Oliver's Column in My News - September 2016

Oliver Dowden CBE MP

Many of us took time over the summer to enjoy holidays visiting different parts of this country and other parts of the world. I certainly enjoyed being able to spend some time with my family.

But with autumn upon us, have you thought about something a little closer to home? We have many interesting opportunities right on our doorstep. For example, this October Shenley Park hosts an Apple Festival where you can sample and buy many different varieties of apple and apple juice, participate in juicing demonstrations and play games involving apples, such as apple bobbing and an apple shy. It’s a wonderful place that I thoroughly recommend you visit. 

Did you know that there is an excellent museum and art collection in Bushey- The Bushey Museum and Art Gallery? As many readers will know, Bushey has a fantastic artistic heritage and the museum showcases some very high quality work, including Herkomer’s wonderful painting of two Chelsea Pensioners, The Last Muster. Nearby, you can also visit the recently restored award winning Bushey Rose Garden, and the fascinating Reveley Lodge, and while you’re there you should not miss the opportunity to sample some of their tasty homemade cakes.

Other local attractions include Wrotham Park, Aldenham Country Park, the beautiful Bhaktivedanta Manor and of course our world famous TV and film studios in Elstree.

There are great possibilities to promote local jobs and growth with such exciting places to visit in Hertsmere. To this end, the government has recently announced additional funding for tourism in our region, and I met Visit Hertfordshire at Elstree studios to hear about opportunities to promote tourism in Hertsmere. We are going to stay in touch and I will do all I can to promote the initiative.

Summer may be coming to an end, but for many of us it feels like the start of a new year, with children back to school and the start of a new term in Parliament. Why don’t you embrace the change of season and the coming crisp autumn days to explore at least one new place in our own area this autumn.