LifeCycle in Avonmouth

Being put through my paces at LifeCycle on the bike rodeo...

There's a lot of paper work being an MP, and anyone who knows me (especially my long-suffering caseworker) will tell you that I'm none too keen on paperwork.

However, the job does have its significant perks ( and no, I don't mean the type of perks that hit headlines and involve moats).  In the last year I've been caving ( which I never thought I'd do) and abseiling down Avon Gorge. This weekend, I got to do a 'bike rodeo' which was a first, with the superb group,  Life Cycle   who held an event at Avonmouth Community Centre to get local young people on their bikes, swapping bikes, getting their bikes fixed, and generally celebrating the joy and benefits of life on two-wheels.

It was a packed, popular event, and I was told how at least three children had taken their stabilizers off for the first time that day. Well done and thanks to all of those who introduced more kids to life on two wheels. Being on a bike this size reminded me of happy hazy days as a ten year old on my BMX, with home-made ramps in the car-park and playing field and constantly grazed knees...  I think the ten year old me may have put me to shame on the Bike Rodeo too...

10 Years at The Mouse!

The Mouse Pub is a true local. Just a short way up the hill from my house, and just a short stagger downhill back, The Mouse has been a second sitting-room for me in so many ways, and the welcome and friendship of Elaine and Billy who run it has been an anchor in many a storm! 

Celebrating 10 great years of Elaine and Billy running 'The Mouse' pub in WoT!

I remember when a car alarm went off in the middle of the night- and I found it was mine: A car up the hill had rolled down the hill and smashed up my little Yaris. I was half-a-sleep, in a combination of night-clothes and jumper, and not in the mood at all for such an unpleasant surprise. Elaine and Billy were wonderful.

Many people enjoy the hospitality of The Mouse - and the other weekend we all came together to celebrate 10 great years of Elaine, Billy and Lauren running the pub.

Yes, Elaine may have made me enter the infamous Mouse Chilli Eating Contest  ( joint 4th! C'mon! ) and been responsible for one of the most gastrically painful nights of my life, but I can't thank them enough for the warmth, friendship, hospitality - and of course, beer, they have provided since I have known them. Thank you! Here's to another 10 years! 

Southmead Festival fun

With local girl and campaigner, Paige Golding

I'm beginning to say things that I remember my mum saying about getting old...  Watching Ronan Parks at the brilliant Southmead Festival was one of those times - Ronan is exceptionally talented 14 year old,  but I found myself muttering all sorts of things about feeling very past-it!

The Southmead Festival, now held in the Greenway Centre was a huge success - helped by the weather and the tireless energy, enthusiasm and talent of the Southmead Community. I feel humbled and proud to be the MP for such a great communities, and Southmead is one of the very best.

Southsound Radio deserve a special congratulations for pulling in a real celeb in Ronan for the Southmead Festival - what a superb day.

Swift(ish) Political Descent for Homestart

Unashamedly chuffed I made it down the cliff-face in one piece

My political descent down Avon Gorge in aid of the superb charity Homestart wasn't perhaps quite as swift as I had intended.

I'd agreed to do an abseil to raise money for this charity which supports parents in looking after their young children, often in challenging circumstances. It makes a world of difference to both parents and children, and provides invaluable friendship and support to families - all through volunteers, who themselves say they gain so much from the experience too.

Thankfully, it was a gorgeous (no pun intended) sunny day for it and the view from the top of the Gorge, all the way out the the estuary glittering in the distance, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge behind us was simply beautiful.

Things became a little less serene when it came to walking backwards off a very high rockface, which suddenly seemed a lot higher, the closer you went to the edge. I'd been feeling quite cocky and full of bravado, but then my legs let me down with an undignified fit of the shakes as I made my way over the ledge. However, the staff were amazing, very reassuring and about a third of the way down the face, it became a pleasure. The political competition was really on as our Mayor, George Ferguson, was the only other elected person nuts enough to walk down a rock-face on a rope. Who's political descent was faster? Hard to say! and let's leave it at that!

There is still time to sponsor me. Please support Home Start which makes such a difference to so many people's lives.

Getting brutal with the brambles with Kings Weston Action Group

If only everything in politics was this satisfying

This Saturday, I donned deliciously skanky old gear to go bramble-cutting with Kings Weston Action Group. 

Headed by the indomitable and extraordinarily committed David Martyn, this team of volunteers protect the past and the future of the historic Kings Weston Estate, doing bio-blitzes, estate management and lots more.

If you're up to your eyeballs in office-work, sometimes feel like your efforts aren't going anywhere and generally want to get out in the open, and know that you are contributing to an invaluable piece of work to safeguard one of Bristol's gems, get in touch with them! 

Kings Weston House is such a jewel in Bristol's crown, and there is nowhere better to enjoy coffee, cake and a spectacular view than at the Kings Weston House tea-shop. Don't take my word for it, give it a go... 

Come on. This view is pretty hard to beat. Add a nice bit of cake and a cooling ginger beer on a summers day... well, I reckon it's unbeatable.