GORDON HENDERSON MP

Christmas was a busy time for Louise and me; with loads to do at our new home in Eastchurch. I took time off between Christmas and New Year to try to make some progress, particularly in the garden, but this was made difficult by the snow.

Last week the builders turned up to start work on the existing building in preparation for the extension that will provide mother-in-law with bespoke living accommodation, conditional upon obtaining the necessary planning permission. I had a full constituency schedule which included the following engagements:-

• I joined a representative from the Big Lottery Fund on a visit to the Swale Domestic Violence Group in Sittingbourne to see what was being done with
the grant that was awarded to them.

• I went to one of our local haulage companies, E. H. Nicholls to be briefed on their plans for expansion.

• I had a meeting with Swale Borough Council to discuss various matters of mutual interest, including the recently announced Government grant
settlement and its implications for council taxpayers in Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

• I visited the Gateway centre in Rushenden Road to see how the Queenborough and Rushenden Action Together project had made use of a grant given
to them by the Big Lottery Fund.

• I was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Whitstable where I spoke about life as a new Member of Parliament.

• I visited Grovehurst Surgery in Kemsley to meet the practice partners and discuss with them the proposed changes to the NHS administration, including GP commissioning.

• I had a meeting with Amicus Horizon to discuss matters relating to social housing in the constituency and how they would be affected by the proposed changes to housing benefits.

• I met with the organiser of the Swale Carers Support Group to discuss ways in which she could increase the group’s funding streams.

• I met with two local film makers, Ken Rowles and Steve Kane, to discuss how best they can provide help to unemployed graduates.

• I was a guest at the Kent Best Practice Club at a breakfast meeting on the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne hosted by one of my local companies, Johnston Sweepers, where I was briefed on concerns held by the various manufacturing companies that were in attendance.

• I visited the Freedom Centre in Sheerness for a question and answer session with local disabled people about the proposed changes to the benefits system.

• I visited the Army Recruitment Centre in Chatham as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme of which I am a member.

• I presented a new football strip on behalf of Southern Water to the youth squad of Sheerness East Football Club, which is based in Halfway.

Many people think that recess is a “holiday” for MPs, but in fact my programme is often busier than when I am in Westminster!