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An abridged version of this article appeared in The Diss Express on 22 May 2009
Telegraph’s fine public service

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon brings Diss Express readers up to date with some of his recent work in the community


The crisis over MPs expenses has quite rightly made people angry.

I think the Daily Telegraph has performed a public service by publishing information that should have been publicly available anyway. Last year in a vote in Parliament I was one of 144 MPs who voted for full reform of expenses. Sadly we were defeated by 172 MPs who voted against reform. A full list of those who voted for and against reform is in this article on the internet here.

As my main home is in Norfolk, I have always used the second home allowance to rent a flat in London near to Parliament.  I have now published my own expenses on my website so people can take a look and judge for themselves.  I have always believed in much greater openness about the use of taxpayers’ money. 

I was one of the original signatories on the Motion of No Confidence in The Speaker of the House of Commons.  You can read more about my views on MPs expenses and on The Speaker on my website.

Let's Grow
Recently I visited Safe Hands Nursery in Hopper Way, Diss who are taking part in the Morrisons Let’s Grow gardening scheme for children.

Seeds and gardening equipment have been distributed to schools and nurseries in exchange for vouchers collected from Morrisons by family and friends.

The children were keen to show me how they were growing potatoes, runner beans and salad leaves which they are looking forward to eating, as well as flowers to attract bees.

IMAGE: Richard Bacon MP with the staff and children of Safe Hands nursery
Richard Bacon MP with Manager Nicola
 Hopes (far left), Roz West (centre
back) and children in the garden at
Safe Hands Nursery

This is fantastic way to get children enthusiastic about vegetables and fruit.  It’s obvious the children have a great time at Safe Hands which is run by Nicola Hopes and her cheerful, friendly staff. They are having an open morning on Saturday 11 July from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. To find out more call 01379 650420.

Waveney Words
Waveney Words is a free fortnightly talking newspaper sent to blind and partially-sited people who live in Diss, South Norfolk and North Suffolk. 

Founded in 1986, the newspaper is coming up for its 600th edition. I have recorded a message of congratulations to go out on 26 May alongside the usual news items taken from current local newspapers.

 Over 50 people give their time to Waveney Words which is a registered charity. However, it takes only nine people to put together one recording. These include editors, news readers, sound technicians and tape copiers. The tapes are then delivered free by Royal Mail

 Support for this excellent scheme comes from local businesses and through small individual donations. I congratulate everyone involved.

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© Richard Bacon 2010