Category: Wokingham and West Berkshire Issues

                The choir was in great voice again last night to welcome in Christmas.  Four soloists responded well to the challenge of filling the Church with their single voices. The organisers  put on Christmas songs, carols and readings. I was pleased to be asked to read John Betjeman’s  “Christmas”  as part of the performance.

                  The choir sang traditional works like Adam lay abounden and the Sussex carol, as well as the more solemn Vespers.  Paddy Haycocks read the ever entertaining “Twas the night before Christmas”  with spirit and humour, whilst Linda Skilton gave a good performance of Pam Ayres down to eearth  “Goodwill to men”.

                  I love the combination of the written word and music. It made a great evening, with a full house.

 I attended the Borough Council’s Christmas carols and songs on Friday. The  Berkshire Maestros played well, and taking us through a medley of well known Christmas music.  I send my thanks to all who took part, for making it such a great event.

      Yesterday I was invited to see the new Holiday Inn hotel at Winnersh. It is an impressive addition to our local hotels, offering  174 bedrooms, restaurant and spa facilities. I was shown around and invited to discuss the impact of government on the hospitality industry.

        In common with others, the representatives of the hotel told me that 20% VAT is a high tax to have to pay. Many in the hospitality industry favour a cut in VAT on their businesses to act as  a  stimulus to demand.  They told me of the high costs of the carbon levy, despite the work they did on the design to minimise energy use. High energy bills, and high business rates also drive up costs.

         I will explore with Michael Fallon, Business Minister, and Hugh Robertson, the Minister for tourism and lesiure matters, how the government can help to limit the costs of this important business sector. Several of the issues are common to other  sectors as well, and will be familiar to readers of  this general blog.

       I visited Wokingham Post Office and sorting office this morning. It was busy but looked quietly efficient. The postal staff have delivered large volumes in the run up to Christmas, and reported a big increase in packages as more people buy more things on the internet.

      I thanked them all on behalf of the constituency for their hard work, and wished them all a happy and relaxing Christmas next week.

         Following meetings at the Transport and Housing departments in Whitehall, the  Housing Minister Mark Prisk has offered up to £2.5 m to Wokingham Council to help with improved transport links especially including a new  bridge over the railway as part of Wokingham’s redevelopment plans.  Wokingham can also apply for additional money from the £225 m development funds as and when housing plans are more advanced, if they need state financial assistance.

        John Redwood said ” I am glad to have helped Wokingham Council gain access to money to help deal with Wokingham’s transport  and development needs. Whilst the housing development should be largely or wholly privately financed, we do need assistance with roads and related infrastructure.”

            I enjoyed the Christmas Concert greatly. From the opening bars of  “Once in Royal David’s City” to the closing airs of “Hark the Herald Angels sing” it was a thrilling performance.

             The Berkshire Maestros made the music. They set a lively pace with their medley of Leroy Anderson’s “Christmas Festival” , and quickened it to sound of the lashing whip on Leroy’s dashing Sleigh Ride.  The massed Chilren’s choirs were spirited over the Calypso Carol and the Philippine Carol. They enchanted with “Away in a manger” and entertained with “Santa Claus is coming to town.”

              I would like to say a big “Thank you” to all the teachers, Council staff  and parents who made it possible. I also want to thank the Maestros, who once again put on a stunning production.  It is always a big part of Wokingham’s Christmas. This year lived up to expectations.  James Baker is a skilled and enthusiastic conductor, who brings the best out of the performers.

          The government has announced up to £1.7m of additional money for Wokingham over a 3 year period, to help cover additional costs of new homes as and when they are built. The government accepts that new houisng adds to public service and infrastructure costs, and there they wish Councils accepting new building to receive additional cash support.

               I have received numerous emails from constituents urging me to vote against Gay marriage proposals. Now we have seen the government’s response to its consultation I invite constituents to send me their view here or to the Commons on this topic. I wish to consult widely before deciding how to vote. I have not been seeking any changes to marriage law, but now wish to understand the mood in the constituency about the government’s proposals.

              Will anyone sending in their view please confirm they are a constituent, as this post and  this part of the site is offered for constituents, not for national debate.

The Rt Hon John Redwood MP attending a lunch at Farley Hill on 7th July 2012 to celebrate his 25th anniversary as Member of Parliament for Wokingham.

             A month before Christmas Wokingham town comes together to change the mood. After the sombre remembrance of November 11th, and the spooky irreverence of Halloween, comes the ceremony to sing carols and switch on the Christmas lights. I always feel a special sense of happiness as the Market place defies the winter gloom with illumination, music and a sense of fun to come.

               Elsewhere in the constituency people find the Christmas decorations in the garage or the loft, dress the trees and think of preparing for the Christmas meals. Our thoughts turn to families. Parents and grandparents delight in their young acting in Nativity plays or performing in the school choir. There is none so old that cannot still capture a little of the magic of their early Christmas times  in the eyes of young children. We owe it to ourselves as well as to the children to sparkle a little for Christmas. Grown ups have to suspend their disbelief as well. We need to distil the magic, promote the dream, tell the old stories, and embellish our feast with something new.

           For Christmas is a living tradition. To Christians it is pre eminently a celebration of the birth of Christ, a Saviour of mankind. For others it is a welcome break from the daily round, a glorious mixture of religious festival and mid winter feast, with great stories and the towering figure of Father Christmas. It is a time to think more of others, to recognise their importance to us with gifts, cards and messages, a time to say thank you for service offered, a time to include those who would otherwise be lonely. Wokingham this year has added a living advent calendar to its seasonal events. It is a time to sing Christmas songs and carols, a time to work hard at home for the family, a time to relax as well to enjoy the spirit of the days.

          Christmas is a time for giving. So often as they say it is the thought that counts. The hand made present or the chosen gift need not be expensive. You do not have to buy   the biggest box from the store to impress. Good present giving is not about you but about the person you are giving it to.  Sometimes the best present of all is to give your time and care to those around you, and to help those nearby who otherwise would not have a great Christmas.

         I wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a more prosperous New Year. I hope everyone in your family will find  joy in your family Christmas.