Last weekend saw the return of the Romsey Food Fair on Sunday, with The Market Place, Hundred and Cornmarket full of stalls with the most incredible local produce. It was great to see some favourites return, like the River Test Distillery and New Forest Shortbread, and new stalls, especially the incredible chocolatier. I know this event would not have become such a fixture on the local calendar without the dedication of the Chamber of Commerce and the determined band of volunteers who make it possible, so a huge thank you to them.
Congratulations too are in order to the Michelmersh Silver Band who on Saturday had a fabulous concert in Romsey Abbey and this weekend travel to Cheltenham having qualified for the second year running for the finals of the National Silver Band Championships. Their performance last weekend was superb and fingers crossed for them this weekend. Next year they are promoted to the elite division, and it is amazing to think how they have so successfully put Michelmersh on the map.
On Tuesday this week I was privileged to hear Sally Challen speak at an event hosted by the Centre for Women's Justice. Sally was the victim of decades of abusive and controlling behaviour and served nine years in prison for killing her abuser. Her story is both chilling and inspiring, and huge credit must go to her son David who never gave up championing his mother's case.
I also met up with Greene King publicans in Westminster this week, after a great visit to the Royal Oak at Charlton during the Summer. The hospitality industry has been at the forefront of campaigning for changes in the budget that could really help their sector, and the Beer and Pub Association were also in Parliament this week talking about sustainability and English grown hops. I admit I know very little about beer, but have always welcomed expert tuition from local brewers.
This weekend we will see the wonderful Romsey Show return to Broadlands, so I will be praying for sunshine. It is always a fantastic event and as usual I will have a drop in surgery running all day. I suspect my feet will be very sore by the end of it, but if you are coming to the Show please do drop by to say hello and enjoy one of this year's treats, Nokes Iced Biscuits. Hoping the photo is an improvement on last year's cupcakes, which tasted great but were slightly disconcerting to look at.
