Out and about in Brecon and Radnorshire
I was out and about in Brecon and Radnorshire yesterday. I started the day off visiting a fantastic Day Centre for pensioners in Rhayader, which really does make a difference to the lives of the pensioners in the immediate area. The Hafan Day Care Centre helps them with their laundry and it provides lunch as well as a safe and comfortable area for them to chat with friends.
I spoke at length with many of the users the scheme which is funded by the good will of local people as well as some funds from Powys County. I will continue to push for additional funding for such schemes like these across Wales. If those running the scheme were able to concentrate on delivery not worrying about the financial future perhaps they could cater for more vulnerable people in the area.
During the visit I had a chance to catch up with our superb Welsh Assembly candidate Suzy Davies. Suzy is a Welsh speaking local girl who has been working hard across the constituency for many months.
I continued visiting post offices and other local businesses on my way across the constituency and I also dropped in on our Conservative Women’s Branch AGM which was extremely well attended. I’m pleased to say that everyone was up-beat about our future as a party and looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead.
Finally Suzy and I met with Jim Paice MP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Jim joined us to address a meeting of local farmers in Brecon. He always addresses meetings with such passion for the farming industry and great honesty about the need to tackle the tough issues head on.
We had an open and frank debate: I chaired the meeting alongside Suzy and Jim. What was terribly obvious is that our farming industry is really suffering from the effects of over regulation and a Government that simply does not care about the countryside. We may have disagreed about some issues but we all unanimously agreed that New Labour should be booted out and I very hope that Jim will become Agriculture Minister at Westminster.
