Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2007 | Page 15

ANDREW TURNER MP life Andrew Turner MP If you would like to contact our island MP (Andrew Turner) then please either write to: 24 The Mall, Caisbrooke, Isle of Wight PO30 1BW or call 01983 530808 email: [email protected] As I write this, it has actually stopped raining and I can see blue skies and sunshine. Elsewhere in the country tens of thousands of people have seen their homes flooded and have been without drinking water and electricity. It is bad enough when the lights go out for an hour or two, what must it be like to have no power for days and being unable to turn on a tap for a drink of water? My heart goes out to those affected but it also makes you think about how people live in other less developed parts of the world. Generally over the last few months I have been doing what I like best, meeting and talking to Islanders. I enjoy going out to knock on doors, it reminds people that their MP is here to help them. The issues seem to be the same, taxes, crime and the NHS. Events I have been lucky enough to attend included the ceremony, to mark the 65th anniversary of the Polish destroyer, Blyskawica's defence of Cowes. In May I was privileged to attend the homecoming of Gipsy Moth IV after her second circumnavigation of the globe. This time she was crewed by young people. What a brilliant achievement! And in June I went to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s open day, just one of the events I try to attend each year. The club's public-spirited members host around 80 disabled people giving them the opportunity to get out on the water in a variety of craft. Island Life - www.islandlife.tv But it has not been all work and no play. Carole and I, with Pickle, our dog, enjoyed a holiday in Ireland. It was wet on four out of six days, but we enjoyed a real break away from the phones and e-mail. I have been made to promise to do that again! Before the Recess we watched Blair's amazing exit from the centre stage. It didn’t seem possible, especially when immediately before he handed over the keys to Number 10 he spent six weeks going round the world on a farewell tour. But Blair was forgotten in little over a week and everyone was wondering what Gordon Brown would do. By the time you read this we may have more idea of what kind of Prime Minister he will be. A few weeks ago I spoke for the first time in the Commons following my stroke. The debate was on 'Stroke Services' so I could hardly miss the opportunity to speak up for everyone who looked after me so well at St Mary's. It was actually much more daunting than my maiden speech. Now we are in the recess which is a busy time on the Island and for me. Cowes Week, the Garlic Festival, the County Show and the Chale Show I look forward to them all, as well as the many smaller events, run by Islanders for Islanders. They give me a great opportunity to talk to my constituents and hear about your concerns. I do hope to see lots of you over the summer. 15