Stephen Metcalfe MP judges BEST local study projects

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock and patron of the Basildon Education Services Trust (BEST), joined a panel of local educators to judge the final of the Local Study round of BEST’s annual educational competition.

BEST work with primary schools throughout Basildon aiming to raise both educational standards and aspirations of local school children. Their annual competition, otherwise known as the ‘Basildon Challenge’, gives schools the opportunity to complete a number of projects across a range of subjects.

The Local Study Round followed on from the Literacy Challenge and required each school to produce a poster or other creative item such as a dance or a song, highlighting ‘why Basildon is the BEST’. Both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 students then had to present their creative masterpieces to a panel of BEST judges.

Mr Metcalfe was called upon to judge the entries and praised the high standards and creativity of all who took part. He commented: “It is a real privilege to support BEST in their ongoing work and the Basildon Challenge is always a fantastic competition that brings the best out of all who take part.” 

“I was so impressed by each of the school’s entries. They really captured what is great about Basildon in their creations and their presentations were also extremely impressive. I would like to congratulate Whitmore, Fairhouse, Merrylands, and Greenstead Primary Schools for all of their hard work and I look forward to seeing what happens in the remaining stages of the Challenge.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP pays a visit to Kingswood Junior School

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently paid a visit to Kingswood Junior School.

Stephen had the opportunity to attend the school assembly where he helped give out achievement awards and to celebrate the great achievement of some students.

Following this Stephen acted as “Mr Speaker” as Year 6 students staged a House of Commons style debate on the issue of should Children work!

Following a split vote on the issue, Stephen said: “The students presented well thought out arguments on both sides of the debate and spoke in accordance with House of Commons rules, countering each other’s debating points. They were a credit to their school and I think I might have some serious competition in the future.”

After the debate the MP was given a tour of the school and the chance to talk to both staff and pupils about their work at Kingswood and was interviewed by the Student Newspaper.

He commented: “Visiting local schools is definitely one of the highlights of my job and going to Kingswood Junior School was no exception. It is making great progress and it was clear from all my activities at the school that the students not only enjoy being there but thriving there too.” 

“I will continue to work hard that to ensure that educational standards in South Basildon and East Thurrock and that all schools in the local area can provide the best possible start for our young people.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP takes to the airwaves in Basildon Hospital Radio anniversary celebrations

Stephen Metcalfe with Hospital Chair, Jacqui James and presenter/Vice President Alan Newman

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined presenters at Basildon Hospital Radio to celebrate the station’s 40^th anniversary.

The occasion was marked with a weekend of special events for patients, staff, and visitors which included guest appearances on the radio station, more commonly known as BHR1287.

BHR1287 has been broadcasting to Basildon Hospital for forty years and is staffed entirely by volunteers. Shortly after Basildon Hospital opened, the station began transmitting from a small studio in the tower block of Basildon Hospital. Things have certainly moved on in 40 years; since relocating in 1993 they have moved to purpose built, fully equipped studios.

The radio station now broadcasts 24 hours a day bringing a mixture of news, features, and request show favourites to listeners throughout the hospital.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “It was fantastic to join Basildon Hospital Radio to celebrate their 40^th anniversary. It was also extremely fitting that this could be celebrated in the midst of improving standards and after it has turned a real corner. I have high expectations for the next 40 years!” 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer who works so hard to keep the station on air. I saw for myself the positive impact it has on patients, staff and visitors and this would not be possible without their efforts. I would also like to thank all those who sponsor the station allowing it to continue to broadcast.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP encourages local businesses to get exporting with the help of the UKTI

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently joined local businesses and Councillors at The Green Centre in Wat Tyler Park as part of a “Meet the Buyers” event organised by Basildon Council.

During the event, Stephen had the opportunity to meet with Eastern Region UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) representative, Pat Smith to discuss improving export opportunities for Basildon based businesses.

The event gave UKTI the chance to come together with businesses based in Basildon and Thurrock to encourage them to export their products and to show them that it may be easier than they think to create markets abroad for their goods and services.

The Government is actively encouraging businesses of all sizes to export beyond Britain’s borders and the local MP, who has always been passionate about business, was keen to see local businesses benefit from potential opportunities.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I would encourage any business in South Basildon and East Thurrock interested in exporting to get in touch with the UKTI. They are keen to see business prosper and may be able to help local businessmen and women achieve their dream of expanding.” 

For more information on the UKTI and to find out how to contact them, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-trade-investment

Stephen Metcalfe MP visits latest Felmores fire site

Stephen Metcalfe, local Member of Parliament for Pitsea, recently met with Council Officers for a walk about the Felmores estate to discuss the progress of the cladding programme and to visit the site of the most recent fire.

Stephen was told how all Council properties are being upgraded with new cladding that will improve insulation and also increase safety in the event of a fire.  He welcomed the programme but has also been in discussions with the Council to try to make the cladding more affordable for non Council tenants. 

Stephen said “I would of course like the cladding work to be undertaken without cost to any of the residents, but the Council have stated that at present that is not practicable. The cladding makes a real difference to both the look and feel of homes on the Felmores estate and I would like it to be available to as many people as possible. Unfortunately, at the moment, upgrade work is very expensive for home owners.  I have therefore asked the Council to look again at the issue and to see if there is anything more that they can do which would encourage increased uptake.”

Stephen also visited the site of the blaze in Winstree last Wednesday which has completely destroyed the interior of the property but, thanks to the cladding, the outside and neighbouring properties remained almost completely unscathed.

Stephen said: “We can never protect completely against home fires - if someone starts a fire inside or outside a home it will, like any other property, burn.  But I am very pleased the new cladding did its job and stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring properties. As I have said many times, the homes in Felmores do not self ignite and are fundamentally safe. This has been confirmed by both the fire service and independent assessors.” 

"I am very pleased that Basildon Council is taking action to minimize the risk of fire spreading and I hope that the Council will continue to look for ways to improve matters for the residents of Felmores”.

Stephen Metcalfe MP takes to the river with the Port of London Authority

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently visited the Port of London Authority (PLA) to discuss a number of issues affecting local ports.

The local MP was introduced to the hydrographic department to learn about their role in local shipping and port activities before taking a trip along the river the London Gateway to see how the new port is progressing.

Mr Metcalfe also had the opportunity to discuss proposals that would see much of the Thames designated a Marine Conservation Zone. Whilst this is currently on hold, it could have potentially far reaching consequences for the local port economy.

He commented: “The river and local ports are integral features of Thurrock’s identity and of the local and national economy. It was great to see the industry thriving and also extremely informative to hear the perspective of the PLA on a number of issues.”  

“I look forward to working with the PLA and other local agencies in the future to ensure that local ports continue to flourish and are not hampered by unnecessary regulation.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes local schools to Parliament

This week Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, welcomed two local primary schools to the Houses of Parliament.

Northlands Junior School and Great Berry Primary School each sent representatives from their school councils for a guided tour of the House of Commons and House of Lords before meeting with the local MP for a question and answer session and photo’s in Westminster Hall.

Mr Metcalfe takes every opportunity to ensure that local schools can engage with the Houses of Parliament and Britain’s democratic processes via visits to the Palace as well as making frequent visits to local schools throughout South Basildon and East Thurrock.

He commented: “It always a pleasure to meet with local students both here in Westminster and in the constituency. The children were fantastic ambassadors for their schools and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the work of their respective school council’s and responding to their insightful questions.” 

“I look forward to welcoming more local schools to the Houses of Parliament in the future and to continuing my work fighting for better standards, more opportunities, and greater aspirations in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”