If you’re looking to get back into work or for a change of career, come along to Chris’ job fair and talk to local employers about the opportunities they can offer.

Alternatively, if you’re a business is currently looking to fill a key role within the organization, get in touch with Chris’ office and book yourself a stall at the event. January’s Job Fair attracted over 400 local people so it’s a great opportunity to meet your next employee and promote your business in the local community.

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Kingswood celebrated its second annual St George’s celebrations, organised by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore.
The celebrations included a Fun Day in Kingswood Park, with music from the Youth Creative Network. The event was opened by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, the Bristol Branch president of the Royal Society of St George, who is pictured above with Chris.
The local MP, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the All Party Group on St George is now looking to establish a Kingswood branch of the Royal Society of St George. If anyone would be interested in getting involved in establishing this branch, please email Chris at chris.skidmore.mp@parliament.uk. Chris is also calling for a debate in Parliament to see whether St George’s Day should be a public holiday. Chris said: “Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland all have a national holiday to celebrate their identity. We shouldn’t be afraid to celebrate English identity and St George’s day is a great way of bringing local communities together.”

A team of volunteers are on hand to give advice and support on making CVs, interview advice and training for those seeking work. The Jobs Club will run on Monday mornings at Kingsmeadow Community Flat Kingswood, Barrington Close.

The Jobs Club has been organised by Karen Brasier from Soundwell Community Trust who said:

“I wanted to create a hub of hope for young people living in the community who really need it; sometimes educational establishments can bring back bad experiences so we carefully chose our venues so that they were local and relaxed.”

“The job clubs are not only about helping individuals to write a CV or provide guidance on Interview skills, we will also provide the opportunity to raise self-esteem and confidence and look to equip young people to progress towards long term employment and improved quality of life.”

Mr Skidmore, who previous to becoming to an MP ran a Jobs Club in Kingswood and since has organised a Jobs Fair in Longwell Green at which 400 people attended said: “It is great news that local volunteers are coming forward to set up Jobs Clubs like this. They provide invaluable support and ensure that for people looking for work, they can gain the confidence and knowledge about how to effectively apply for a job. It is a great example of the local community ties in Kingswood, of local people wanting to look out for each other, and I hope that the Club goes from strength to strength.”

Besides Karen, a team of volunteers include a trained counsellor (Alex Whitefield, MBE), listeners, and people with relevant experience who know how to stay positive and want to provide support to the community.

For further information contact:

Karen Brasier, Soundwell Community Trust

Chris Skidmore MP at the job club opening

Tel: 07905 598 165

Email: karen.brasier@s-c-t.org

Part of the Kingswood Foundation, Orchard Woodpeckers are a small business made up of six local people who make and sell their own jewellery,  woodwork and sewing crafts. Despite each having their own learning difficulties, all six members have spent the last two years refining their skills at the Orchard Workshop and are now able to sell their craftwork at local fairs, shops and other events.

Commenting on his visit Chris said: “I was delighted to be able to come along and see the great work that is being done here. I understand that everyone involved has really benefited from the independence that this venture has provided for them and I was only too pleased to be able to write to David Cameron and suggest that he carry out his own visit to the Orchard Woodpeckers should he ever be in the local area.”

Yate Leisure Centre currently host the Bowls Club but look set to replacing the bowling rink with facilities for a local gymnastics club. Many of the Bowls Club’s members are worried they would be unable to continue with their membership if it meant having to make a lengthy trip out to Thornbury.

In his letter Chris said: ”I am aware that the space at Yate Leisure Centre is needed for the King Edmund Acrogymnastics Club, which is also a highly used group, as it has outgrown its current premises. Nevertheless, my constituents would like you to explore the possibility of whether there is a way in which the competing needs for space can be accommodated.”

Chris also added: Many people in our local area use it, particularly the elderly and disabled people, since it is the only indoor bowls club locally for miles around. I hope a resolution can be found and the indoor bowls rinks saved. I hope I can try and help the trust to change its mind.”

Led by local resident Rob Withers, campaigners want to see homes in the Gunning Close area be recognised as Hanham rather than Kingswood postal addresses. Mr Withers believes a Royal Mail error was to blame for the incorrect addresses.

After providing a map to prove the location of the Kingswood-Hanham boundary, Mr Withers said: “This is all about identity and having an error that was made in the past corrected. I know the line of an address that gives the name of an area, such as Hanham or Kingswood, is irrelevant to Royal Mail and has no operational significance to them. It is not used when processing mail for delivery and my request does not require any changes to post codes, but it can be irritating that we are continually told we live in Kingswood just because of a Royal Mail error.”

Lending his support to the proposal, Chris Skidmore said: “It would be a very welcome change that would ensure Hanham’s independence as a small town in its own right is recognised. Hanham is not a sub-district of Kingswood but a proud community with its own distinct character, with its own High Street, community organisations, vibrant church groups and local businesses. I believe many people living in Hanham would welcome this move.”

Chris is hopeful that the changes will be implemented once they have been approved by South Gloucestershire and parish councils and the chamber of commerce.

Chris Skidmore (right) with local campaigner Rob Withers (left) and Hanham councillors John and Heather Goddard

Last year, 75.6% of people over 65 years and 50.2%[1] in the at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in Bristol, compared with the national averages of 72.8% for the over 65s and 50.4% for those ‘at risk’.

Chris Skidmore member for Kingswood, said “The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications or even death from flu. I would encourage all those that are over the age of 65 or are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups to visit their surgeries and get vaccinated,” he added.

Dr George Kassianos, a GP and Fellow and Immunisation Lead of the Royal College of GPs, said “Despite the relatively mild flu season last year, people should remember that flu remains a serious threat, particularly for those aged over 65 and those of any age with medical conditions that put them at increased risk from influenza infection and its complications, for whom it can be a pretty nasty and debilitating illness. It’s not too late, and I would encourage everyone at risk to get their annual flu jab.”

The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 or over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), heart, renal, liver or neurological disease; diabetes; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people[2].

The initiative is sponsored by the UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) and is supported by the Department of Health as a useful way to highlight the importance of flu vaccination.

Developer and owner Paul Pressland came down to present the new plans for the Lamb, which will also be placed inside the pub for residents to consider during the consultation phase.

Chris Skidmore said: “This is great news that the Lamb Pub will finally be saved. I always knew that the pub deserved to be kept open given the tremendous support that the local community has given it, and I’m delighted that this long campaign has finally paid off.”

Photo: Owner Paul Pressland presenting the new plans for the Lamb to Chris Skidmore MP, landlord Dave Smith and assistant landlord Dennis.

This is extremely disappointing and frustrating news, especially since I’d hoped we were getting somewhere with protecting the play area, but together with local residents we will continue to fight to preserve the fields and get this application rejected. As the local MP, I’m determined to do all I can- I am setting up a new petition against the application, and I am looking to raise this situation at a debate in Parliament. I’m determined that we must win- we have been here before and our case has been won at every level since the new government’s decision to change. The developer should not be allowed to continually resubmit applications, and I have raised this with the minister and the current consultation that this pratice needs to end. Nothing has changed: this is greenbelt land, which has now been given greater protection, and planning regulations are clear that houses should not be built here. I’d appreciate it if local people who are against this application and want to preserve our greenbelt could either comment personally on the application on the council website, or else email me at chris.skidmore.mp@parliament.uk.

Latest Signatures

Chris commented, “Halloween is a really enjoyable and fun time for children, but it’s still important to remember the many elderly and vulnerable residents in our community who may not wish to be disturbed and will be genuinely worried that they may be victims of crime .”

 ”These posters clearly let trick or treaters know not to call and to move on- it works for everyone as residents don’t get disturbed and trick or treaters don’t waste their time.”

Chris will be delivering posters in the Kingswood area. The posters can be downloaded here or picked up from Chris’ office. If anyone would like a poster please ring on 0117 9081524 or emailchris.skidmore.mp@parliament.uk

A copy of the poster is below:

Chris commented, “I am deeply disappointed that after 30 years the developers who own this site have decided to snatch back their land and penalise local children, who are the victims here. The land is green belt so cannot be touched, so there is little reason for this decision.

Chris Skidmore MP, along with local councillors John Calway and Christine Price have written to ATA Estates to express their deep disappointment and disgust at the ending of the leases for Pearsall Road and Williams Close Play Areas. Read the letter in full here.

There is still time to sign the petition below before it is sent to ATA Estates and the Secretary of State.

The ‘Kingswood challenge’, which will follow the circumference of the Kingswood constituency boundary, is over 21 miles. The Kingswood constituency stretches from the top of Emersons Green down to Hanham and the county boundary of the river Avon, stretching out to past Bitton. The walk will take place on Saturday 27th August, will raise money for local Kingswood charity Jessie May Trust. Chris will begin the walk at 8am at the Willy Wicket Pub in Emersons Green.

Chris said: ‘I’ve walked most streets in the Kingswood area knocking on doors, but never around the whole of the constituency I represent. I thought it would be a great challenge to try and walk it in a day, and at the same time raise money for a fantastic local charity, the Jessie May Trust.’

To sponsor Chris’ walk on behalf of the Jessie May Trust visit www.justgiving.com/chris-skidmore

The first application by Sainsbury’s was opposed by a petition of over 1000 residents. Now with a new application submitted, residents have had to gather a new petition to continue the fight.

After studying the new plans, local MP Chris Skidmore has written to the council opposing the plans. In his letter to South Gloucestershire Council, Chris states:

Although I have previously expressed my opposition to the building of a new Sainsbury’s store on Kingswood High Street, in light of new development I feel I must contact you to reiterate my opposition to this planning application.

Along with my constituents I am keen to see the old Kingswood College building put to some use, however I do not believe that these proposals are the answer. Putting a new supermarket on an already extremely busy and overdeveloped High Street will not only make the area significantly less safe for both motorists and pedestrians, but also have a large detrimental impact on local businesses. These businesses include two excellent local convenience stores which already serve the local community and who would likely see a drop in trade should these plans go ahead.

In my previous opposition to these plans I also made clear the negative impact this would have on the nearby library, which is used by senior citizens and local children. I understand that the new planning application includes plans to remove vital car parking spaces from the front of the library, without which many residents would be unable to access this key local facility.

I would be very grateful if these comments could be taken into account, when considering the planning application.

Since 2003 North Bristol NHS Trust has written off £1.7 million with over £35 million being written off nationally.

The debate in the House of Commons will being at 3.35pm

The full text of Chris’ speech is below:

“The principle that the National Health Service should be free at the point of delivery, based on clinical need, regardless of background or wealth, is a principle that few in this House would disagree with.

It is a principle which we are all proud to defend, knowing that there can be nothing as important as the health of the nation.

We recognise that the NHS is paid for by taxpayer’s money, the result of the hard-earned wages of working citizens and taxpayers. And as citizens, we are happy to provide for those in greatest need, the vulnerable, the elderly, those who cannot care for themselves, those who are dying. We know that one day, that fate will be all of ours. We hope that then, the NHS will be there for each of us too.

We also recognise that the NHS must make record levels of efficiency savings over the next four years, savings that will be reinvested in the service so that the NHS can meet another challenge— rising demand and an ageing population which will put ever greater pressure on healthcare services.

As a result, NHS spending is coming under greater scrutiny than ever before.

And yet in recent years, there has been a rise in the number of foreign nationals, ineligible for free care, who have been using NHS services.

A recent Parliamentary Answer I received from a question I asked on this issue revealed that since 2002/3, the Department has written off and is no longer seeking to claim back unpaid bills of nearly £35.4million. The figures show that last year alone £6.9 million was written off, three times the £2.1 million lost in 2002/3.

Yet it was made clear in the minister’s reply to me that this figure does not include money yet to be collected, or money owed to foundation trusts for which the Department does not hold data.

I have begun to now collect this data, which the Department does not keep, as a result of a Freedom of Information request to each Trust.

As a result of this, a picture is beginning to form which points to a far deeper problem than perhaps we recognise. So far, 31 trusts have responded stating that they have written off a total of £7,791,300.50. This includes my own local Trust, North Bristol NHS Trust, which has written off a total of £1,727,000 since 2003.

The problem is not just one of cost. The variation and discrepancy in the collection of data is astounding. It seems that no criteria or framework exists for which one hospital or Trust might charge for its services. As soon as I have a more complete picture I would be happy to share these findings with the minister.

I know that the minister and the department has been actively consulting on the problem of how to deal with the use of NHS services by foreign nationals, and I would welcome an update on the Department’s current thinking on how to tackle this issue for the future.

We need to expose that this problem is a real one that goes far further than what we might expect, especially at times when the NHS is seeking to make savings. We need a comprehensive plan to ensure that local services are also not placed under pressure by what many are now calling ‘health tourism’.

The NHS may be free, but it is not a free for all. It is a National Health Service, not an International one. Let us do all that we can to ensure that it remains so.”

The students gave Chris hundreds of drawings of themselves with their sister from another country and reasons why children should attend school.

This year’s “Send my sister to school” campaign is an annual event for the school trying to get young people across the world into education.

Chris commented, “It is great to see our local young people so committed to helping people less fortunate than themselves. I’ve decided to take this petition personally to the International Development Secretary.”

Chris will now present the petition to Andrew Mitchell MP, the Secretary of State for International Development.

Chris, who is Secretary of the All Party Group on Disability, organised a photo-shoot with MPs and Dame Tanni, alongside Baroness Jane Campbell, the Chairman of the Group. As a result, 50 new MPs have joined the group, which is one of the largest in Parliament.

Dame Tanni said:

“I’m really grateful for Chris’ work on the All Party Group for Disability and his support for disabled people in their constituency. I know that this is such an important issue for many people, who will be glad that their MP is working hard at Westminster to ensure that disabled people’s voices are heard.”

The co-chairman of the group, Baroness Jane Campbell said:

“I am very grateful for Chris’ support: our Group seeks to ensure that all MPs of whatever party are aware of the issues of disabled people. It strives to make equality for disabled people a major feature of policy-making so that disabled people can participate widely in all aspects of social, public and family life.”

Chris said: “I went into politics to help those who need help. That’s what public service should be about.”

Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson is our most celebrated and successful athletes who during her career won a total of 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, and held over 30 world records.

The Westminster event was held as part of Carers Week 2011. The theme for Carers Week 2011 is‘The True Face of Carers’. It calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities. The work they carry out is vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

Chris said:

“This has been a real opportunity to hear first-hand about the lives of the carers who give so much to their families and to us, their local community.

“As health and social care is a particular interest of mine, I aim to influence and to bring about real change for carers in our local area and will be raising their concerns in Westminster. I want to give carers back their lives, their health and happiness so they can carry on doing what they do best: caring.”

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, said

“We were delighted to welcome Chris Skidmore MP to this event, and thank Chris for his support for those in a caring role. The difficulties and challenges that carers often face need to be understood by everyone in Parliament. The enthusiasm and commitment of so many MPs is heartening – they can make the difference and be responsible for policies that can change the lives of carers and those they look after.”

Carers Week is a partnership of 9 national charities: Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

For information about Carers Week, including local events and activities, and where carers can find information and assistance, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.

Local volunteers are needed to help organise and promote the event to make it bigger and better than this year. Chris will be holding a public meeting on Thursday 15th July, 7pm at the Kingswood Community Association.

Residents can sign up to St George’s Day 2012 by emailing chris.skidmore.mp@parliament.uk, calling 0117 9081524, writing to 47 High Street, Kingswood, BS15 4AA or going tohttp://www.chrisskidmore.com/st_georges_day.html and registering.

The celebrations will be taking place on Saturday 21st April 2012 in Kingswood Park with rides, stalls and entertainment.

Chris commented, “The event back in April was absolutely fantastic with hundreds of people marching down the Kingswood High Street and then enjoying all the entertainment in the park.

We need volunteers to help with next year’s celebrations to bring new ideas and expand on what was achieved this year.”

Chris Skidmore MP with St George and Dennis Stinchcombe MBE
(Chairman on Bristol St George Society).

Mary, who is known as Mary Queen of Shops following her successful show on BBC 2, is one of the UK’s leading experts on retail and brand communication and wants to see how we can “bring back the bustle” to our town centres.

As the MP for Kingswood Chris has already spoken in Parliament about how to renew our local high streets and decided to invite Mary to see first-hand the experience of businesses and shoppers in Kingswood.

Chris commented, “I believe that Kingswood High Street has a unique identity and character that new developments are unable to replicate, and am committed to trying to encourage more people to visit Kingswood High Street and shop locally. I also believe that the challenges that we face in Kingswood are characteristic of the wider problems that High Streets face, and that a visit to Kingswood would be incredibly beneficial to her review.”.