Despite the every-changing and un-summery weather we are experiencing at the moment, the good people of Navestock were fortunate that for the duration of their annual village show the rain (mostly) held off.
I thoroughly enjoyed all this little village fair had to offer – from the amazing produce and crafts in the village hall, created and made by villagers keen to win a rosette in the competition part of the event. My children were entranced by the dog show, and were delighted when their favourite (Ozzie) won the Golden Oldie Prize.
It was a good chance to catch up with some local residents who have been in touch with casework over the last couple of years, even if some of their friendly enthusiasm was intended to entice me to Splat the Rat (harder than it looks). I suspect Chris the Mole Man would be far better at this skill, having been catching moles and rabbits for more than fifty years with the help of his amazingly well-trained ferrets.
I was able to chat to the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team officers too, who were pleased with new legislation to introduce tougher sentencing and improved police powers for hare coursing. Parts of my constituency are, sadly, areas in which this crime is too common, so I am pleased the police feel confident in the new powers which have been given to them to tackle such animal cruelty.
It was a great joy to meet Louise Barrett too, who is the driving force behind REACH , a charity based in Kelvedon Hatch, and which uses horses and Louise’s physiotherapy training to offer hippotherapy to children and adults with disabilities the chance to improve their health and well-being through riding, grooming and petting ponies. Trixi and Flora, the mini Shetland Ponies, are particular favourites at REACH and it was lovely to meet them at Navestock too.
I hope the weather clears up for the time the children are off, and please do enjoy all that our wonderful local countryside has to offer.
