Happy Christmas
As Christmas fast approaches I would also like to take the opportunity to thank any of you who are working, or indeed volunteering, through the holidays to keep our essential services up and running.
It is also a time to remember those serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan and their families who must miss them so much at this time of year.
Finally, I wish all residents of Dacorum a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 2011.
 With Mayor of Dacorum Cllr Roger Taylor and Saracens Head landlord, Alan Bentley, winner of best dressed premises in the High Street at Kings Langley Christmas Lights Festival. (Photo: Kris Gruber) Dacorum Post-WW2 Memorial Appeal Launch
I was very moved by the number of people who turned out in Hemel on Remembrance Sunday. The ongoing campaign in Afghanistan and the sad loss of two young Dacorum soldiers this year: Marine Matthew Harrison of Boxmoor and Acting Corporal David Barnsdale of Tring, has brought home to all of us the sacrifices our fighting forces continue to make on our behalf.
I have now jointly with the Borough Mayor, the Hemel Hempstead Gazette and the Royal British Legion in Hemel Hempstead, launched an appeal for a memorial in Dacorum specifically dedicated to those who have given their lives on our behalf since 1945.The sacrifices made by these young people and their families will not be forgotten.
It is expected that the memorial would be situated alongside the current memorial in St John’s Road.
If you would like to donate, cheques payable to Royal British Legion (War Memorial) should be sent to one of the following: - Mike Penning MP, 6th Floor, Hamilton House, Marlowes , HP1 1BB
- The Mayor of Dacorum,Dacorum Borough Council, Civic Centre, Hemel Hempstead
- Hemel Hempstead Gazette Office, 39 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1LH
Or you can pay be credit card in person at the Hemel Hempstead Gazette Office in Marlowes or by phone on 01442 898401. Any queries please call my office on: 01442 450444. Christmas Card competition at
The Collette School I was delighted to join a special assembly at The Collette School in December. Since being elected as Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead I have invited the pupils at this wonderful school to take part in a competition to design my Christmas card. The winner was David Evans and his design has been made into my Christmas card by local greeting card company Piccadilly Greetings Group.
 All competition entries have been scanned and put on my website: www.penning4hemel.com/christmas_card_2010. The incredible work done by this school is truly inspirational. It is such a happy school, I really do look forward to my (at least) annual visit. Department for Transport
Motorcycle Test
I have just published a review of the Motorcycle test which I had initiated in response to wide-ranging concerns about the new test introduced in April 2009. I hope to be able to introduce a single on-road test that includes a hazard avoidance manoeuvre which should improve motorcycle safety.
The new test will also mean that it can be carried out at more geographical locations which will end the farcical situation where candidates have to ride their bikes on public roads for up to 2 hours before they even get to the test centre!
We will now conduct trials of the new proposals before, hopefully, rolling it our nationwide.
And finally...
Finally, I thank you for your support throughout the past year. It has been an incredible year for me and I will never forget that it is the people of Hemel Hempstead who have put me where I am and to whom I am most indebted.
If I can be of any help to you or your family, or to an organisation which you are involved with, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With very best wishes
www.penning4hemel.com
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