As someone who loves this country and our history, the closure of our museums since the start of the year has been difficult.

Like so many Hertsmere residents, visiting the great museums and heritage locations this country has to offer has always been one of my favourite pastimes and I’ve missed them dearly.

Hertsmere is a historic borough with a wealth of cultural and heritage attractions and two of the best are the Bushey Museum and the de Havilland Aircraft Museum just outside Shenley.

We have stood behind our cultural institutions over the past year and helped to give them much-needed financial lifelines whilst their doors were closed to ensure they could welcome us back again.

I was delighted that the de Havilland Museum was awarded £80,000 through the Culture Recovery Fund last year, as was the Radlett Centre, a key part of the community. The Bushey Museum also received funding directly from our local Council.

Having put the money in, I am delighted that they reopened from 17 May as part of stage three of our path out of lockdown, alongside other indoor venues and hospitality.

It’s a real pleasure to have been invited to the Bushey and de Havilland museums as they reopen and I am very much looking forward to speaking with the staff who will be working hard to ensure we can all visit them safely.

I’ll certainly be doing my part in visiting our cinemas, museums and performance venues now they’ve reopened their doors to guests, and I would encourage everyone to get out and support the great venues this country and our local area has to offer. And when you’ve finished, perhaps have a drink or something to eat to help our fantastic local cafes, pubs and restaurants thrive again after a terrible year.