The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Consultation

The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation is conducting a consultation ahead of the publication of its new Five Year Plan in January 2016. The online consultation aims to inform the next 5 year plan so that the Foundation can continue to add to the quality of life in Letchworth based on previous improvements carried out during the last 5 years. Those that wish to respond can do so online or by visiting the Community Hub on Station Road on weekdays between 10am and 3pm and leaving ideas in the suggestions box, or by visiting it when it is open late on the following Thursdays: 30 July, 6 and 13 August between 6.30-9pm, and on the following Saturdays: 25 July and 1, 8 and 15 August between 10.30am and 1pm.

It is important that the next 5 year plan reflects the wishes of those living in Letchworth and nearby and I would strongly encourage my constituents to respond to this consultation.

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A report from a work experience student who spent a week at my office

On my first day of work experience with Sir Oliver Heald MP and his wife, Christine, I accumulated opinions for and against the Hunting Act which, despite proving to be unnecessary due to the cancellation of the vote, gave my experience an initial sense of importance.

Another highlight of my week, working as an intern, was seeing Boris Johnson in Parliament during the budget debate, and to hear him make a short speech during the debate made the experience even more memorable. This debate was also the subject of heated discussion, as the budget proved to be a controversial topic, which was both entertaining and exciting.

Also, overseeing London from the top of the House of Commons – which I was told was the best view of Big Ben possible – was a truly magnificent experience as only a small selection of people can have access to such an extraordinary location.

When approaching the mid-point of the week, I was given the opportunity to deliver a petition, from North-East Hertfordshire, to 10 Downing Street. Despite the slightly intimidating policemen with machine guns, delivering the petition and having our photos taken at the door made for an incredible occasion. Furthermore, a tour of the Houses of Parliament proved to be very interesting. I was shown a bit of damage done to one of the tables in the House of Lords which is apparently caused by Winston Churchill slamming the ring on his finger against the table viciously when giving speeches. It is fascinating to know about the traditions that are still carried out in this modern-day democracy.

In addition, I watched other Parliamentary discussions regarding whether sex education lessons should continue at school, and whether only English MPs only should vote for English laws. During this, I was not only interested by the oral questions but the traditions within Parliament, such as the repetition of the phrase ‘my honourable friend’.

Finally, I completed two press releases during the latter end of the week. One of which was for the National Responsible Business Champion Award which took place in the Speaker’s house and was a very prestigious occasion. Secondly, I created a press release regarding the unemployment figures in North-East Hertfordshire.

To summarise, my week as an intern was very memorable, and the opportunities that I was given made me feel very honoured to be within such a prestigious place.
-Marcus Hutchinson

East and North Herts NHS Trust wins national recognition

I was very pleased to read that, at the annual Healthcare People Management Association’s awards – held on 18^th June – the Trust won the best HR team award and were announced as the overall winners. The Human Resources Team came top in the best HR team category and accepted the award at a London ceremony.

The HR Team is one of many behind-the-scenes departments whose efforts support clinical staff in providing excellent patient care and, as such, is a vital part of the Trust. I am delighted that their hard work is being recognised.

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Productivity up in British economy

New statistics released yesterday show that that productivity in the UK was 1.3% higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014, which represents the fastest increase for three years.

The productivity challenge is something that we must overcome in order to secure the recovery, and I am delighted to see such progress being made. This will help us deliver more jobs, make work pay, and cut taxes so that families can keep more of what they earn. Growth, increasing employment, and higher living standards for everyone are central objectives in our One Nation plan, and I look forward to more good figures in the future.

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Two summer opportunities for budding young journalists

I am pleased to see that the News Academy is running two free summer-time activities for budding young journalists to get a flavour of the profession and hone their skills.

The News Academy Summer School is a free week-long journalism training programme for students aged 16 to 18 from across the UK and Ireland. Based at the London headquarters of The Times, Sunday Times, and The Sun, 15 students will get the opportunity to write, edit, and publish their own newspaper, with the help of some top journalists. Accommodation, travel, and food in London are included for the duration of the Summer School.

Students can apply on the News Academy website with the submission of an essay of up to 500 words on something they are passionate about. Applications close at midnight on 19th July.

Secondly, the Great British Sound Off is a programme for 18 to 24 year olds for which the News Academy has teamed up with The Sun newspaper to run a competition seeking out promising young columnists. Five 18 to 24 year-old finalists will see their column appear in The Sun Newspaper.

To apply, entrants need to write about why they deserve to win and submit 200 words on something they feel passionate about at thesun.co.uk/gbso

Both of these are excellent opportunities, and I urge all aspiring journalists in North East Hertfordshire to apply.

http://www.oliverheald.com
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