Dorset Island Discs - Interview by Laura Hitchcock, Editor, The BV Friday, 5 April, 2024 ‘I was incredibly shy. I had quite bad speech defects as a child – I couldn’t say my R’s, my W’s, my th’s – that made me even shyer. It’s quite extraordinary that I now find myself doing a job which is mostly speaking, where an air of confidence is required!’ Simon Hoare MP proffers a sandwich before leaning back comfortably and sliding a sticky bun my way. ‘The cake is all yours, by the way. I’ve... Articles
A 'Thank You' to our Communities - for The New Blackmore Vale 23rd March 2024 The technical seasonal weather bulletins tell us we are in Spring but, as I write this at my desk looking out over North Dorset it seems anything but. Let us... Articles
Standing the Test of Time - for The New Blackmore Vale 10th March 2024 ‘Will it stand the test of time?’ is often a question asked. In short – will something that looks or sound good today be so in the future. When it comes to... Articles
Farming, responsibility and working together - for The BV 8th March 2024 For this column I thought I would have some varied topics rather than a thematic piece. Farming and food production remains one of the largest part of the UK’s... Articles
Supporting community sports, planning and storm disruption - for The New Blackmore Vale 29th February 2024 Like many people, PE was never my favourite or best subject at school. I never quite seemed to be built for whatever it was we were supposed to be playing or... Articles
Social mobility and the importance of housing - for The New Blackmore Vale 25th February 2024 I joined so many of the community in and around Blandford welcoming the decision by the Planning Inspectorate to refuse permission for the development at Deer... Articles
Values and Freedoms - for The New Blackmore Vale 9th February 2024 For the third year in a row, I was invited to be a judge in a schools’ debating competition organised by the Shaftesbury branch of Rotary and held in... Articles
Our security - for The BV 9th February 2024 While there are always many issues that generate heated debate among friends and family (and sometimes between Member of Parliament and constituent … [although... Articles
Lessons learned from the Post Office, Horizon IT scandal - for the New Blackmore Vale 14th January 2024 Since my first election as your Member of Parliament in 2015 I have been aware of the terrible situation regarding the Post Office, the Horizon IT programme and... Opinions
A new year signals the resurrection of hope - for The BV 12th January 2024 Can I begin this first article of 2024 by wishing you, your families and those you love a very Happy New Year. I hope it brings everything that you wish for it... Articles
