News From Westminster As I was driving home the other


day, I saw some early daffodils defying the cold and gloomy


weather to provide a small glimpse of spring starting. The start of the year was both cold and wet, and I look forward to better weather!


I am by nature an optimist, always


choosing to see the positives in any situation. The last few weeks in politics has been no exception. As well as the challenges and opportunities of my Westminster parliamentary work, I have recently been able to visit a wide variety of people and places in the constituency which highlight to me what a great place Dorset is to live and work.


I particularly like visiting schools, and meeting our young people. I chair the Dorset Young Chamber steering group, which is an excellent initiative that seeks to be the bridge between education and the workplace. I am passionate about ensuring that our young people have the right skills and qualifi cations to enter the world of work.


I have met several local headteachers to discuss education funding and I am pleased that progress has been made to implement the new National Funding Formula. The aim is to ensure that schools in Mid Dorset and North Poole are no longer disadvantaged by their low levels of funding. Not every school is gaining from the changes, and as ever, the devil is in the detail. As a result, I have met with the Secretary of State to discuss the new formula and I will be leading a delegation of MPs about the effect on Grammar Schools later this month. There is a further period of consultation and the deadline is the 22nd of March. Please do go to my website and fi nd the link to the consultation under 'Have Your Say'.


I am really pleased to have been able to visit several valuable local charities and organisations recently,


Sheryl’s Cleaning


& Ironing Services Very competitive rates


Weekly • One off • End of tenancy cleans Special offer


Ironing – 30 items for £25 Call Sheryl on 07825 775149 12


including The Crumbs Project, which offers specialist training provision for mixed-ability and disabled trainees; Julia’s House to fi nd out more about their vital work supporting children and families; and the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association to discuss their work helping homeless people. I really value the opportunity to meet charities such as the BCHA and see their excellent work. As an MP it helps me better understand the issues and bring these into debates. A good recent example is the Homelessness Reduction Bill, of which I have been privileged to be a part. Seeing the work of our charities not only inspires me, but equips me to represent them better.


I continue to hold regular surgeries for constituents. If you have an issue that you need help with, please do get in touch.


Michael Tomlinson MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole


michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk 01202 624216 @Michael4MDNP www.facebook.com/michael4MDNP www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk


Upton Community Centre


New lighting has been installed making the hall much brighter. We will be looking at a way to smarten up the dividing panel next, as it is looking rather tatty.


Please note that the church car park (outside the community centre) is not an all-day facility. Its overuse and misuse is now under review.


ASPECTS OF DANCE Ballroom & Latin dancing, Wednesdays, 7-7.45pm Beginners, 7.45-8.30pm Intermediates, 8.30-10pm Social Dance Practice.


LYTCHETT MINSTER & UPTON GARDENING CLUB Choosing The Right Vegetable Variety, a talk by Joy Michaud, 23rd March at 7.30pm.


TABLE TOP SALE 25th March, from 10am- 12noon. Includes craft stalls selling cards, cakes and knitted goods, etc. Please visit these sales, which support funds for the carnival on 15th July. To book, call Gloria: 01202 566557.


If your club/group regularly uses the hall and you would like your meetings put in this column, please email: Lynnwright1952@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01202 622046.


To advertise, please contact 01202 657317 or email karen@broadstonelink.co.uk


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