Archive for June 2015

Law Degree – The ayes have it, the ayes have it!

Law booksAfter three years that seemed to have flown by, I can now say that I have passed my Law Degree with honours. Much of my studies took place in the Lord Ashcroft Building (pictured right). Before the General Election I had the pleasure of meeting Lord Ashcroft at an ARU talk.

Embarking on the Degree on has been one of the biggest challenges of my life – but on the
journey I have made so many great new friends which has greatly added to the experience.

One of the major reasons that led to me undertaking the Degree was the removal of Labour’s upfront tuition fees.

My family have been a great support – as the first in my family to go to University.

I will now enjoy some freedom away from being buried under law books whilst staring at a computer screen (which has been a feature of the last few months especially!) One of the proudest moments was completing my 10,000 word dissertation on human rights.

Whatever path I now follow; the skills, knowledge and experience that I have garnered will put to good use!

Charity event to support three good causes

Bollywood 5th Event A5 leaflet imageI am delighted to be organising a charity event on October 1st. The family restaurant Bollywood Spice will be celebrating it’s 5th anniversary with a Charity Gala Dinner in aid of three charities;
(1) Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.
(2) Addenbrookes Charitable Trust – Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
(3) Waterbeach Toddler Playgroup.

These three charities came out of over 30 suggested charities by local residents. So are very worthy causes.

Tickets are £17.50 which includes a two course dinner with tea’s and coffee’s there after.

Profits from meal and all proceeds from raffle and auction will be split evenly between the three good causes.

Tickets for the night are available from me; to purchase your tickets simpy send a cheque made payable to ‘Bollywood Spice’ to 20 Levitt Lane, Waterbeach, Cambs, CB25 9AZ.

I am very much looking forward to the event!

Waterbeach Barracks 514 Squadron reunion

The former Waterbeach Barracks has a long and important history dating from the Second WB6World War, through the post war years as an RAF base and then as home to the Engineer Regiment from 1966 to 2013.

Today was the annual 514 Squadron reunion, held at the Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum. To be able to talk to the former servicemen was a humbling experience.

The 514 Squadron was based at Waterbeach Barracks from November 1943 through to August 1945. There motto was ‘Nil Obstare Potest’ – nothing can withstand.

WB8During that time they flew 3675 sorties on 218 bombing raids, dropped 14,650 tons of bombs. They played an active role in supporting the D-Day operations and thereafter, in October 1944 saw a peak of 386 sorties. The losses encountered were high with 426 aircrew and nine ground crew losing their lives whilst serving with the squadron. Especially when you consider that in April 1944 there were a total of 373 ground crew personnel and 291 aircrew personnel.

WB5When operations were completed in August 1945, it is sad to note that there was no formal recognition or events at the time to mark the disbanding of the Squadron.

As many of you know, the Waterbeach Barracks closed a few years ago. With Urban and Civic now managing the site some facilities are coming back into use. This includes the Museum (with about 5-10% of it collection on display). Since then a Trustee group has been working hard to fully re-open the Museum. The good
news is that this is coming to fruition with the Museum expected to be back in full operation later in the year.

The 514 Squadron website is certainly worth viewing to fully understand their contribution during the Second World War.

Campaigning in Tower Hamlets

Urmi and I really enjoyed catching up with many Conservative friends and groups likeCFOBIII
Conservative Friends of Bangladesh and Conservative Way Forward.  Considering that we had just had a General Election over 100 activists turning out to support Peter Golds was a great showing.

It is clear that the area needs a strong voice to stand up for the best interests of Tower Hamlets and it is clear that Peter Golds has a conviction and experience for the role.CFOBVI

He offers a platform featuring three key issues; Tackling mismanagement and corruption, Schools which prepare children for the future and No to over-development in Tower Hamlets.

Election day is fast looming and will await the result with interest later in the week.

In the meantime to find out more about the campaign visit www.going4golds.com