Those who attended the Train Care Centre Open Day on Saturday were treated to a collection of trains that have serviced the Penzance to Paddington route for decades. Despite the bitter wind, the day was a success, raising money for the RNLI and remembering local heroes. A new train, now known as the ‘Cornish’ train, carries the names of the Solomon Browne Penlee lifeboat crew lost in December 1981 and Rick Rescorla from Hayle,who lost his life having led nearly 3,000 people to safety during the Twin Towers terrorist attack in 2001. The day served as an important commemoration to these men and as a clear reminder of the commitment and investment made to this essential Penzance to Paddington rail link.
It was good to catch up with Helen Glover MBE, staff at West Cornwall Hospital, the hospital’s League of Friends and other well-known supporters of the service on Saturday. We attended to celebrate the refurbishment of the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments at the hospital funded by the Friends, following a generous donation from the late Miss Margaret Close.
I was pleased that the Environment Minister stated that the Government intends to bring forward the Environment Bill as soon as the new Parliamentary session starts following the Queen’s Speech this summer. This was in response to a debate I secured on the 25 Year Environment Plan. The legislation should include the development of a Nature Recovery Network. The idea of a nature recovery network in the UK has been championed by wildlife trusts and adopted by the Government in the 25 year environment strategy. This network will lead to new nature reserves and habitats similar to the ones on the Lizard and in Marazion being created for the benefit of wildlife and people. Reliable research clearly demonstrates that these natural habitats can help to improve our health, the local economy and protect and enhance our planet for future generations.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is something most of us will not have heard of unless diagnosed with it. AS is a type of arthritis, with long term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Many have it without knowing because the average time to diagnosis is eight and a half years, often being referred for back pain. I know about this painful condition because constituents asked me to take a look at the delay in diagnosis and I now chair the All Party Group for AS which met recently. In Parliament, the group is taking a lead to support GPs and commissioners to have the tools and resources they need to speed things up. This follows the publication of new national guidelines to accelerate the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Locally, I’ve been encouraged by the interest in the subject, but I have discovered that there is no support group for people who have AS and similar conditions. A volunteer has come forward to set up such a group. If you want to be involved, please contact me.