November has certainly been a turbulent time at Westminster. The well documented problems of the HMRC data going missing and the investigation into the misreporting of donations to the party, as well as Northern Rock, Avian Flu and Bluetongue, have all increased pressure on Gordon Brown. I am sure this will be a test of his leadership skills, but I am confident that he will come through this difficult time as a much stronger leader. On the issue of party funding, there is legislation coming forward to provide greater clarity and clearer guidance about defending our system of democracy, and I welcome this and hope all parties can agree on the way forward.  

The announcement last week by Culture Minister James Purnell that £45 million is to be directed to fund heritage and culture projects in seaside resorts over a period of 3 years has been widely welcomed. Already in Great Yarmouth we have seen much investment in our heritage and this gives another opportunity for us to use Government money in the ongoing regeneration of the Borough. I for one look forward to discussions about the bids we will put forward, and I know that whatever it is we submit will be a huge success. Already being looked at is the St George’s Theatre as a possibility, and at first glance this would be an ideal project adding both elements of heritage and culture to the bid.  

Back in Great Yarmouth this month, I was once again pleased to present the newly qualified dental nurses at Plummer’s Dentists with their certificates. Plummer’s do an excellent job investing in the community by offering youngster’s the opportunity to work and train at one of their dental practices. Without this many of the youngster’s that have worked for them, past and present, would not have had the opportunity to gain these qualifications. Well done to all who have worked incredibly hard, but also a big thank you to the partners at Plummer’s dentists, and to the team who trained them. 

Often being asked to present certificates and awards to other people, it came as a pleasant surprise to be told that I had been nominated for an award by Great Yarmouth Community Trust and then to be presented with it at the House of Commons. Great Yarmouth Community Trust had nominated me for the award, organised by the Development Trusts Association (DTA) for my support of local community development. Since 2001 when the Trust first started, I have seen it grow and grow to now offer residents in Great Yarmouth a wide variety of top quality services. It is the people in the community that make the Trust what it is, and I have been privileged to be able to support them over the last 6 years. I look forward to continuing this support and would like to offer my thanks to those at the Trust for their kindness with this award. 

Lastly, I was delighted to see such a big turnout at the Remembrance Day service in the park this year with what seemed to be a larger gathering than before. With the march past of the various organisations the number of children participating is to be applauded. After that it was on to the seafront for the Far East Prisoner’s of War service and this year I was honoured to be asked to read the lesson at the service.