Column in the Glamorgan GEM by Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP:
At the weekend I welcomed my friend and colleague Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP to Barry Island, who readers will be aware that I am supporting in the forthcoming election of a new Prime Minister. With the offer of ice cream on a sunny day at one of our beautiful seaside destinations, who could turn down a visit to the Island?
After hearing so much about Barry and the exciting things happening locally as we continue to regenerate the town, Boris was keen to visit the Island to see our success for himself and to champion our great community. Ensuring that places like Barry prosper economically and remain a thriving community is what matters in a strong United Kingdom. Delivering for every corner of the country is vital for the next Government and I am pleased that Boris shares my ambition and passion for communities like Barry. He outlined his commitment by pledging that Wales will continue to receive money through a new funding model, once we have left the EU.
In Westminster, I recognise that we have a responsibility to deliver Brexit and I believe that Boris is absolutely best placed to do this. By fulfilling our promise on Brexit, Boris can unite our country, drive excitement back into politics, protect our union and allow us to move onto other important matters affecting our country.
In other news, it was great to see Barry Town United back playing European football. This was a major success for all involved with the club. I would like to pay tribute to people like David Cole and Gavin Chesterfield who have been there through thick and thin, guiding the club back after we were thrown out of the league 8 years ago. Although the European journey has now ended, I’m looking forward to Barry competing again very soon.
Last month I again had the pleasure of presenting the end of season awards to Cowbridge Town AFC. I would like to note what an excellent job those who run the club have done, from the junior teams right through to the seniors. Cowbridge Town are a great example of a community team and we can see that from their growing number of players, which is now at almost 400. Congratulations to all who picked up awards and to the seniors who won team of the year after a brilliant season. I’m also very pleased to learn of the club’s progress on setting up an all-girls team. I hope that young girls in the Vale have been inspired by the entertaining World Cup this summer and will get involved with playing locally.
Also in Cowbridge, it was great to attend the second anniversary event held by Dementia Friendly Cowbridge. They are a brilliant and dedicated group who have done an excellent job over the years. The huge success that they have had in spreading awareness to residents and businesses in Cowbridge has inspired me to do all that I can to get other communities across the Vale engaged and involved. It’s a cause that I’m really passionate about and, in addition to raising money for Dementia Revolution at this year’s London Marathon, I’ve recently completed the Dementia Champion training. This means that I can now run briefing sessions, which I’ve always found to be incredibly informative and moving. I’m pleased to have already run a briefing session in Llantwit Major and I look forward to holding further sessions in the future.
