Brixham Does Care

I met today with Brixham Does Care, a local charity that offers support to people of all ages; a befriending charity which attempts to combat loneliness, isolation and despair. This was an opportunity to meet many who have benefited from their support and to hear how they now have a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Totnes Surgery

Another busy surgery at Totnes; if you wish to meet me to discuss your concerns please telephone 01803 868378 for an appointment. I have surgeries at various locations throughout the constituency.

Townstal Open Meeting

Thank you to Townstal Community Hall and Townstal Community Partnership for inviting me to attend an Open Meeting. I was joined by Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, Dr Greatorex from the NHS Primary Care Trust and PC Nick Hill from the Dartmouth Police and answered questions on a diverse number of subjects.

Salcombe Youth Hostel

I am grateful to Caroline White, Chief Executive of the Youth Hostel Association and Ben Atwell, who manages the local area, for showing me around the stunning Youth Hostel at Salcombe. Located at Overbecks and with the best views in Salcombe, I was pleased to hear that you can book for bed and a meal for just £30 for a family of four per night. Gone are the days when staying at a youth hostel used to mean helping with the chores and cold showers but it still retains its community atmosphere. The YHA is now helping with accommodation for the National Citizen Service which will hopefully help to introduce another generation to the joys of youth hostelling. If you would like to book a stay at any youth hostel you can now do so online, well worth a look and definitely worth the climb. Now that I am 50 I was relieved to hear that you don't even have to be a youth, just young at heart.

Slapton Line

I enjoyed my visit to Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre to hear about the challenges facing the Slapton Line. The Ley has been constantly changing over the centuries and at some point, perhaps not for decades, the line may again be breached. There are no easy answers and those who own the line, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation trust, would not agree to concrete barriers or other so called 'hard' engineering or even 'soft' off shore engineering projects even if these could be funded. Supporting communities around the Slapton line and committing to early repair of any future manageable breach is however essential and I recognise the devastating impact on communities if that did not take place. In the meantime, the threat of rising sea levels is clear to anyone walking the line.

Salcombe Surgery

Thank you to Rev Daniel French for allowing me to use the upper rooms at Holy Trinity Church for one of my Advice Surgeries. When possible I like to hold surgeries in various locations around the constituency, so please telephone 01803 868378 if you would like an appointment.

Dartmouth Academy

I visited Dartmouth Academy today and I was impressed with the quality of art work. It is clear that the school is valuing its strong arts background whilst now pulling out all the stops to improve core academic achievements. Nicola Perrott, Director of Creative Learning writes,

"Art and Design training at Dartmouth Academy is a broad based education encompassing critical thought, creative endeavour, skills mastery and personal investment. We have long achieved outstanding results not only in Art & Design but also in Photography and Textile Design at GCSE and A Level standard. Schemes of learning encourage and support a broad cross curricular experience where students explore the intersection of subject areas that are apparently diverse. The experience allows students to break down barriers to learning and bring strengths and knowledge from one discipline into another, thus making coherent links between various modes and styles of learning. Recent collaborations have seen a multi media interactive exhibition on World War 2 bringing together Art & Design, Photography, English, History and Media Studies. Other collaborations have included visual maths journals, animated algebra and a great scheme of learning for year 8 based on Shakespeare's Tempest, which the students are studying in English. Rather than maintaining high standards we are constantly seeking ways for further improvement and development of our learners."

Apprentices at South Devon College

I visited South Devon College today as part of National Apprenticeship week. The Totnes Constituency has seen 700 new apprenticeships start last year which is an increase of 56%.

I met Dean Bowden and many of the  apprentices from a variety of exciting courses . The number of apprentices could be even greater if more employers realised the benefits of taking on an apprentice.

Dean Bowden from South Devon College would be happy to talk to any employers considering offering to share their skills with an apprentice. The Government is delivering unprecedented funding for new apprenticeships. In addition, the Prime Minister has announced that from 7 February 2012, businesses and training providers can bid for a share of £6 million from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund, which will support the development of thousands of new Higher Apprenticeships in sectors including aerospace, energy and renewable technologies. Small and medium-sized businesses without any apprentices who hire one aged 16-24 are eligible for a £1,500 bonus, with up to 40,000 payments available and businesses can bid for a share of a £250 million fund to boost skills in their workplace, giving employers rather than training providers direct access to funding for training.

Holocaust Memorial Service

It was humbling to meet Berek and Marie Obuchowski, holocaust survivors, to hear their remarkable stories of survival. To hear first hand of Berek's time in the Lodz Ghetto, Aushwitz-Birkenau and the death march to Buchenwald brings home the need to stop these hate crimes ever happening again. Despite the lifelong pain of remembering, Berek works tirelessly to help others to understand why and how this happened. A truly remarkable couple and thanks to Brixham Baptist Church for organising the memorial service.

Surgeries

I hold surgeries at a variety of venues across the constituency, today there were two surgeries, one in Totnes and one in Brixham. If you would like to meet to discuss local or national issues or need advice, please call 01803 868378 to make an appointment.

HMS Bulwark

Thank you to Captain Alex Burton and all the ship's company for making me so welcome aboard the Royal Naval Flagship, HMS Bulwark. This was a fascinating insight into the workings of this warship described by Captain Burton as the 'Swiss Army Knife' of the fleet. She is able to deliver the power of the Royal Marines by air and sea carrying over 250 marines with their vehicles and supplies as well as commanding and coordinating operations from on board the ship. As an island nation with 600 ports, around 300 offshore installations and an important fishing industry, we are absolutely dependent on the security of our seas. UK-based shipping contributes £10bn per year to GDP and needs protection both at home and abroad.

The crew are on 48 hours notice to be available to spearhead operations anywhere in the world which places a heavy responsibility on the crew to be in a constant state of readiness. I was impressed by their rigorous training programme and conviction that every crew member is essential to the smooth running of the ship, often trained for several roles.

HMS Bulwark has already demonstrated her role in humanitarian assistance and conflict prevention as well as promoting partnerships through joint exercises with the French Navy. None of this would be possible without the professionalism and dedication of the ship's company.

As a former 'air force baby' I particularly enjoyed visiting the landing platform although being more used to runways it looked like an impossibly small ...and moving target for a landing!

Bowden Farm

It was a pleasure to visit Bowden Farm near South Brent to meet Russell and Sandy Ashford and members of the Dartmoor Preservation Society and Commoners Association to hear about the problems facing hill farmers in South Devon. It is vital that when the Common Agricultural Policy is reviewed, the particular challenges facing hill farmers are recognised. At present they receive less in the way of subsidies despite working in the most challenging terrain and looking after so much in the way of open access countryside.

Without maintaining the delicate balance of grazing stock our moorland would rapidly become inaccessible and we can already see where this is happening in some parts of Dartmoor. Farmers need to have their environmental work fairly rewarded be that for South West Water or on behalf of everyone that enjoys the freedom of the moors.

Totnes Surgery

My regular advice surgeries are an opportunity for my constituents to come and see me in person to talk about any issues, political or personal, that you may be having difficulty with, please telephone 01803 868378 to make an appointment.

Health Select Committee visit to Torbay

I was pleased to welcome fellow members of the Health Select Committee to Torbay to see for themselves the groundbreaking achievements of the Torbay Care Trust, Baywide and Torbay Council in pooling their budgets and putting in place integrated health and social care. The ethos of having a single point of contact and plans in place to avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital together with arrangements to make sure that people can return home as soon as possible, have put Torbay ahead of so many other areas.

The Health Select Committee report into adult social care will be published on 8th February.

Transition Town Totnes

I met Rob Hopkins and Frances Northrop from Transition Town Totnes to discuss their new book, The Transition Companion, and the extraordinary progress of the Transition Movement both locally and nationally. The introduction to the Transition Companion asks the question, 'what would it look like if the best responses to peak oil and climate change came not from committees and Acts of Parliament, but from you and me and the people around us'. The Transition movement is now working to put these ideas for increasing local resilience into practice

Passivhaus Totnes

Today I met with Adam Dadeby and had the opportunity to look over a Passivhaus in Dartington. Passivhaus originated in Germany in 1991 but now countries around the world are adopting the standard and adapting it to their local architecture and climate. Since 2009, it has been taking off rapidly in the UK too. A Passivhaus with ultra low energy building standard  needs 90% less energy than a typical UK home, protecting owners or tenants from fuel poverty for ever. Designed and built with proper care and attention to detail, they stay very comfortable in summer and winter, without relying on lots of complex technology. A very interesting project.

Meeting with Baywide

Meeting with Dr Samantha Barrell from Baywide to discuss the proposed new arrangements for 2 clinical commissioning groups to cover Devon.

Totnes Surgery

The first surgery of the new year. If you would like to meet to discuss your concerns or local and national  issues please contact Nina Smith on 01803 868378 or email:  nina.smith@parliament.uk to arrange an appointment.

Open Meeting at Loddiswell

I attended an Open Public Meeting in Loddiswell and I also had the opportunity to meet with the Parish Council.

Torbay Council

I had a meeting at Torquay Town Hall with Elizabeth Raikes and Cllrs Thomas and Richardson to discuss Park Homes and the problems faced by residents.

Brixham Police

Visit to Brixham Police Station to celebrate the contribution of Special Constables to policing in Torbay.

There are over 14,000 special constables across the UK, all volunteers and it was a privilege to meet them to hear their contribution recognised by Inspector Nye and to hear about the challenging but fascinating teamwork involved.

Totnes Police Station

Meeting with our local police to discuss the force reorganisation known as blueprint and how the teams area are coping with changes to their shift patterns and response teams. It was also good to meet the team which then takes over to investigate crimes after the response team.

Totnes Surgery

Please get in contact should you wish to meet with me at one of my surgeries around the constituency. The contact for surgery appointments is 01803 86878 or by email nina.smith@parliament.uk

Visit to Specialty Fasteners and Components Ltd in Totnes

Speciality Fasteners and Componets Ltd is a thriving business produces and exports fasteners for high end vehicles like racing cars and speed boats but are currently threatened by the uncontrolled growth of counterfeit products in the Far East. It was shocking to see how these poor quality imitations could be broken apart and yet how convincing the fake packaging looked. Such fakes are not only a threat to safety but are also damaging small British engineering firms.

Meeting with Anthony Farnsworth, Torbay Care Trust

Discussion about the achievements and challenges facing the Torbay Care Trust in the year ahead as they become a provider of services and hand over all their commissioning roles to Baywide. We are waiting to hear final news of how the commissioning groups will look in Devon. This meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing our community hospitals and the work of the Leagues of Friends.

Kingsbridge Surgery

Today I held a surgery at Quay House in Kingsbridge, and I try to rotate my surgeries around the constituency. If you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss with me please telephone Nina Smith on 01803 868378 or email nina.smith@parliament.uk to arrange an appointment.

Totnes Surgery

I held a surgery in Totnes today, if you would like to meet please telephone Nina Smith on 01803 868378 or email nina.smith@parliament.uk to arrange an appointment.

West Charleton Open Meeting

My thanks to everyone for organising a successful Open Meeting at West Charleton Village Hall. It was good to meet with many local residents to discuss both local and national issues.

Devon Rape Crisis Centre

Today I spoke as Patron, at the launch of Devon's first Rape Crisis Centre. Devon has long been recognised as one of the areas of the Country with the worst access to support for victims of sexual violence and as a former police surgeon and GP I am proud that the Conservatives have honoured our manifesto commitment to improve this service. Thanks to three years of secure funding this will include education and prevention as well as a confidential telephone helpline and face-to-face support. There will also be support for partners, friends or relatives. I am sure that this new service will help those who have been victims of sexual violence and are struggling to move on from these deeply traumatic crimes. The new service will begin by running the helpline (01392 204174) on Mondays from 3pm to 6pm, Fridays from 2pm to 5pm and Saturdays from 11am and 2pm. The hours will increase to 20 a week once the next team of volunteers have finished training. The website is www.devonrapecrisis.org.uk

Brixham Surgery

I held another busy surgery today at Brixham Conservative Club, if you would like an appointment to meet, please telephone Nina Smith on 01803 868378.

KEVICC

I also visited the politics sixth form at KEVICC in Totnes for a lively discussion. We discussed the changes to university funding, European and wider international affairs, the environment and the economy. Thanks to everyone who contributed at both colleges

Paignton Community College

I enjoyed my visit to the 6th form at Paignton Community College for a discussion about the role of an MP and to hear views on a range of issues from university funding and bursaries to ideas about tackling problem drinking in Torbay.

National Farmer's Union

Thank you to the National Farmer's Union for inviting me to speak at their Annual Meeting. This was a great opportunity for an update from local farmers on the problems facing them as a result of Bovine TB and a range of other issues.

Leatside Surgery

It was wonderful to tour the new facilities at Leatside Surgery following the reopening by Jonathan Dimbleby. We were treated to a tremendous serenade by the Surgery Singers at this warm and friendly event.

TQ9 Project

Congratulations to James Engwell. TQ9 is now up and running at their new premises at 16, High Street, Totnes.

Totnes is a thriving centre for the creative industries, music, arts & natural health. Home to acclaimed writers, poets & thinkers, as well as to a number of progressive organisations with global influence. However, while the area enjoys rich cultural diversity, interesting people, outstanding natural beauty & low crime, there is a huge disparity in incomes, high unemployment & a  lack of opportunity.

The TQ9 project aims to respond to these challenges by;

• Developing flexible & affordable workspace network to address the shortage of available workspace in Totnes, and increase collaborative working.
• Creating a Skills and Training Programme to address the lack of understanding & uptake of digital services, and increase enterprise development success.
• Running a Project Management & Enterprise Development programme to catalyse local enterprise start-ups and accelerate current ongoing projects.
• Creating a #Hyperlocal Digital Network to enable the free exchange, storage & protection of social, cultural & economic resources within the South Hams.

Open Meeting at Dartmouth Guildhall

Thank you to everyone who attended this open meeting. The subjects ranged from localism, draft National Planning Policy Framework , Europe, the economy, the importance of Britannia Royal Naval College , farming and Brixham coastguards to name but a few. I am grateful to all who attended for a lively and broad reaching discussion.

Dartmouth Surgery

Today, my Advice Surgery was held at Dartmouth Guildhall, for details of further surgeries or to make an appointment, please contact Nina Smith on 01803 868378 or email nina.smith@parliament.uk

Suptd Jim Nye

This was a meeting to discuss policing in Paignton and Brixham whilst Paignton and Brixham remain low crime areas there has been a blip in the downward trend of recent years. Unfortunately a significant number of burglaries are opportunistic, crimes where householders have left windows or doors open this was also a meeting to discuss individual concerns raised by constituents and how the force is coping with significant operational changes.

Slapton Partnership

I had a meeting with Simon Tonge of the Slapton Line Partnership. This was a chance to discuss Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and the future of the Slaton line.

Totnes Surgery

Another surgery in Totnes and if you require an appointment please contact Nina Smith on 01803 868378 or by email nina.smith@parliament.uk