2026: Week 40 - All things local
This week I’ve been focusing on all things local and discovering that we have more fantastic businesses and individuals right here in the constituency!
I started the week by holding a series of pop-up surgeries in some of the more outlying villages. During these pop-ups we spoke about road safety, speeding, climate change, water companies and lots of other topics! I find these sessions useful as they give me a clear idea of the current issues that are concerning residents, this then steers my Parliamentary work as I can focus on the things that local people really care about.
I was delighted to learn that one of our local postal workers from Dawlish has won the prestigious National Postie of the Year at the Heart of Royal Mail awards.
Nick won the award from more than 8000 nominations which is an incredible achievement. He won because he consistently demonstrates Royal Mail’s core values through dedication, reliability and attention to detail. He is also praised regularly by his customers, some of whom don’t see another friendly face from week to week.
My congratulations go out to Nick and I hope he continues to be a valuable asset to the town for many years to come.
In the same vein, two of our local takeaway businesses have achieved great things recently.
Chippies Plaice, in Newton Abbot, have reached the top 40 of the National Federation of Fish Fryers Fish and Chip awards, in the category of Takeaway of the Year. I am pleased to offer my support and congratulations to them and wish them the very best as they hopefully progress through the competition.
Fish and Chip shops, alongside other small hospitality businesses play an important role; not only in the economy but in the communities that they serve. They provide employment opportunities, support local supply chains, and make valuable contributions to the vitality of local high streets and surrounding communities.
There is also Bollywood Spice in Newton Abbot who have been nominated for the Takeaway of the Year in the National Curry Awards.
The National Curry awards were established in 2019 to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of the UK’s curry industry and celebrate its successes. I understand that the National Curry Awards play a crucial role in inspiring and involving new generations to actively participate in the industry. These awards attract entries from across the UK, so for one of our local businesses to be nominated is especially exciting. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for Bollywood Spice!
It is fantastic that they will be joining another local award winning restaurant, Eastern Eye in being recognised as one of the best in the UK’s curry industry.
From the 5th – 11th October the UK celebrated the first National Cadet’s week. It is the first ever nationwide celebration of the UK’s Cadet Forces, launched by the Ministry of Defence. It highlights the achievements, skills, and community contributions of young cadets and adult volunteers.
We have fantastic cadet groups across the constituency, and I am proud to offer my thanks and support to all of them, they do amazing work and are a wonderful resource for our young people.