Callum's Column: Celebrating Buckinghamshire Day
In case you missed it, today is Buckinghamshire Day, a chance to celebrate everything that makes where we live so special.
Before Parliament rose for the summer recess, I got to celebrate Bucks in Westminster. I joined fellow Buckinghamshire MPs at Speaker's Court for a flag-raising ceremony marking the occasion. The weather certainly played its part, with glorious sunshine providing a fitting backdrop to a proud celebration of our county – and the sun is out in full force this week!
Since returning home, I've been spending as much time as possible out and about across north Buckinghamshire, meeting residents, businesses and community groups. One of the greatest privileges of representing Buckingham and Bletchley, if not the greatest, is the opportunity to meet the people who work tirelessly to make people's lives better.
That was particularly evident at The Buckingham Society's Annual Meeting at the University of Buckingham's Vinson Centre. It was an inspiring opportunity to meet local volunteers and community champions whose dedication helps preserve and improve the town for future generations. Their commitment is a reminder of how much local people contribute to Buckingham's unique character.
At the same venue, albeit on different days, I also attended a briefing organised by the Buckingham Environmental Action Network, which explored the links between climate change, biodiversity, food security and public health. It was a thoughtful and informative discussion that provided plenty of food for thought about the challenges and opportunities facing our communities in the years ahead.
Community spirit was equally clear during my visit to the Buckingham and District Stroke Support Group. The group offers vital friendship, support and practical help to stroke survivors and their families. What struck me most was the encouragement members provide to one another.
The visit was especially meaningful for me personally. My grandfather suffered a stroke nearly 20 years ago, so I understand the impact it can have on individuals and families. Seeing the support network created by the group was genuinely uplifting and highlighted the importance of local organisations like this one.
Buckinghamshire Day is also an opportunity to celebrate our rural communities. At Parkfield Farm near Stowe, I met farmers, land managers and rural businesses to hear about the challenges they face, from rising costs to wider pressures on the rural economy. These conversations are invaluable in helping me represent Buckinghamshire's interests in Westminster. The future of farming matters to all of us, not just those who work the land, because it underpins both our countryside and our food security.
Speaking of Stowe, I was lucky enough to receive a tour of Stowe House, one of England's most remarkable historic buildings. We are unbelievably fortunate to have such an important part of our national heritage on our doorstep, and learning more about its history was a fascinating reminder of Buckinghamshire's rich past. If you've never been before, Stowe is just one of the hundreds of locations across the country included in our Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme. There has never been a better time to visit!
I was also delighted to visit Whaddon Church of England School. With fewer than 50 pupils, it may be one of our smaller schools, but it perfectly demonstrates the supportive environment every child deserves. The pupils were a credit to the school, and I was especially impressed by the artwork produced by Hedgehog Class. Their creativity certainly puts their local MP to shame!
Alongside these visits, I have continued knocking on doors and speaking with residents across Buckingham, Tingewick and surrounding villages. One issue that continues to be raised is flooding. Thanks to the efforts of local residents, community groups, councillors, the Environment Agency and many others, progress is being made on long-term plans to improve Buckingham's resilience. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we all come together together to tackle a shared challenge.
Looking back over the summer so far, one thing stands out above all else: Buckinghamshire's greatest strength is its people. Whether it's Clive and Nancy at Parkfield Farm, Andrew Rudolf, who kindly toured me around Stowe, Sarah Prior and her dedicated team at Whaddon CofE School, or Terry Cavender, who works tirelessly for the Buckingham Canal Society, it is people like them who make our communities so special. That's what Buckinghamshire Day is really about.
I love our county and feel incredibly privileged to represent Buckingham and Bletchley. If you would like me to visit your organisation, business or community group in the coming months, please do get in touch.