Happy Christmas
Christmas is a time for families and celebration, but do spare a thought for those who don't have anyone to share the holiday with this year. We should also think of those who either choose or have to work on Christmas Day. From the clergy to carers, the police and other emergency services, there are always some people working when the rest of us are celebrating.
Of course, this includes the brave men and women in our Armed Forces, on duty at home and abroad, especially those in Afghanistan, together with the civilian contractors supporting them.
‘Treats for our Troops’ update 
The response to the ‘Treats for our Troops’ campaign at the end of last year was fantastic. The photo here shows me delivering the first batch of about 200 parcels to the Royal Mail Sorting Office at the Houses of Parliament.
I know that these parcels are really appreciated and I am pleased to say that, all things being equal, they should have arrived in plenty of time for Christmas. It is a great comfort to our servicemen and women to know that people back home are thinking of them and have gone to the trouble to put together a personal gift.
I would particularly like to thank the Hemel Lions for their continued support in this project. They help packing parcels and ensuring they are all properly wrapped ready for the long journey to Afghanistan or the Falkland Islands.
The campaign is now closed as the parcels going to Afghanistan travel overland via Pakistan and the Khyber Pass – and that route is very probably blocked by snow!
Christmas Card Competition
As usual I asked the children at The Collett School to design my Christmas card - and I had some terrific entries. You can see them on my website
www.penning4hemel.com. The winner was Olivia Collins and I thank the Head, Stephen Hoult-Allen, and his staff for their help in organising the entries for the competition.
Support Poundland Macmillan Raffle!
Earlier this week I visited Poundland in the Marlowes where they are raffling an incredible Gingerbread House. The raffle is only £1 per ticket and all funds go to Macmillan Cancer Support. The draw will be held at 12noon today (Friday 21st). I encourage anyone who can to pop down there and support them.
Would you like to visit Parliament?
I actively encourage any group who would like to visit Parliament to do so. Many local groups have visited so far – most usually on a Thursday evening. It is a great opportunity for people to see the inner workings of our national Parliament and also, of course, for me to meet and learn about different organisations. If you are interested, contact my office on 01442 450444.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
www.penning4hemel.com 
