I visited Bewdley High School to meet 120 students from Year 10 to talk about life as an MP and to answer questions. These ranged from the firemen’s dispute to flood defences, from education to Iraq and from lack of facilities for young people to women’s issues. The widely held view that politicians are a waste of time and politics irrelevant was expressed. This struck a chord having just spoken in a debate in the House of Commons when I was staggered to hear backbench MPs speak against a Bill but then follow their Whips’ orders into the aye lobby. It might restore the interest in politics if people realised that they should use the ballot box to appoint representatives whom they trust even to vote against a party whip if necessary.

I have been asked to join a Commission on Democracy organised by the Conservative Party. I have welcomed this chance as in Wyre Forest we have shown that democracy is still alive but I made it quite clear that I am joining it as a fiercely independent MP and have no intention of being tarred with any main party brush.

I also visited Wolverley High School for their awards presentation evening. There I had the luxury of sitting and listening with no formal duties at all. The achievements of the school, its staff and students are outstanding and a thoughtful speech by Piers Ibbotson, Assistant Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company praised the communication skills demonstrated by students during the presentation and stressed the importance of learning how to communicate as well as passing exams.

I was delighted to launch Disability Action Wyre Forest which will be a useful umbrella group for the charities involved with the disabled in Wyre Forest. Councillor Howard Martin and Sascha Macdonald of Community Action Wyre Forest have been instrumental in organising this group which will represent its members. 
Local charities were there, including 

• Headway            DIAL         Dial-a-Ride     The Stroke Association
  Citizens Advocacy        the Citizens Advice Bureau 
   
• I was particularly impressed with Age Concern’s new 
  ‘Handy Person Service’. 
  Telephone them on 01562 827788 and for a small charge they will undertake those small jobs at home like changing light bulbs, putting up shelves and fitting smoke alarms that may be insurmountable tasks for the elderly or disabled. 
  Age Concern also organise a ‘Friend at Home Service’ to provide friendship, information and escorting to shops.

A threat of closure hangs over our hospital switchboard. 
In my opinion it would be an act of vindictive vandalism to transfer this to Redditch at the very moment when services are being developed. 
As patients from other parts of the West Midlands are going to be treated here switchboard operators with local knowledge will be crucial.

R.T.