It was with a sign of relief that I finished up in Whitehall and Westminster on the Tuesday before Christmas and boarded the train back to Sussex. It has been a busy run-up so it felt great to be back home.
With the risk of late votes in Parliament on that day having abated, I was able to attend a thank you party thrown by Battle Town Council for those who have worked with them over the year. What a great touch by Battle Mayor Vikki Cook and Clerk Carol Harris. Looking across the room I could see all those who had given their time to the town by volunteering, organising events or taking up civic duties. We were also joined by the teams who deliver essential public and emergency services. It was very special to be a part of the town team.
Our constituency would not be the great place it is without our dedicated Town and Parish Councillors. It was heartening to meet new working-age members who, due to working part of the week from home, are now able to become councillors and give their time and expertise. Whilst working from home has not been good for the railway, with only 30% of annual season tickets on Southeastern compared to pre-COVID days, it has been good for local volunteering.
Speaking of public service, a special mention to Doreen Cronin who has just stepped down as Principal of St Richard’s Catholic College in Bexhill. Doreen has given 40 years of service to the school and inspired generations of students. It’s been a pleasure to work with Doreen in the 9 years I have been the MP. I recall a prize-giving evening where pupils were being recognised for non-academic achievements. I was asked to give the speech. I used the time to explain my own background at a secondary modern school, where academic achievement was not in abundance. I was attempting to make the point that success comes from many attributes and academic excellence was just one part and not an absolute requirement. Doreen then gave an impromptu speech explaining that she, too, had been to a secondary modern school, so the pupils had an MP and Headteacher who had gone on to hold these positions despite the lack of expectation. This setback at an early age had appeared to inspire us to succeed and to then put something back in. Doreen certainly has; 40 years of it for one school. I wish Doreen a happy retirement albeit I’m sure it won’t be an entirely restful one.
On the Thursday before Christmas, I had the privilege to be in the audience, along with Frances, Craig and Penny from my office, for a Ukrainian singing, musical and dancing spectacular. We have, in our office, worked closely with the Ukrainian community from the time they were looking for visas to come over to Sussex, and as their community has developed locally. This amazing event was brought to Bexhill by the Voyla Choir and the Bexhill Ukrainian Hub. I confess I wasn’t fully prepared for the sheer volume of talent which the Ukrainian community had on their conveyor belt. The traditional singing and dancing was fantastic, but what blew the mind was the talent from the younger members of the community. The artistry spoke for itself but what made it even more profound, and moving, were the back-stories of those who performed. One young girl, an accomplished ballet dancer, had choreographed a dance to express her feelings from the loss of her father, himself a professional ballet dancer, on the frontline in Ukraine.
The women and children performing were a credit to themselves and their country. I am sure that their husbands and fathers would have been proud of how their loved ones have come to our own country and not only made it their temporary home but have given us an insight into the charm and warmth the Ukrainian people have. The evening was not just to promote the talent from the community but to raise funds to buy medical equipment for those on the frontline. Both aims were duly delivered. If you get the chance to witness another concert, do not miss it. I left even more determined, as a Minister and MP, that we must always stand in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight and that we are enriched by the time that its people are amongst us. I hope, next Christmas, these good people will be able to sing and dance in their home country where they long to be. When this does happen, they will be missed.
This being my final column for 2023 may I wish everyone a happy and positive New Year to come.
