In the middle of July, during the hottest week on record, people from all over the area (and beyond) enjoyed the spectacular Market Lavington Vintage Meet. Emily and I took the kids along on the Sunday and were blown away by the variety of things on show. It took me a good forty minutes to survey the selection of beautiful old cars (much to the annoyance of my daughter!) but she got her turn with the birds of prey where we learnt a lot from the very knowledgeable experts in the tent. The gun dogs obviously put our Lab to shame, the fairground rides and steam engines were a big hit, and I am still rationing my way through the most delicious treacle tart I’ve ever bought! I must mention the fly-past of the military aircraft, the Lancaster being the one we watched from the Plain later in the afternoon which gave me goosebumps as it banked overhead. A massive well done to everyone involved in the planning of such a fantastic event – next year’s is already in the diary!
As I write this, I am thankful to be sat in a slightly cooler room, yesterday’s temperatures were record breaking and worrying in terms of the seeming rapidity of climate change. We are quite used to seeing fires in Portugal and Spain but to have areas of England ignite is far less common. Some of that will come down to stupid actions in such dry conditions, disposable BBQs on dry grass for example, so we do need to stop and think a bit more when the mercury rises.
…which leads me on neatly to the Plain! I have always known the Plain to catch fire at times, most years in fact. It is part and parcel of living close to such a huge expanse of grassland in the summer. That said, there are things that the MOD really need to consider more carefully. Correct land management and coordinated grazing to help cut down on grass height would help, so I am told. The obvious one is not to carry out exercises during particularly hot and dry spells. There is also the recurring issue of not being able to put out a fire when it takes hold because of unexploded bombs. Perhaps more thought needs to be given to prevention if it is known that a cure is unavailable.
And finally, whilst we are on the subject of things going up in flames, I will, for the first time (I think), mention Government which I always try to avoid. Most of you will know that I am a Conservative but if you know me personally you will have seen me shaking my head, often with my hands over my face, at the way some members of the party conduct themselves. I work incredibly hard for my community and I do it with a belief in Conservative values. It is clear to me that most of the previous Cabinet (before it fled the sinking ship at the last possible moment in such a self-serving way) should not have the right to call themselves a Conservative. Not all politicians are bad, most are dedicated to improving life for their constituents. We simply can’t have a Prime Minister who lies and cheats his way through life, those are not the traits of a good leader, either domestically or on the World’s stage. So, Boris is gone… (sort of) and whilst I really liked Tom Tugendhat for his honesty, voting record and “clean slate” approach, he is no longer in the running. Your guess for the next PM is as good as mine but I am confident in saying the only way from here is up.
You may contact me about this or any other matter by email to dominic.muns@wiltshire.gov.uk or by phone on 07585 394 178.
