Out and About
With MP Mark Lancaster
As the Christmas Decorations begin to adorn Olney and Newport Pagnell High Streets, is it hard not to start getting into the festive mood. With chocolate Santas arriving in shops before Halloween this year, you would have thought we'd have reached saturation point before the 25th December came around, but the magic of the Christmas story never quite fails to quash my inner Scrooge.
While December signals Christmas, it also allows us to think of the year that has past. The end of the year always seems to come about so quickly, and this year has been no different-time flies when you are having fun.
It has been a year of achievements for Westminster, and equally so locally. Milton Keynes has been recognised as the number one place to invest in the UK, a definite reason to celebrate. Recent announcements by the Bank of England, that the economy is on the mend and the reduction in unemployment, will take us into 201 4 on a positive footing.
During my first term in parliament I aimed to visit all of the schools in my constituency (no mean feat when representing such a large constituency), and I am hoping to be able to have achieved this again before 201 5.
This year has seen me visit Newton Blossomville, Emberton, Olney Middle, Olney Infant, Tickford Park and Ousedale Schools to name just a few. I always enjoy taking the opportunity of visiting the schools in the area, and even more so if it's to encourage our youngsters the value of healthy eating, which is what I did recently for National School Meals Week.
Naturally, I was very pleased to be invited to join the children in a nutritionally balanced meal of sausage, mash and vegetables, and not just for the food. It was quite evident that the campaign was a clear success, as there were plenty of clean plates at my table!
All too often we are feeding our children foods high in sugar and fat, and we are damaging their health. It is incredibly important that we educate our children from a very early age, about how valuable it is to have a healthy, balanced diet.
One of the benefits of working as a local MP is that I get to see all manner of businesses, and the Concrete Cow Brewery is a real jewel in the crown, when I talk of a small successful company in our community.
Dan Bonner single handedly brews all nine of his beers at his brewery, based locally, and has recently celebrated being awarded second prize at the MK Beer Festival. The festival gave a variety of micro-breweries the opportunity to showcase their specially beers from the across the regions.
Being a keen supporter of the brewing industry, it is great to see the likes of the Concrete Cow Brewery and the Hopping Mad Brewery thriving here in Milton Keynes and North Bucks. Having visited both, it is fascinating to see the process that has to be followed in order to make the brew, and I hope many people will sample beers from these great local assets when they see them on sale in our local pubs. Take it from me; they're definitely worth sampling!
Last month saw Remembrance Sunday. Traditionally, I attend the Newport Pagnell and New Bradwell services and parades, and this year was no exception. This month marked 25 years since I first joined the army, and having first served in the Queen's Gurkha Engineers and subsequently in Bomb Disposal Units, this service is naturally of personal importance.
What I've found evident in recent years is the increase in numbers of the local community who want to take part in the commemoration service. Recent campaigns overseas have clearly had an impact on those who wish to recognise the servicemen and women of our Armed Forces. This is something that I know is of great comfort and support to those who are unable to be with their loved ones.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Living in such a beautiful part of the world, it is hard not to cherish the area when it is lit up, and I hopethatthespiritoftheseasonwillbetransferredinto2014.
As ever, if you would  e me to visit your organization, or need mysupport,thendon'thesitatetocontactme on01908686830. Phonebox Magazine 53