Events are now, thankfully, back on the agenda in Brecon and Radnorshire and it has been a pleasure to visit many of them. As well as some longstanding fixtures, it is great to see what can be achieved in a short space of time. The Brecon Classic Car weekend was organised with just 2 weeks’ notice. Brecon promenade was full of people all admiring the large selection of cars, tractors and even scooters. It has also been brilliant to see the Royal Welsh Showground full of people again – either at the early Ram Sale, the Autumn Equine Show or the Mid Wales Food Fair.
James and Fay were thrilled to judge the Federation Display at the Radnor YFC Field Day in Penmaenau. As ever, the standard was outstanding. James is a product of the YFCs and Brecon and Radnorshire is lucky to have two thriving, active clubs. If you are aged between 10 & 26, and want to learn more about your local club, get in touch with either the Breconshire (01874 624889) or Radnorshire (01597 829008) Federation Offices.
The Autumn Reshuffle saw Fay promoted to serve as the PPS to the Secretary of State George Eustice. Farming will always be the beating heart of the constituency and we are both determined to do all we can to promote and protect the farming community in Brecon and Radnorshire.
Sixth form provision is a continual topic of concern we have both been involved with and James has recently met with the senior team at the Neath Port Talbot College Group who run the college in Brecon. They have super plans for the future of the College. These will not only provide excellent learning opportunities for our students but also well needed re-investment into Brecon and Powys. There is much to be positive about over these plans.
James is continuing to press the Government over poor services. It is deeply worrying that ambulance waiting times seem to be increasing. While it is hugely welcome that the military will now be driving ambulances, we need to see the additional funding for the Welsh NHS directed towards more front line staff so patients are not waiting outside hospitals for hours in ambulances. Poor dental provision is still a huge worry. It was deeply alarming to hear that there is now no dental practice in Brecon and Radnorshire accepting new NHS adult patients. James will continue to put pressure on the Welsh Government and the Health Board to take drastic action to improve things.
The Covid Booster Vaccine programme is now well underway – as is the seasonal flu jab rollout. We both applaud the teams in Powys who have led the way with the delivery of the vaccination programme. Please follow up your appointments to ensure we maintain this record. If you have any concern or queries please get in touch. If you have any spare time, do think about rolling up your sleeves and volunteering with the outstanding PAVO. (01587 822191)
There are two exciting events coming up. The Hay Festival Winter Weekend returns on November 24th until the 28th. Once again, huge names are coming to talk about their books – Miriam Margolyes and Henry Blofeld to name but two. The announcement which many have awaited with baited breath is the return of the Winter Fair at the Royal Welsh Showground 29th- 30th November. The Winter Fair is a fantastic occasion and we’re both eagerly looking forward to seeing competitors and fabulous livestock back at Llanelwedd.
Surgeries and appointments remain available by appointment, please get in touch!
[email protected] 02922 338545 [email protected] 01874 793142
