As the year draws to a close, I want to reflect on what an honour it is to represent the Bridgwater constituency, including Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, and our surrounding villages. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is getting out into the community, meeting people from all walks of life, and seeing the quiet, everyday work that helps make our area such a strong place to live.
Over the past year, I have spent time right across the constituency, listening to residents, supporting local organisations, and seeing first-hand the commitment people show to their towns and villages. I wanted to share just a small snapshot of some of those visits.
Earlier in the year, I visited WWT Steart Marshes, a reminder of the environmental asset we have on our doorstep and the work being done to protect it for future generations. I also met with local councillors and members of the Sedgemoor Model Boat Club at Apex Park, hearing about the role they play in maintaining a well-used community space.
In May, I visited both Bridgwater Hospital and Burnham Hospital, meeting staff and volunteers and discussing local healthcare provision, including concerns raised by residents. At Bridgwater Hospital, it was inspiring to hear about the work of the League of Friends and to see the Anniversary Garden marking ten years since the hospital opened.
Over the summer, education and young people were a key focus. I visited schools across the constituency as part of my Read2Succeed campaign, handing out free books to Year 4 pupils in both Bridgwater and Highbridge. Encouraging a love of reading is something I care deeply about, and it was great to see the enthusiasm from pupils.
I also attended Brymore Academy’s Country Fair and Open Day, where students showcased the important work being done to prepare young people for careers in agriculture and land-based industries.
Community visits continued throughout the summer with my Village Tour, including stops in Over Stowey, Fiddington, Combwich, Cannington, and Durleigh. These visits gave residents the chance to raise issues directly with me, from planning and road safety to farming and the future of local pubs, conversations which help shape my work both locally and in Parliament.
I also spent time with organisations supporting residents of all ages, from Highbridge U3A fundraising for a defibrillator at the Community Hall, to Sydenham Amateur Boxing Club, where young people are building confidence, discipline, and resilience through sport. More recently, I hosted a Pensioners’ Fair in Burnham, bringing together organisations that provide advice and support for older residents.
Public safety and community events have been important this year too. I joined police officers on the beat in Burnham town centre to discuss antisocial behaviour, speeding, and traveller incursions, and later in the year I visited the Bristol Road Carnival sheds ahead of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
These visits are just a snapshot of the work I have enjoyed doing this year. I remain committed to being visible, accessible, and responsive to everyone I represent, wherever they live in the constituency.
As we approach Christmas, I want to wish everyone across Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, and our villages a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
If you need help or support at any time, my office is here to assist. You can contact me via my constituency office on [email protected]
