Welcome to this week's newsletter.
It has been an interesting week, with the return of the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain providing a timely reminder that the most important parts of the 1066 story happened right here in Battle and Pevensey. It was a real privilege to attend its ceremonial opening at the British Museum and particularly good to see pupils from Claverham Community College there too.
I was also back in Parliament to support the Babies Bill. Being a parent is one of the hardest and most important jobs there is, and families should never feel there is anything wrong with asking for help.
Back in the constituency, I enjoyed discovering more of Bexhill Old Town’s history, meeting residents at Grosvenor Park Care Home and seeing a fantastic collection of vehicles at the Bexhill 100 Classic and Custom Car Show.
Have a great weekend.
Take a first look at the Bayuex Tapestry in the UK
It was a real privilege to attend the ceremonial opening of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, alongside Their Majesties The King and Queen, the Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The tapestry tells the extraordinary story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, giving it a unique connection to our area. Even if I'd say the reporting would be more accurate if it said the battle took place near Battle not Hastings!
It was especially good to see pupils from Claverham Community College in Battle among those invited to attend and experience this remarkable piece of history up close.
Free tickets are being made available for local schoolchildren to visit the exhibition. However, numbers are currently limited, so I am pushing for more pupils from Bexhill and Battle to have the opportunity to see it.
The Bayeux Tapestry opens to the public on 10 September
Visit to Grosvenor Park Care Home
It was a pleasure to visit Grosvenor Park Care Home in Bexhill, which reopened earlier this year under new ownership.
I met with Home Manager Shauna McCarthy and the team at Bondcare to hear about the work they have been doing since the home reopened in February, as well as some of the wider challenges facing the care sector.
I also had the chance to spend time with residents, hear about their experiences and chat about some of the issues that matter to them locally.
Our care homes play such an important role in, and it was great to see the commitment of the team to creating a welcoming and supportive home for its residents.
Hidden Treasures in Bexhill Old Town
There’s a remarkable amount of Bexhill’s history tucked away in the Old Town.
I recently joined Helen Enock, Chairman of Bexhill Old Town Preservation Society, for a walking tour to learn more about the people, buildings and landmarks that have shaped the town over the centuries.
We visited the Manor Gardens, where the ruins of the old Manor House can still be seen. The Manor stood at the heart of the Old Town for centuries, with its history stretching back to the medieval Bishops of Chichester.
The Bexhill Stone at St Peter’s Church. Discovered beneath the church in 1878, this ancient carved stone is believed to have once formed the lid of a container with the remains of a saint in and is a rare example of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship.
We also stopped at the Jubilee Clock on Church Street. The clock was installed in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and, after being damaged in a fire in 1908, was restored and continues to be cared for by the Society today.
A fascinating afternoon and a reminder of just how much history we have on right here on our doorstep.
Thank you to Helen and everyone at the Society for the tour and, more importantly, for the work they continue to do to protect Bexhill Old Town for future generations
Live Well Age Well - Coming to Bexhill!
How can we stay healthy, active, connected and independent as we get older?
Come along to the Live Well Age Well Fair at the De La Warr Pavilion on Wednesday 30 September, 11am–3pm.
With more than 50 exhibitors, expert speakers, workshops, demonstrations, health checks and practical advice, there will be something for everyone
The event is particularly aimed at people aged 55+, but families, carers and people of all ages are very welcome.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Wednesday 30 September
11am–3pm
Free entry
Come along, discover what's available locally and celebrate positive ageing!
Supporting the Babies Bill
Being a parent is one of the most important jobs there is and it’s okay to ask for help.
When I visited Sidley Family Hub, staff told me that reassuring parents of this was one of the most important things they do.
Today in Parliament, I shared that message while supporting the Babies Bill. It focuses on the first 1,001 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, when the right support can make a lifelong difference.
The Bill would strengthen support for families, including health visiting, infant feeding advice, mental health services and help building strong relationships between parents and their babies.
I want parents and carers to feel supported and confident asking for help. Giving the next generation the best possible start should be a priority for us all.
Watch part of my speech here. You can also watch the full speech over on my website.
Bexhill 100 Classic Car and Custom Show
I had a brilliant day at the Bexhill 100 Classic and Custom Car Show!
It was fantastic to see such an impressive collection of classic cars, custom builds and much-loved motors on display. Huge thanks to all of the volunteers who make it happen each year.
Which one would you choose?
Meeting with Infected Blood Victims
I recently met with Steve and Teri Goodwin to hear their concerns about the ongoing infected blood compensation process.
Steve is one of the many people affected by the scandal, and they spoke about the delays they have faced, the lack of clear communication from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and the uncertainty this continues to cause victims and families.
After everything people affected by this scandal have already been through, it is important that compensation is delivered properly and without further unnecessary delay.
I am grateful to Steve and Teri for taking the time to meet with me, and I will continue to raise the concerns they shared.
Traffic Report
Please note that this information is provided by third parties.
Bexhill
- Cooden Sea Road - 29 Jun 09:00 - 25 Sep 23:59 BST
- Eversley Road - 9 Apr 09:45 - 11 Sep 23:59 BST
- Sidley Green - 10 Aug 13:00 - 28 Sep 23:59 BST
- Mayo Lane - 7 Sep 08:00 - 9 Sep 17:00 BST
Herstmonceux
- Church Road - 13 Sep 09:00 BST - 13:00 BST
Sedlescombe
- Chapel Hill: 8 August to 7 September
- Whatlington Road - 24 Jul 07:11 - 22 Sep 23:59 BST
- Chapel Hill - 8 Aug - 7 Sep
Brightling
- Observatory Road - 2 Sep 21:40 - 4 Sep 17:00 BST
Battle
- The Green - 6 Sep 09:00 BST - 14:00 BST
Peasmarsh
- Bridge Place: 16 July, 7.30pm to 22 September, 11.59pm
Westfield
- Workhouse Lane - 6 Aug 11:35 - 28 Sep 23:59 BST
Whatlington
- Whatlington Road: 24 July to 22 September
Flimwell
- Dunsters Mill Road: 28 January to 31 October
Hooe
- Marsh Road - 14 Sep - 26 Sep
- Top Road - 14 Sep - 26 Sep
Pevensey
- Wartling Road - 7 Sep 19:00 - 8 Sep 05:00 BST
Dallington
- Sandhill Lane - 24 Aug 13:00 - 30 Sep 23:59 BST
Brede
- Pottery Close - 7 Sep - 11 Sep
Hurst Green
- Bodiam Road - 2 Sep 13:19 - 4 Sep 13:14 BST
Broad Oak
- Street End Lane - 7 Sep 08:00 BST - 17:00 BST
