May marked the special event of the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla. Julian was honoured to witness this historic event in Westminster Abbey on Coronation day, as well as attending a coronation service at Ripon Cathedral over the bank holiday.
Over the month Julian met with many constituents, businesses and charities.
Julian was pleased to be presented with the artwork ‘A Path To Peace,’ from James Owen Thomas. James created this dramatic piece when he heard the shocking news of the war in Ukraine. As James was horrified to see the terrible scenes on the news, and wanted to capture the destruction and devastation to people’s lives and homes, as well as the impact on nature. The piece serves as a great reminder that we must support Ukraine in its fight to live in peace and security.
Skipton Beer Festival, held in Skipton Town Hall, ran this month. Julian enjoyed attending the event, that each year is run by the Keighley and Craven Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Julian met with and was shown around the festival by Tony Davies of the Skipton Beer Festival organising committee. Julian sampled a few ales from the very wide range of over 60 Real Ales on offer.
In Pateley Bridge, Julian visited Sunflowers Day Nursery, which has been running since 2001. Julian met with the Nursery Manager, Heather Clark-Kelly, who gave Julian a tour of the Nursery, which has 20 staff members on Low Wath Road. Heather, who is passionate about early years care, discussed provision of childcare and challenges facing nurseries, highlighting the importance of parents being able to access more affordable childcare.
Julian toured the Ripon Walled Gardens, meeting with Victoria Ashley, the Chief Executive and Lucy Day, from Fundraising and Communications, along with fantastic members. The Garden is a charity, run by Ripon Community Link which aims to support and improve the lives of local adults and young people, through learning new skills such as gardening, cooking and crafting. The site has a plant nursery, woodland and orchard, along with a garden centre from which they sell plants and shrubs, and an outdoor takeaway café, and shop selling locally made produce, such as jams and chutneys. The Walled Garden is free to visit and they are building a new café and shop, which they are currently fundraising for. The expansion will help provide more opportunities for members to work in retail, helping to build confidence and develop their practical skills.
Julian attended the newly opened Yorkshire Cancer Research Shop in Craven Court Shopping Centre in Skipton. Julian met with the shop manager and volunteers who were busy preparing items for the shop floor and serving customers. Yorkshire Cancer Research is Yorkshire’s independent cancer charity, for 98 years the charity has been dedicated to funding pioneering research leading to improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Whilst in the store Julian also met with and received a briefing from Professor Phil Quirke of the University of Leeds, who specialises in Pathology and Bowel Cancer. Julian also met with Hannah Pilling, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, they discussed the importance of Yorkshire Cancer Research work to improve survival rates and treatments in Yorkshire.
Julian said, ‘It was very good to have the opportunity to visit Yorkshire Cancer Research’s new shop in Skipton, and meet with the hardworking staff and volunteers. It was great to discuss with Hannah and Professor Quirke the important work of the charity – how profits from the shop in Skipton will help to fund cutting edge research.’
In Westminster, Julian hosted a Q&A for Year 6 pupils from Gargrave C of E Primary School during their visit to the Houses of Parliament. He spoke with them about his role as Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon and they were particularly interested in how he became an MP. He enjoyed hearing about their secondary school choices for next year and any future aspirations, including a discussion on the importance of hard work for becoming successful. Julian was joined by Chris Mason, BBC Political Editor who grew up in the constituency. It was a great opportunity for the Year 6 group to hear about different roles within Westminster.
Finally, Julian was pleased to welcome the Government’s commitment to rebuild Airedale Hospital by 2030, as part of the New Hospital Programme, after many years of campaigning for a new Hospital.
Airedale is one of five more hospitals constructed mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) set to be rebuilt by 2030 as part of the New Hospital Programme – protecting patient and staff safety. Earlier the Government had confirmed the first £3.7 billion of funding for 40 new hospitals, and a further five schemes were selected for future funding. The New Hospital Programme is now expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment in hospital infrastructure.
This will ensure that Airedale Hospital can continue to deliver lifesaving care for Julian’s constituents and beyond for many more generations. Airedale will benefit from both safe and state-of-the-art new facilities.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency this month. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
