It was great to be back at Peatmoor Primary School in West Swindon on Monday to visit pupils and staff. I enjoyed being shown around the school, and the opportunity that this gave me to chat with pupils and staff about a variety of subjects, especially the importance of reading and books. I was particularly impressed by a conversation that I had with a Year 6 pupil at the school who has many plans for the school library.
Learning to read plays a vital role in every child’s education, it allows them to access the breadth of the curriculum and improves their communication and language skills. In addition, reading can be a fun and imaginative time for children, which opens the doors to all kinds of new worlds.
School libraries and books give all children equal access to the same breadth of reading materials, regardless of how many books they have at home, but often, popular books can become worn very quickly at school. If you have books at home that your child has outgrown, you can help by donating these to your local Primary or Secondary school. If you are a parent with a young child learning to read, you can also take simple steps to help, including turning on the subtitles for children’s TV. Research has shown that this simple, yet effective step, can dramatically improve literacy. You can learn more and join me, along with other popular celebrities, including Stephen Fry and Sandi Toksvig, with the Turn on The Subtitles Campaign on my website here https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/campaigns/turn-subtitles-campaign
On Monday afternoon, along with other MPs, I had the opportunity to learn more about our new Chancellor’s plans to calm the market. The Conservative Government inherited a financial crisis. They have dealt with the pandemic and led the world on Ukraine, and this was possible because of the difficult decisions that have been made over the last twelve years. We must maintain fiscal responsibility, and the Chancellor’s plans are necessary to help us through this turbulent time.
I am glad that the huge energy intervention package, which is going to help every household in our country, and every business, and charity, through the winter, remains a vital part of the package. It is important that next year, we seek to target that support for those in need and those on lower incomes.
The measures to cut National Insurance contributions and Stamp Duty, which is important for first time buyers in particular, also remain a key part of the plans. The Conservative Government has acted to make sure that we are in the best position to deal with rising interest rates across the world, and the continuing economic uncertainty, caused in part by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
Finally, my local charity of the week is the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust. Since 2012 The Trust has been growing and developing into a professional restoration body, planning and managing the most complex and largest waterway restoration project in the UK. Along the way, the charity has organised river and canal festivals, purchased both a pub and more land, and continue restoration both through their loyal volunteers and using major contractors.
Wilts and Berks Canal Trust aim to create a sustainable, accessible, and desirable destination for people and wildlife by restoring the historic Wilts & Berks Canal as a blue and green corridor through the region, adding economic, lifestyle, and biodiversity value as the canal winds its way through communities and landscapes. The charity wants to create an environment that both we and our children can be proud of.
The charity’s narrowboat, Dragonfly is a great way to see the restored section of the canal in Swindon. She can carry up to twelve passengers and has plenty of room inside, with heating for passengers if the weather is poor. In good weather, there is also plenty of room outside the cabin. Dragonfly Experience trips run from the landing stage at Waitrose in Wichelstowe. In December Dragonfly also runs Santa Trips. You can find out further information here https://www.wbct.org.uk/enjoy-discover/take-a-boat-trip-with-us
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust have a number of vacancies and there are many ways that you can get involved and support this excellent local charity. To find out more, please visit the charity’s website here https://www.wbct.org.uk/
