Parliament went into recess in late July for the summer and the House of Commons resumes its sittings again after the Party conferences in mid October. The summer recess provides a good opportunity for MPs to spend more time meeting constituents, understanding their concerns and getting around the constituency. This is what I shall be doing; as well as taking my family to Scotland for a week's holiday.
I hope to visit my usual summer tally of up to 50 villages in my Mobile Surgery. This year I am trying to meet as many people as possible, so hope to see you at one of the summer fetes or events around the constituency, or at one of the coffee mornings or Meet your MP sessions which I am arranging in local pubs.
Politics does not come to a grinding halt, as Ministers and their Shadows remain on duty. But there is less of the relentless stream of initiatives being trailed through the papers, at least until the party conference season begins in September.
Conservatives started the summer recess with positive momentum from the by-election victory in Norwich North.
Let us hope we all have something sunny to enjoy during what remains of August. This will be a lot easier if some semblance of normal balmy summer weather makes a welcome return. Helped enormously if England win the Ashes.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during the weeks ahead.
