Politically Speaking - Andrea Jenkyns, MP for Morley and Outwood

I recently paid a visit to Brenda’s forced rhubarb farm in Kirkhamgate, within the famous Rhubarb Triangle.

Brenda’s farm is a shining example of local entrepreneurship continuing in the tradition passed down by generations, indeed almost all of the work is still done by hand.

Growing indoor, or forced, rhubarb is unique to our area and it was so interesting to hear more about how this process works.

Brenda also baked some fantastic rhubarb based goodies that I couldn’t resist, such an amazing local product.

The Wakefield Food, Drink and Rhubarb Festival was a great way to celebrate the traditional produce of our area and I hope everybody enjoyed themselves.

Last week, I was honoured and proud to attend the Combined Cadet Force (Navy) opening parade at Outwood Grange Academy.

The military plays a vital role in protecting our nation from threats foreign and domestic.

It makes me so happy that young people want to be involved as cadets, learn new skills and make friends along the way.

Young cadets also learn to take pride in our country and our traditions.

I admire the officers who are committed to training the next generation of the armed forces, and the inspiring and committed students who made everybody in attendance very proud.

Last Friday, I held my monthly memory café at Outwood Memorial Hall in aid of helping those with Alzheimer’s and memory loss. The café always has a great atmosphere and we share a cuppa, biscuits, music, photographs, videos, and sometimes fancy dress. The memory café will now always be held on the last Friday of each month. If you know someone with Alzheimer’s feel free to come along on March 27, share your story and relax.

Finally, I was glad to see that the latest data showed a decrease in the number of people sleeping rough. Wakefield Council will receive an additional £192,500 through the Rough sleeping Initiative funding allocation 2020.

I hope our local authority will use these funds to help people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes improve their lives and get back on their feet.

Rough sleeping has fallen for the second year in a row, with the latest figures showing a reduction in rough sleepers of nine per cent and follows a two per cent reduction the year before, but there is more to do.

One of the main issues raised by my most vulnerable constituents is housing and I hope this intervention will be vital for many, and will help to end homelessness by the end of this parliament.

As always, if residents need my help I am available to help constituents.

Should you have any issues that you believe I may be able to help with please email me at [email protected] and I will do everything within my power to help.