SUDDENLY, it is now just twelve weeks until the parliament dissolves as we head to a General Election on May 7th.
Last week, we caught up with the Labour candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Mike le-Surf to both look back on 2014 and forward to 2015.
Mike said:
"As we head into the New Year I wanted to write publicly at this time to thank all the people I have met in 2014 during my election campaign to be your next MP. It is a pleasure and an honour to be the Labour candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock at the General Election on May 7th 2015.
Whether we have spoken on the doorstep or at the many campaigning and social events in the constituency I know we have some real issues that need to be addressed but also know that our part of South Essex is one that is unique and has so much to be proud of.
"I have to especially thank members of the Welcom Forum in East Tilbury who speak up for their local community and Mike Tarbard for making sure the history of the Bata Estate stays alive for future generations. And the teams at Cory Environmental Trust Visitor Centre and Wat Tyler Country Park who make sure our wildlife and natural environment is respected and enjoyed by many.
Thank you to all at St. Basil’s in Vange and also to Kim and John Guest at St. Margaret’s in Stanford-le-Hope for their wonderful hospitality throughout the year. Members of the Pitsea Community Forum have hosted many a lively meeting during the past 12 months and do a great job for members of the local community. It was a pleasure also to visit pupils and staff at local schools including Kingswood and Pitsea Juniors.
Throughout the year I have been delighted to compare the quiz nights organised to raise funds for the Green Action Group in Nethermayne who are fighting the Dry Street development. It has been an honour to support such a dedicated group of residents and I am looking forward to the next quiz in February.
I would like to finally thank all involved in Churches Together in Basildon, Prostate Cancer UK and St. Luke’s Hospice who were the beneficiaries of three charity events I took part in early in December. Sleeping outdoors on the coldest night of the year to raise awareness and funds for the homeless was an unforgettable and equally uncomfortable experience that gave a small insight into how many people struggle especially at this time of year.
"I wish you a happy new year and look forward to seeing you in the months ahead".
