Welcome to my August 2023 Newsletter
I'm looking forward to the summer as always. It is a fantastic time during which I get to visit summer shows, meet local businesses and meet constituents over issues they are facing.
If I can help you with an issue or concern, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me by email - russell.george@senedd.wales (mailto:russell.george@senedd.wales)
Please let me know if you would prefer to receive my newsletter in Welsh.
Progress on Broadband
The UK Government is currently making major investments in improving broadband, particularly in areas where mixed coverage has been commonplace like Montgomeryshire.
I'm very pleased that the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has opened for Tregynon, Llanbrynmair and Kerry. This funds upgrades to vastly improved broadband in these places and I urge as many people to sign up as possible.
If take up is good, I hope to see an expansion of the scheme to cover other areas - bringing Montgomeryshire's broadband infrastructure up to modern standard. Click here to find out more.
I know there is some concern about the provider Broadway who were providing small elements in Montgomeryshire going into administration. I know that discussions are ongoing to ensure the continued rollouts of these elements but am happy to support any constituent with concerns.
Pharmacy Refit in Llanidloes
Pharmacies are a vital facility in local communities - helping to distribute important medicines and sorting our day to day aches and pains.
It was wonderful to reopen Llanidloes Pharmacy recently following a refit. There are now several additional features such as two new consultation rooms.
I'm wishing Dylan and the pharmacy's whole team a successful future which is important for us all. Click here to read the full story.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
There is good news as new applications for UK Shared Prosperity Fund are now open.
This fund is about the empowerment of local communities that I am confident will make a real difference on the ground.
This is the third call for applications for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Powys Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership will decide how over £23m of UK Government funding is spent across four priority areas with this round focusing on People and Skills.
There are great opportunities to upskill, retrain and develop employability skills across Powys.
St David's Awards
The St David's Awards celebrate the best of Wales - people, communities, businesses and organisations - so it is great that nominations are now open for 2023.
Across a number of categories, the awards help us to recognise extra-ordinary contribution to our national life.
It would be superb to see lots of nominations from Mid Wales. If you would like support with a nomination, please do contact me.
NHS Wales News
I meet officials at Powys Teaching Health Board on a regular basis and it was helpful in our last meeting to discuss initiatives to retain and attract staff in our area.
The Earn While You Learn scheme offers the opportunity for people to train as a nurse in three years with university qualifications thanks to a distance learning programme.
It is particularly welcome that there are no age limits or previous experience needed to take part. With a full salary and university costs covered, it really opens up access to this important career for everyone. You can read more about this by clicking here.
I'm pleased to be able to take part in the 75th anniversary celebrations by naming three NHS Powys Heros. If there is someone who you have been inspired by, cared for by extremely well or who goes above and beyond, I want to know about them.
To nominate someone, send an email to russell.george@senedd.wales before August 31st with their name and how they make a difference.
Celebrating Laura Ashley
In July, it was a pleasure to attend an event hosted by the Heritage Hub 4 Mid Wales celebrating the life and achievements of Laura Ashley. Thank you to Ann Evans and the whole team at the Heritage Hub.
An exhibition is being held in Machynlleth until the 6th of September in The Sculpture Space. I would recommend a visit to learn about this Mid Wales icon.
As a pioneer in the fashion world and an inspirational woman business leader, she had a hugely significant impact. Click here to find out more.
Summer Shows
Summer shows are always a fantastic demonstration of local traditions as well as a lovely time for towns and villages to come together.
Last week, it was great to attend the Royal Welsh Show and meet a number of organisations such as farming unions, attend meetings about our rural economy and discuss Openreach's plans for broadband improvements in Montgomeryshire.
The upcoming dates for your diary are:
• Saturday 5th August: Trefeglwys Show / Dolfor Show and Sports
• Thursday 10th August: Guilsfield Show
• Saturday 12th August: Sioe Llanfyllin Show / Llangurig Show
• Thursday 17th August: Sioe Aberhosan
• Saturday 19th August: Montgomery Show / Carno Show 2023
• Saturday 26th August: Berriew Show
• Monday 28th August: Sioe Llanbrynmair Show / Llansilin Show
• Saturday 2nd September: Sioe Llanfair Caereinion Show
• Saturday 2nd / Sunday 3rd September: Newtown Food Festival
Please come along to support our wonderful local shows, and hope to see you there!
