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Marking 20 years as an MP - Don reports back on a busy month in Bath and Westminster
I begin by thanking my friends and colleagues of Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrats who organised the extremely enjoyable 20th Anniversary celebration in the Guildhall. It was wonderful to see so many people who have played a part in my life as Bath’s MP over the past 20 years. Watching some of Ben’s amazing video was, however, a painful reminder of weird spectacles, fluctuating waist line and greying hair.
On 17th April, the Speaker hosted a dinner for all those MPs who arrived in 1992 and are still in the House. It was an anecdote strewn evening
April and the beginning of May were intended to be relatively quiet on the culture, media and sport front. My new parliamentary researcher had just started and I wanted her to have a gentle introduction. But then a range of DCMS related stories hit the headlines leading to numerous un-planned meetings and media appearances.
However, normal parliamentary business also continued and for me included speaking at the Bingo Association AGM, attending the Sky Arts awards and meeting with numerous organisations (the “Kids in Museums” and Youth Sports Trust meetings stand out as especially useful). I sponsored various parliamentary events ranging from BBC’s launch of plans for Olympic Coverage to a celebration of my Live Music Bill organised by UK Music.
My membership of the Olympic Board means lots of 2012 related activities from Board meetings to attending the opening of the International Inspiration exhibition in London Museum.
In Bath I have had the opportunity to meet with – and whenever possible provide support for – many different organisations including;
- Holiday Inn Express
- Bath Abbey
- Big Bath Buggy Push
- The Prostate Cancer walk
- “Think Jessica” and students from Bath Spa
- Bath Gardeners’ market
- University of Bath Pharmacy Dep.
- Green Visions Kitchen
- Woodland Grove Nursing Home
- The “Min”
Outside Bath I have visited to speak or campaign in a number of constituencies, attended and spoke at the Regional Conference and even managed to watch some rugby.
