Here is a copy of my June column for the Halesowen News.
"It’s incredible to think that we are now at the end of June and we are half way through 2018. The last month in particular has been a fast paced few weeks packed with lots events which are shaping the future, with exciting plans in the pipeline.
Locally it has been a pleasure to visit a number of community groups who are developing so well. I attended the AGM of the Friends of Rowley Hills, a volunteer led group who are committed to protecting and improving this quiet spot which dominates the skyline of our community. From butterfly trails to conservation work there are noticeable improvements taking place with even more planned in the future. The Rowley Disability Centre, which I visited earlier this month, is another volunteer group which is organising important support for some of our most vulnerable residents, and is hugely valued by those who use it.
I joined committee members of the HalesFest Group, who I have been working with to organise a day’s worth of activities to celebrate local food, flowers and heritage. Pencil 13th October in your diary as this event is shaping up to be a fantastic day for all the family.
Working with the Hospital Trust and Mayor Andy Street we have been holding discussions with the Department for Health to get the Midland Metropolitan Hospital back on track, as quickly as possible, following the collapse of Carillion. The issues are complex but a meeting held this month with all the players around the table have helped make good progress to get this important project going again.
And of course, Brexit has been high on the agenda again with the EU Withdrawal Bill being passed by both the Commons and Lords – despite the best efforts of some Members of the House of Lords. This is an important milestone which keeps us on target to leaving the EU in March 2019.
The common theme between all of the above, whether it’s protecting wildlife on Rowley Hills, organising a community event, untangling complex contracts for our new hospital or even our departure from the EU, all of it requires time, persistence and dedication. All of them require a little bit of give, and a little bit of take. We are fundamentally a pragmatic country; one with lots of ideas, energy and persistence with which we can achieve a great deal."