OUR MAN IN WESTMINSTER

Chris Loder MP, Member of Parliament for West Dorset

My maternal Grandmother Hilda was a nursing Sister in London during the war, then a Midwife and then District Nurse for Martock where she met my grandfather Edward, a farmer. Getting around with her bicycle day and night, she would tend to those in need when called – scenes that are reminiscent of the BBC series Call the Midwife, albeit in a rural setting.

Call the Midwife, if you’re not familiar, is the story of post-war East London in recovery - and somehow, with the help of Vanessa Redgrave’s wonderful narration – it seems to do that with fervent hope and care at the end of each episode that everything will be that little bit better the next time we watch.

My grandmother’s faith meant a great deal to her - and even though she died when I was a little boy, I knew how much Eastertide meant throughout her life. It was to her an annual reminder of hope bringing about a transition from the darker and more difficult times of Lent to the resurrection and renewal of Easter. From where we have been in troubled times or when wrongs have been done to us, to the hope and forgiveness of Easter where evil is conquered and where goodness triumphs with brighter, calmer, warmer and better times ahead.

As your MP, a lot of people get in touch with me who like to share their opinion - or criticise something that the Government or I are doing or simply ask me to campaign for something. And you will often read about these things in the newspapers where people choose to share them. But you will not often read or hear in the press - those who get in touch with me who are at their wits’ end. Those who have been in the darkest of places whether they be scared or fearful; sometimes individuals who are standing small at the risk of losing everything against powerful corporate organisations or cultures such as councils, insurers, school trusts, dioceses, government, banks – and they do so all on their own because no one else will or can help them; other than their MP.

Over the last six months, I have helped more people in this situation than in my entire period as your MP (3.5 years). Whilst a few might have been a little bothered because they didn’t receive an immediate response to their opinion or campaign, helping constituents in the greatest need must always be my first priority. To those whom I have helped this year in this situation – I hope the renewal, change, replenishment, refreshment and renewal, not just of Easter but of the Coronation of King Charles will bring light and happiness and hope for the weeks and years ahead – because good always prevails – no matter how difficult that journey maybe to get there.

One of the very topical and subjective debates we are having locally at the moment is concerning St

John’s Almshouse next to the Abbey. An institution established in 1437 to help the poorest of local people with a home. I first became aware of this situation from family members of residents some months ago and within a week, I went to meet with the Board of Trustees, otherwise known as the ‘Brethren’. The Almshouse has been losing money for several years –clearly something that is not sustainable. But the real frustration and concern of local people – particularly those who have lived in or around Sherborne for a long time has been the lack of a direction forward and having an idea of the future given that there have been significant redundancies and number of residents leaving. The charitable status means that the trust is self-governing and is not accountable to government or chrisloder.co.uk

Parliament as such, although the Charities Commission has an important role to play. If you have questions or strong feelings about this, can I encourage you to share those with the trustees and copy them to me. We absolutely cannot lose this institution from Sherborne. It is a shame that the situation was not addressed earlier given the situation it now finds itself in, but I would like to reassure you that I shall be looking to scrutinise fully the decisions of the trustees concerning the future of this institution. Can I ask that if you have expertise in this field, you please get in touch so we might be able to make some progress in securing this ancient institution of our town.

Family

Emma Phillipson, aged 17

Sherborne Girls

mma Phillipson is celebrating the wonderful achievement of being selected to join Western Storm for her exceptional talent in women’s cricket. Western Storm is one of eight regional cricket centres across England and Wales covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Wales.

E sherborne.com

Since 2022, when Emma joined Sherborne Girls, participation in cricket has continued to grow, with the school now recognised as one of the top 20 girls’ schools in The Cricketer magazine. Our close relationship with Sherborne School has allowed her to further develop her skills with access to additional resources and facilities. She looks forward to playing cricket with the boys this summer.

As a wicket-keeper and top-order batsman, she was invited to join Western Storm EPP (Emerging Player Programme). This selection means that Emma now sits amongst some of the most talented youth female sportswomen in the UK and will receive world-class training, coaching and match-play opportunities.

Emma is hoping to play for Somerset Women and be promoted to the Western Storm Academy this summer. Upon completing her A Levels, Emma wishes to study Sports Science at university where she will be able to combine academic studies with her passion for cricket.

Portrait, KATHARINE DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

07808 400083 info@katharinedaviesphotography.co.uk

26 | Sherborne Times | May 2023