Don updates on a busy time in May and June

Bath

There has been a great deal of activity in Bath in addition to regular surgeries and meetings. A few highlights that I’ve been involved in over the past 4 weeks include;

• The Olympic Torch relay through the city (as well as the successful world record attempt and the junior schools “Ancient Olympics”)
• Joining the Hindu Rathyatra procession through the city
• Mayor Making
• Re-dedication of Southdown Methodist Church
• Bath International Music festival
• Speech to Bath Townswomen’s’ Guild
• Visit to Julian House prior to closure for refurbishment
• Visit to new facilities at St. John’s Hospital
• Tour round Halifax Building Society facilities in Southgate
• Joan Armatrading Concert at Forum

I also hosted, in Parliament, a lunch for retiring Bath Chronicle Editor, Sam Holiday, and Dinner for the Director and Chair of Governors of City of Bath College. I was also able to present a certificate, in Parliament, to a pupil from Oldfield School who got to finals of a poetry competition.

Westminster and elsewhere

DCMS issues have kept me especially busy - dominated by a range of issues around the Leveson Inquiry and the imminent Olympics and Paralympics.

Having lobbied for changes to the Budget – especially in relation to the taxation of philanthropic giving – I was pleased with the changes recently announced. I have continuing concerns about the issue of VAT on alterations to Listed Buildings.

I have had meetings with Ed Davey MP (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) regarding concerns about the potential impact of “fracking” and the hot springs. I am also in discussions with Ministers regarding various aspects of plans for broadband throughout the city.

I have had numerous meetings about the final preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics and am looking forward to be attending the Olympic Volleyball and two Paralympic events.

I’ve also had speaking engagements in other constituencies including Yeovil and North Devon.