I recently met Mrs Betty Bennell, quite possibly Bushey’s oldest resident, to wish her a happy 100th birthday. She’s lived in the same Bushey house since it was built and is the only original resident still left on the street. I very much enjoyed talking to her about how much has changed in our area over her lifetime.

For each generation, the changes they’ve seen have been different. In Betty’s life she’s seen the advent of motor cars, television and man’s first steps on the Moon. In my own life mobile phones, laptops, the internet and video messaging have meant science fiction has become reality. No doubt our children will see even greater changes.

But amidst all this change it’s important to remember what we have preserved that’s special about our area. Alongside meeting Betty, I also spoke to the North Bushey RBL Social Club, of which she remains an active member. North Bushey is often a forgotten part of our community, but it’s through the efforts of people like Betty, fellow residents and countless other civic organisations in Radlett and Bushey that we’ve held on to the village feel of our communities. This is something I know is important to many of MyNews’ readers and continues to form a significant part of my work as your local Member of Parliament, both locally and in the Commons.

Change can often be disconcerting, but I hope that despite all the challenges we face, not least to the environment and rising global tensions, there is much we can look forward to. I remain optimistic that my children and other resident’s children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren, can enjoy the fruits of progress whilst holding on to the best of what we currently enjoy.