With the school holidays now upon us and a recent spate of scorching temperatures, many families will be looking forward to spending time with loved ones in the first ‘normal’ summer for two years.

Covid restrictions are now behind us. Tourists are back in Shropshire. Holidays abroad have been made possible once again. Many constituents are enjoying the benefits of a well-earned break in the sun, a staycation soaking up the best that the British Isles have to offer, or jetting off on a short flight abroad.

This summer will also see the return of many local events that have been sorely missed during the pandemic, forced to cancel during lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.

Our local venues have now sprung back into action and the hospitality sector will be hoping for a busy summer with beer gardens full to the brim. I would encourage those who are able to make the most of the assets on our doorstep and support our local pubs, restaurants, theatres, and arts centres.

In April, I enjoyed taking my family to Bitterley Point-to-Point for the first time in 3 years, and I am particularly looking forward to the return of the Burwarton Show on 4th August and Tenbury Countryside Show in Burford on 6th August. Each year, thousands of visitors come to both shows, showcasing Shropshire’s proud agricultural reputation and rich farming history.

I know that Cleobury Mortimer residents enjoyed another successful Festival at the Edge recently, and that Broseley celebrated the return of its Festival earlier in June. Hundreds of dog owners had the opportunity to show-off their pets once again at the very popular Ludlow Fun Dog Day at Stokesay Court.

Bridgnorth made the most of the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games passing from the Severn Valley Railway through the town to join the Community Sports Day on Saturday before the Games began in Birmingham

The Church Stretton Arts Festival returns from 23rd July to 13th August, featuring performing arts from classical and contemporary music concerts to drama, speakers and workshops. The festival is exhibiting over a hundred local artists.

In Craven Arms, there are a whole host of summer holiday activities on offer to keep school children entertained at the Discovery Centre – our very own gateway to the Marches.

There are many more fantastic events coming up than the few I have space to mention here. We are lucky to have such a rich and diverse cultural scene in South Shropshire and I look forward to enjoying much that the county has to offer this summer.

As the Houses of Parliament rose for the summer recess last week, after a tumultuous couple of months, colleagues will be looking forward to a break from Westminster. I am equally sure most constituents will be heartily glad of a break from politics too.

Over the summer months, the Conservative Party will select a new Leader who will become the next Prime Minister from 5th September.

This summer will mark the end of an extraordinary period in our political history but also offers the chance for a fresh start in September.

We have lots to look forward to!