veterans breakfast clubs that happen most Saturday mornings, locally the Penzance Veterans Breakfast Club takes place at the Fire Station on the 2nd Saturday and the Helston Breakfast Club takes place at Inn and Still on the 3rd Saturday each month. These clubs are open to any veteran and family member and are primarily friendly places to meet friends, but it is amazing what can be found out regarding what is happening in the area for people to get involved in. For example, at the October breakfast in Helston, the heritage railway team will be talking about the working going on along the old rail-link to Helston and how people can get involved.
Also, on Saturday on the Navy Base a number of military charities and organisations were present so veterans and Armed Forces personnel can find out more about the support available. Many of us then trotted across to the Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery museum on the Lizard, to see the incredible work that is underway to preserve some local military history.
My day continued with my MP ‘Drop-In’ at Ruan Minor. These ‘drop-ins’ are intended to give you the opportunity to raise any issue or idea with me without having to travel across to my Penzance Office. This week I’m at Sennen, St Just, Cury, Nancegollan, Mullion and St Martin. For a list of other ‘drop-ins’ between now and Christmas please contact my office ([email protected]) or look out for information on parish notice boards.
