I is for Independence and iris.
As with so many rural counties, the beating heart of our business communities consists of small and medium sized companies run by local people who have invested their life savings and mortgaged their homes to set up a small independent business based on a good idea, a skill or a vision for a better way.
In Horncliffe today I met an energetic young man who specialises in filming for TV and cinema using drone technology. We were able to discuss the vision I have to create an aero centre of excellence in the patch, with the lead from existing drone manufacturers. There are statistics which show that more than half of all our children in school today will be doing jobs which don't presently exist. And the opportunities for business development, from entertainment to sport to the military, of the unmanned aerial vehicle and all that it can bring for economic growth, are yet to be fully harnessed. This is a project I am really keen to progress as part of Theresa May's industrial strategy if I am re-elected on 8th June.
The great pleasure of a general election campaign through the month of May is that so many gardens are coming into bloom. Its a great indicator of the cold spots around the patch, because some have lupins in full bloom, others hardly in bud yet. My flower of the day was this beautiful iridescent iris, gracing a Norham garden.
Norham is an ancient village with a castle which has seen some of the great battles to keep the Scots out over the centuries. But for local residents there is now no real border, family members live on both sides of the mighty river Tweed which is the official border.
Independence of spirit is a well-known Northumbrian trait, but overwhelming is a strong belief in the strength of a united kingdom. Scotland is simply our neighbour, not a foreign country. Lets hope the electorate make it clear to the SNP at this election, by returning many Conservative & Unionist MPs north of the border.
If you have any issues you would like to discuss please don't hesitate to contact me anytime on 01665 478188 or trevelyanoffice@gmail.com