Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter! You may be aware we are currently in Parliamentary Recess and I’ve certainly been making the most of it meeting lots of businesses, residents, pub owners, local farmers, the NFU, Newick Afternoon Club to listen to their panel discussion for the Assisted Dying Debate, and so much more. From Wivelsfield, and Barcombe, to Pease Pottage, Uckfield, East Grinstead, Scaynes Hill, and Horsted Keynes, I’ve many more local engagements booked in my packed-out MP diary.
On my first day of Recess, I was pleased to be in Chailey at The Five Bells with Tom, who owns several pubs in our area. We discussed the importance of thriving pubs and the challenging times being faced in hospitality. I’m a strong supporter of our locals, and it's essential they receive the support needed to keep going and thriving. This Easter, if you can, please support our pubs.
I was thrilled to join the team at beautiful Bluebell Railway with their stunning carriages. For over 60 years the railway has been the backdrop for hundreds of films, TV dramas, fashion shoots and music videos including Downton Abbey, Black Mirror, SAS Rogue Heroes, Indiana Jones, and Gucci photoshoots! Bluebell have fantastic events including fish and chip supper trains, luncheons, trainmaster days, and 'brick builders carriage' - a unique brick-building experience in their fantastic carriages on selected trains this Easter holiday! So do get booked in!
What a therapeutic morning it was, as my team and I joined Sheffield Park & Garden volunteering at their new 'Garden for the Future' planting trees. Pippa and her team were offering volunteering slots to help them plant beautiful trees. If you have the time and would like to be in a gorgeous garden and making your mark, email - kate.sharpe@nationaltrust.org.uk.
If you haven’t already been to Tulleys Farm’s stunning Tulip Fest –it’s a must! I’d the pleasure of seeing this incredible local family business which is a tremendous asset to our area and fantastic for first time jobs, wider employment opportunities in the food sector and continues to back our local economy - it was a great day to be there on my dog TJ’s 13th birthday too with local Cllr Gary Marsh.
I was also pleased to join BBC Politics South East last Sunday, discussing the latest political news discussing SEND provision in our area and support for local businesses in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and the villages given the impact National Insurance hikes and business rates have.
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