The first week of Jerome Mayhew's constituency tour has seen him in Aylsham, Acle, Brundall, Upton, Fulmodeston, Swanton Novers, Thursford and Badersfield. He writes:
It's been a pleasure to travel around the constituency this week, meeting an enormous number of people. I am heartened by the way in which communities have risen to the considerable challenges posed by coronavirus, and the way in which residents and businesses are successfully 'bouncing back' after the lengthy lockdown period.
The week began with a visit to the John Innes Centre, a world-leading research institute for plant health. Amazing work is being undertaken in a series of rather tired buildings - with funding for a new building, they could grow by 30% and increase industry co-operation. I will do everything I can to help them realise this ambition.
Next I visited the Bure Valley Railway, now moving to a five-day timetable with steam trains on the hour from Aylsham. They've really thought through their 'social distancing' to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, and I look forward to returning with my family soon.
Acle Recreation Centre has amazing facilities which they are working hard to make 'Covid secure'. They are hoping to open their indoor bowls facility again soon, though the pause in the relaxation of restrictions this week means the future remains a little uncertain. Having re-opened on 4th July, it was good to see the Acle Bridge Inn trading well. I am pleased to hear our hospitality businesses are beginning to make a come back, in time to welcome the influx of visitors to the area.
Broom Boats in Brundall has a high-end fleet and maintenance division, but is also looking to create a recreational destination at their nine-acre riverside site. They are fully booked until October.
Traditional commercial reed-cutting has been a part of Broadland's history and heritage for many centuries. I met some of the reed-cutters, experts in creating and protecting the habitat we and the wildlife love so much. This is an industry we should actively support and encourage.
I met the team who have kept Upton Community Shop serving residents through lockdown and beyond, providing an essential service to local people. The managers and volunteers also keep the White Horse pub open for business, for the benefit of the whole village.
During my visit to Swanton Novers, I met my childhood next door neighbour! It is such a shame that the annual Christmas Spectacular in Thursford has had to be cancelled this year, but the ever-resourceful Thursford Collection is instead replacing it with a wonderful outdoor fantasy light show, powered by seven million bulbs.
I met residents in Fulmodeston to discuss a whole variety of issues, and finished the week by attending a residents' meeting at Badersfield, to discuss improving relations with the temporary asylum hostel located there.
