Dear Constituent,
With Parliament in recess, I’ve been fully focused on constituency work - supporting local groups, championing community causes, and addressing the issues that matter most to residents across the Farnham and Bordon constituency.
It’s been a packed and productive week on the ground. I had the privilege of officially opening the new Grayshott Community Orchard, a brilliant example of what local collaboration can achieve. I also met with the Luff family in Headley, whose century-old farm is now under threat from Labour’s damaging new tax policies. Their story is sadly not unique, and I’ll continue campaigning to defend our family-run rural businesses.
In Runfold, I visited The Packhouse, where I spoke with Alison and Jim about the pressures facing small businesses. Their success in creating a space that supports dozens of independent traders is exactly the kind of local entrepreneurship we need to protect.
Community spirit was in full force throughout the week. I joined residents at the Frensham & Dockenfield Village Lunch, a much-valued monthly event that keeps people connected. I also visited the Haslemere Stroke Club, where I heard directly from volunteers and stroke survivors about the importance of continued access to recovery support. And of course, I couldn’t miss the Haslemere Classic Car Show, which once again filled Lion Green with energy, pride, and some very impressive motors.
Alongside these visits, I held another constituency surgery and continued working on a range of individual casework - including housing concerns, NHS support, and unresolved complaints with national services. These conversations shape my work in Westminster and strengthen the case I make for our area.
Tomorrow morning I’ll be out speaking to residents in Bordon, so please do come over to say hello if you spot me!
If there’s anything I can do to help you or your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]. I’m here to represent you.
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
GRAYSHOTT COMMUNITY ORCHARD OFFICIALLY OPENS
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, I had the honour of opening the new Grayshott Community Orchard - a beautiful space brought to life by the dedication of local residents.
The event was especially poignant as it included a tribute to Colin Thompson, whose passion and vision were central to the orchard’s creation. I was privileged to unveil a commemorative plaque in his memory, joined by Colin’s family.
I also had the pleasure of awarding prizes to pupils from Grayshott Junior School, who created brilliant posters to mark the opening. The orchard is not just a place to enjoy nature - it stands as a symbol of what a village can achieve when it works together.
FAMILY FARMS UNDER PRESSURE: LISTENING TO LUFF’S
The Luff family have been custodians of their farm business for nearly a century. Now based in Headley, the farm is a cornerstone of the local community, and I was pleased to visit this week to see their facilities and hear their concerns.
Originally located in Liphook - on the site where Bohunt School now stands - the farm moved to its current home and has since expanded, employing 22 people and supplying garden centres and businesses across the constituency and beyond.
But this year, the Luffs are facing difficult choices. Andrew, now 80, is weighing up the future of the farm in light of Labour’s new tax policies on family-run agricultural businesses. The options on the table - splitting the farm or selling it altogether - are neither what the family want, nor what Headley deserves.
This is not an isolated case. Across the country, family farms are being pushed to the brink. If we don’t act, we risk hollowing out the agricultural backbone of Britain.
VISTING THE PACKHOUSE - A HIVE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
This week I visited The Packhouse in Runfold, a much-loved local business that combines independent retail with a fantastic on-site restaurant, The Palm House.
I met with owners Alison and Jim to hear more about how they’ve grown the business and created a space that supports a variety of smaller traders. The Packhouse offers a wide range of homeware, gifts, and antiques, while the upstairs is home to several independent sellers. It’s a brilliant example of local entrepreneurship and collaboration.
But like many others, they’re now facing real pressure. This is yet another example of a strong local business being hammered by new taxes - Labour’s mistakes are hitting businesses everywhere.
Thanks to Alison and Jim for showing me around and for everything they do to support the local economy.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION IN ACTION: LUNCH IN FRENSHAM
I joined the Frensham & Dockenfield Village Lunch at the Royal British Legion - an increasingly popular monthly event that brings residents together over a hot meal and some good company.
We had fish pie on the menu, followed by tea and pudding, and I did my best to speak with as many of the more than 50 attendees as possible. The lunch is a simple but effective way of keeping people connected, particularly for those who might otherwise find themselves spending the day alone.
A big thank you to Rev’d Jane, from St Mary’s, and to the volunteers who give their time to help run it so smoothly. It’s a great example of local collaboration in action.
HASLEMERE STOKE CLUB AT HOLY CROSS
I visited the Haslemere Stroke Club at Holy Cross Hospital - a small, friendly group that supports stroke survivors through regular sessions of gentle activity, conversation, and community connection.
Normally, the group enjoys chair-based physiotherapy, quizzes, talks, and the occasional game of boccia - all delivered in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
I want to pay particular tribute to Sarah Fairbairn, who has been involved with the club for three decades and continues to lead it with quiet dedication. Her efforts, alongside the other volunteers, are a reminder of how vital local networks are for those recovering from stroke - and how much good can be done by a small group with big heart.
Whilst there, I was also pleased to meet Fran, Holy Cross’ Chief Executive, to catch up about any more strategic and operational concerns.
ENGINES & ENTHUSIASM: HASLEMERE CLASSIC CAR SHOW
I stopped by the Haslemere Classic Car Show this weekend - an event that once again packed Lion Green with visitors, vintage vehicles, and a lot of local pride.
From beautifully preserved British classics to striking international models, there was plenty to admire. But what stood out most was the energy of the crowd and the conversations between owners and enthusiasts of all ages.
A huge well done to the Festival team and volunteers for putting on another brilliant afternoon. It's events like this that give Haslemere its unique character and community spirit.
THIS WEEK’S SURGERY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
I held another surgery this week, where I met several constituents about a range of issues. One had an ongoing complaint with the Child Maintenance Service; another was a lady I’d first spoken to a year ago at the Farnham hustings before the General Election, and again more recently at the Haslemere Stroke Club - our conversation focused on NHS stroke recovery provision and future plans under the 10-year strategy. I also spoke to a resident facing the distressing prospect of her shared ownership home being demolished and rebuilt to meet safety requirements. I’ll be following up with the housing association to clarify what support will be offered.
Separately, I’ve taken up several casework matters this week including:
- I’ve written to Surrey County Council on behalf of a parent seeking a more suitable school placement for her son with additional needs. While I can’t influence decisions directly, I will always advocate where I can.
- I’ve contacted the Health and Safety Executive regarding delays to a building control application for a Haslemere property.
- A long-standing resident in Farnham raised concerns about a reduction in their car permit allocation - something they’ve had in place for over 20 years. I’ve asked for clarification and a resolution.
- I’ve also written to British Airways after a constituent’s compensation claim was left unanswered, despite all the necessary documentation being provided.
As ever, if you’re facing an issue and need support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
