I am extremely proud to be the local Member of Parliament for Carshalton and Wallington - there are so many things that I love to be able to do, especially on behalf of residents. However, there aren't many things that compare to the honour and privilege of being able to represent our area, especially at times of national remembrance.
This has especially been the case over the last few days as Parliament and our area geared up to mark this year's Remembrance Weekend. For me, it began slightly earlier, as I joined Members of Parliament from all parties to lay a Cross of Remembrance on behalf of Carshalton and Wallington in the Parliamentary Field of Remembrance. When it was completed, 650 poppies - representing every constituency in the UK - filled the plot.
On 11th November itself, I joined other local political, military, service, and other representatives and organisations for our civic, borough-wide Remembrance Service to mark the national two-minutes silence at 11:00am. Whilst a simple ceremony in itself, it was incredibly moving.
Then on Remembrance Sunday, I was extremely privileged and humbled to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of Carshalton and Wallington during the ceremony at Carshalton Ponds.
Throughout the last few days, it has been great - and extremely humbling - to be able to meet and catch-up with so many of our local veterans, military personal, and their families, hearing their stories and finding out what I can do as the local MP to ensure that both locally and nationally their service is recognised, and indeed, that they feel recognised.
