I was very pleased to attend Swindon’s first ever Longevity Games on Sunday afternoon at Swindon Harriers Athletics Track, which is based at Foundation Park near the County Ground. The Longevity Games are a series of events and competitions focused on promoting and celebrating longevity, health, and wellness. The weather was glorious as local residents from across the town enjoyed taking part in a variety of exercises and activities.
The Longevity Games have been carefully planned by their founder, Tim Howe, who has been deeply involved in grassroots fitness groups over the past four years. These events have been designed to be extremely supportive, as well as inclusive, with activities suitable for novice, intermediate and proficient levels. I am very much looking forward to participating in further events as they are planned, and I am calling on all local residents to join me and get involved. You can find out about further events on the websitehttps://thelongevitygames.co.uk/
As part of my ongoing work to raise awareness of dementia and increase diagnosis rates in Swindon, during Dementia Action Week I will be taking part in awareness events in Westminster and also here in Swindon. I am hoping to see lots of local residents at the Swindon Dementia Action Alliance Expo Event this coming Thursday afternoon. Further information on the event can be found by visiting https://www.swindondaa.org.uk/events. You can also read about my work on dementia on the campaign page on my website https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/campaigns/sir-robert-buckland-mps-campaign-raise-awareness-dementia-swindon
As a pet lover myself, and the proud owner of a rescued grey tabby cat named Mrs Landingham (Mrs L for short), I was pleased to sign an open letter to the Science Minister this week from charity Animal Free Research UK, calling for the introduction of Herbie’s Law. This new legislative framework supports the long-term replacement of animal experiments with human-specific research techniques. We are a nation of pet lovers and here in Britain, we have a proud track record of introducing world-first legislation to improve animal and environmental protection and maximise the positive impact of technology. Examples include the Online Safety Act, Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, and of course the UK Climate Change Act. It is time for us now to show global leadership once again with the introduction of Herbie’s Law.
Ever since first becoming Member of Parliament here in South Swindon back in 2010, I have been strongly supportive of the Wiltshire and Berks Canal Trust, a wonderful charity who are working hard to restore seventy miles of canal and towpath for the benefit of local communities, wildlife, and leisure. Back in June 2020, I was delighted to become Vice President of Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, and I am calling on other local residents to get involved with the work of this excellent local charity.
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust (Swindon branch) are holding a special exhibition at Central Library at the end of the month, intending to show all aspects of the canal through a series of seven large Ordnance Survey maps created between 1888 and 1915, from Acorn Bridge in the east to East Wichel in the south, and Mouldon Hill on the North Wilts Canal branch. A trust member will also be present at the library some afternoons, to talk to visitors about the canal and about the Trust’s work. You can find out more on the charity’s website here: https://www.wbct.org.uk/our-enthusiasts/swindon
