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Message from Mike Penning MP

Posted by Michael Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, at 11:57, Mon 11 April 2011:

Reporting back...

The first few months of this year have been dominated by significant events across the world and our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by natural disasters, war and political turmoil.

I had the opportunity to reflect on how people's lives can be affected by war and political upheaval when I accompanied some pupils and teachers from Astley Cooper School to Auschwitz.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

The Holocaust Educational Trust has been arranging trips for students and teachers to Auschwitz-Birkenau for 13 years and it has been a very successful programme.

It is only when you see it for yourself that you understand and appreciate fully the industrialised nature of the Holocaust. These events may have taken place over 60 years ago but as our society bears witness; we need to continue to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the younger generations in order to fight bigotry and hatred today.

http://www.mikepenning.com/04032011_auschwitz_visit

Locally we have been as busy as ever. I respond to between 700 and 800 emails a week and between 100 and 200 letters. I visit as many local schools, clubs and businesses as I can and frequently visit constituents in their homes.

If you think I can be of any help to you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Local visits

A small selection of visits I have enjoyed this past month or so...

Hemel Storm

http://www.mikepenning.com/07032011_hemel_storm

Beaver Scouts Anniversary

http://www.mikepenning.com/17022011_beaver_scouts_sleepover

Motorbike Graveyard Open Day

http://www.mikepenning.com/21032011_motorbike_graveyard

Hemel FM

I very much enjoyed my first visit to new community radio station Hemel FM.

I joined presenters Claudia Redmond and Derek James on their "In the Spotlight" programme on Sunday 20th March.

It gives me a great opportunity to listen to peoples' concerns and also explain some of the more difficult decisions that the Government has been forced to make.

I am hugely enthusiastic about the project.

http://www.mikepenning.com/25032011_hemel_fm

Tiffin Cup

I have launched my search for the best South Asian restaurant in the constituency to put forward for the Tiffin Cup.

The Tiffin Cup is an annual event organised by a cross-party group of Members of Parliament known as the Tiffin Club. Each MP is invited to nominate one South Asian restaurant from their constituency to go through to a regional final. Last year saw a record 70 restaurants nominated from central London to the Isle of Barra in the Western Isles.

You can nominate you favourite restaurant here (http://www.penning4hemel.com/tiffincup).

Veterans Badges

Finally, we had a very successful presentation of Veterans' Badges last week with nearly 40 recipients and their families. If you served in HM Forces - during war or peacetime - I urge you to claim your veterans badge. You can download an application form here (http://www.mikepenning.com/downloads/veterans_application_form.pdf)

http://www.mikepenning.com/08042011_veterans_badge_presentation

With very best wishes for Easter

Mike