New Facilities at Midgham Station

Network Rail has begun their spring work schedule at Midgham station. Work has included installation of on-platform cycle racks and rows of seats for passengers...

...as well as bollards and painting lines for a disabled parking space.

Sadly there's no sight of the new shelter yet.

New Scout Group 1st in Aldermaston

Last month 1st Aldermaston Scout Group was officially invested by Pang Valley Scouts district commissioner, Simon Pickett.

1st Aldermaston Scout Group

18 Beavers and 19 Cubs have joined the expansion pack which will meet at the Alderbridge Waldorf Steiner School at Aldermaston Wharf on Tuesday evenings.

They will be joining 7 other packs in the Pang Valley group, among over 10,000 participants in 130 local Scout groups in 11 scouting districts across Berkshire. Over 500,000 Scouts meet in Britain, as part of more than 30 million involved in the worldwide scouting movement.

Pang Valley Backwoods Challenge

Group member Bruce Jackson explained that growing demand for places in the neighbouring Burghfield pack meant local children were losing the opportunity to develop their potential by having to wait to enrol or travel excessive distances to join other groups.

He said:  "this of course allows more young people to get into the things scouting offers; adventurous activities, nights away, challenges and lots of fun. We're really looking forward to getting out into the great countryside around Aldermaston."

Meanwhile the group is keen to raise funds to buy equipment to help them develop new skills for the benefit of the community.

If you can help or are interested in finding out more please contact Suzy Griffiths on 0118 9713441.

• Read more news and stories about Pang Valley Scouts

Network Rail Update on Frouds Lane Bridge

Many Aldermaston ward residents will be aware of ongoing plans for the electrification of the railway between Reading and Newbury, which involves some serious engineering work.

Frouds Lane bridge and engineering works

 However, the disruption caused to rail and road travel has also become a regular feature of local life.

Frouds Lane is closed

So it has been a relief to many to hear the latest progress report from Network Rail on the works.

Accordingly, NR reports that the final pre-cast bridge units were installed in place over the course of the weekend of 18/19 January, which allowed the concrete bridge deck to be set. This major structural stage was completed on 4th February.

The next steps are the waterproofing of the deck, followed by installation of the bridge aproaches and stabilisation of the road embankments.

Many thanks to Carrillion Team for the update - let's hope the work continues successfully apace, so that normality can return and we can enjoy the improvements!

Patience rewarded...

It's been a long time coming [1, 2, 3], but with thanks to your local Focus team these announcements have finally been posted:

Sadly the recent bad weather has caused a 6-week delay in the building schedule and the new shelter is expected to be in place for April showers... let's hope it's not needed in spring like it has been during winter!

Message from Antony Hook: Europe Means Business

Antony Hook is a Liberal Democrat MEP Candidate for South East England at the European Elections in May 2014. 

He was the guest speaker at the Newbury & West Berkshire local party AGM in December when he gave an inspirational speech on the role of the European Union as the guarantor of peace in Europe since the middle of the last century. 

Antony Hook with local campaigners

He is a long-standing campaigner for a stronger economy and development of a free market across the continent. Here he makes a compelling economic argument for Europe:

"My ten years as a barrister, prosecuting and defending in the criminal courts, taught me valuable lessons that can apply in politics.  One lesson is that to make your case and win you need good evidence.  This is it true whether the audience is 12 jurors in court or 6 million voters in this European Election.

Amongst the best evidence you can use is the opinion of recognised experts.

I am pleased to tell you that the Liberal Democrat case on Europe is being endorsed by experts left, right and centre.

Our case is that being in the EU is vital for economy.  It means jobs, trade and prosperity.

This is what recognised experts in business say:

Richard Branson – find here
I spoke to Nick Clegg about the business case for EU membership last week – he is right to say EU withdrawal would leave Britain "isolated and irrelevant in our own backyard" and not "taken seriously".

Roger Carr, President of the CBI – find here
UK membership provides unfettered access to a single market of 500 million people, which today is our largest export customer.... Departure would undermine jobs, dilute international relationships and damage national wealth.

Federation of Small Businesses – find here
The internal market offers easy access for first-time exporters with a market of 500 million customers and 23 million businesses on their doorstep. The internal market creates some legal certainty and a level playing field throughout competition rules and many harmonised rules. This means that businesses can save considerable cost when selling to EU countries. 

The outcome of this European Election will have a direct effect on our economy for years to come.  Nick Clegg spoke about this in his New Year message.  Nick said, "The Liberal Democrats are Britain’s Party of In... because being in Europe means jobs, trade and prosperity."

We must not stand by and let Conservatives & UKIP damage our economy by flirting with withdrawal from the EU.  Labour lacks our courage to make the case. This leaflet sets out the connection between jobs and Europe.

Could you give up something to help your side win this election and to stop the Conservatives and UKIP claiming to be the proper spokespeople for your neighbourhood?

Please donate online here or send a cheque for SE Lib Dems European Fund to Penny Hopkins, 60 Potley Hill Road, Yateley, Hampshire GU46 6AG.

As I travel around the region taking our message to public (yesterday Kent, today Oxford, Guildford later in week) the support and good wishes of all our party members sustains and motivates me.   

Thank you"

 @antonyhook  @ineurope2014

Local News: Appeal After Break-in at Douai Abbey Car-park

On Saturday 28th December a blue Volkswagen Golf was broken into in the car-park of Douai Abbey in Aldermaston ward.

Police said an iPhone, purse and bracelet were stolen, and have made a public appeal for witnesses who may have been in the area of Cod's Hill, Upper Woolhampton from 1-3pm that day.

If you were there and saw anything suspicious please contact PC Goodfield at Newbury Police Station via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101. Or if you'd prefer to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers by freephoning 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Although our villages are generally a very safe area a number of residents have expressed shock that an opportunist would stoop to commit a crime on church grounds let alone during daylight hours of the festive period. Let's makes sure it doesn't happen again.

Notice Anything New?

Thanks to Midgham Parish Council a new noticeboard has been provided outside the Village Hall.

The noticeboard will be regularly updated with forthcoming events and community information - including the monthly coffee mornings.

The next two will take place at 10am on Wednesday 18th December and Wednesday 29th January... maybe we'll see you there!

'Vital Signs' and Vital Challenges in Berkshire

Berkshire Community Foundation recently published its 'Vital Signs' report.

The report 'measures the vitality and aspirations of our communities, identifies significant trends, and identifies social priorities critical to quality of life'.

This is a summary of the headlines:

• Work and Local Economy - While earnings and productivity are high, unemployment in parts of Berkshire is a significant issue.

• Getting Started in Berkshire - Immigration has increased across the county – especially in Slough and Reading.

• The Gap between Rich and Poor - Berkshire’s overall affluence masks significant levels of local deprivation.

• Housing and Homelessness - Berkshire is one of the least affordable areas in the UK in which to live.

• Crime and Safety - Civil society organisations can play a key role in diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Education - Although Berkshire performs well overall, some deprived urban areas show cause for concern.

• Arts and Culture - Berkshire residents are very satisfied with their cultural amenities, though access for vulnerable groups is an issue.

• Communities - Residents generally feel that Berkshire is a strong community, though isolation is an issue for some groups.

• Environment - While Berkshire has some enviable rural countryside, its urban areas have a number of environmental issues.

• Health and Well Being - Overall, Berkshire is a healthier place to live than most areas, though obesity and smoking remain issues of some concern.

• Civil Society Organisations - Public spending cuts and the current economic climate are taking their toll on civil society organisations, curtailing many much needed services.

• Young People - Many young people in isolated rural communities or pockets of urban deprivation face very challenging conditions. 
   

Of particular interest to Aldermaston ward residents are statistics relating to the quality of life in West Berkshire. Here some striking points are worth noting.

West Berkshire records the highest priority level for action on two counts: 'Economic change' and 'Housing affordability'. In addition the area struggles from weak scores on 'Connectivity' and 'Amenities'. On almost all social and environmental measures West Berkshire also falls below average for the county.

The report states:

"taking county wide statistics and indicators at face-value, it would be easy to conclude that Berkshire was doing well. In many instances this is true and should be celebrated. However, in other areas, county wide statistics mask strong variations in the fortunes and experiences of people in neighbouring urban and rural areas across the county."

Although Berkshire's economy is among the most vibrant nationwide, local data offers evidence of 'stark inequality', where "the level of deprivation of specific neighbourhoods in Berkshire equals, or exceeds, those in the most challenged wards in the country."

And while urban communities - such as Newbury - tend to suffer visible signs of deprivation, the degree of rural isolation resulting from 'lack of access to services, opportunities, amenities and subsequent social isolation exacerbated by poor public transport' is a major cause of economic disadvantatage in Aldermaston ward and West Berkshire, particularly for future generations.

The report concludes that economic inequality, or 'The Gap Between Rich And Poor', is a major problem in Berkshire with 'urgent cross-sector action required to reengage young people'.

You can read the full report here: [Berkshire Vital Signs 2013]

Residents Frustrated With 'Neighbourhood' Policing In Rural Areas

As residents of West Berkshire we are lucky to live in a local authority area with relatively low levels of crime. And as residents of Aldermaston ward we are even luckier that our villages are among the safest in the district - at least, that's what we are led to believe!

While out campaigning members of your local Focus team attended several 'Have Your Say' [ref] events to meet local PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers). These 'Police surgeries' are intended to demonstrate engagement with communities and gather feedback regarding local policing priorities, yet they are often scheduled at times and places when members of the public are least likely to be able to attend and we found that they are also regularly cancelled without notice.

As a result engagement and feedback can be less than expected, and LibDems continue to receive occasional complaints that residents' concerns are overlooked. Since promises of accessibility fail to match public demands this may be leading to misidentification of local priorities by the Police authority.

In Aldermaston ward (Aldermaston, Brimpton, Midham Wasing and Woolhampton parishes) worries are compounded by the way neighbourhood policing teams are divided - after recent reorganisations Brimpton and Aldermaston villages are now included in the renamed 'Thatcham West' patrol area, while Midgham and Woolhampton are designated part of the 'Bucklebury/Downlands' area (although crime statistics are collected along different lines, see links below).

This has the consequence that Police resources become concentrated where priority reports are made - in Thatcham, and in Hermitage and Upper Bucklebury - meaning our villages fall between between two stools.

Almost 1/4 of all reported crime in Bucklebury/Downlands occurs in our ward, yet this is completely ignored in the Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter!

And since incidence of crime can quickly flare up as Police visibility falls your local LibDems are concerned that the neighbourhood policing boundaries do not reflect the needs of residents.

Aldermaston ward campaigner James Spackman commented,

"the way neighbourhood patrol areas are currently organised is failing both Police Officers and members of the public. Particularly during a time of austerity it's important to make sure we make the best use of available resources."

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Check out Thames Valley Police performance figures from 2010-2013

Look the crime maps for:

• Thatcham, Aldermaston & Brimpton
• Bucklebury/Downlands

Check Policing priorities for:

• Thatcham, Aldermaston & Brimpton
• Bucklebury/Downlands

Reactions to Proposed Budget Cuts

On November 5th West Berkshire Conservatives announced their proposals to cut more than £5m per year from its £120m annual budget.

Watch WBC Leader, Cllr Gordon Lundie (Lambourn), explain his reasoning here.

He stated that he would be seeking ways to save the services that people 'value most' by passing on the cost to local town and parish councils.

Speaking to Newbury Weekly News, Cllr Lundie said "there will inevitably be some redundancies" - but Liberal Democrats in West Berkshire think any blow could be softened.

LibDem Opposition leader, Cllr Jeff Brooks (Thatcham West), commented that "the council has withdrawn funding from the old and the young and will still have millions in the bank," - under the tories it's always the vulnerable who suffer most!

Cllr Brooks described the proposals as "very, very swingeing cuts," and added that Mr Lundie would be known as "the man who stole all the lollipop ladies... he will scare people".

The news has been met with dismay and shock, as recent grant funding reductions of £3m/year were managed by removing some discretionary services, including cutting transport budgets and youth services in 2010, closure of 5 youth centres in 2011, followed in 2012 by cuts to services for the elderly and disabled, victims of domestic abuse and the homeless.

However, just as the economy bounces back from the credit crunch, tories have decided that now is the time to take even more drastic action affecting the worst off in society!

This time cuts will concentrate on vulnerable adults and parenting support, health and social care services, transport and cultural services. Reading Post goes into more detail here.

But the greatest political controversy was reserved for the 50% reduction in subsidy to local theatres.

Remembering its past closure and reopening, and outreach work undertaken with schools and young people to engage and inspire their interests, director of Newbury Corn Exchange Katy Griffiths spoke out against the tory proposals, saying:

"we will be making sure that decision makers at the Council understand the far-reaching and unintended consequences that a cut this substantial would have for the local community."

Make sure you do too!

For a full list of proposed cuts and how to respond to the consultation click the links below:

Public transport	Libraries	Children's centres
Roads and verge maintenance	School crossing patrols	Health related services
Car parking	Tourism	Support for disabled children
Public conveniences	Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme	Parenting support
Theatres	Supporting people in need of care	Pre-school Teacher Counselling
Services to vulnerable young people	Planning enforcement	Road safety

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Sign and share West Berkshire Liberal Democrats' online petition against these unnecessary and unfair cuts!

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, call upon West Berkshire Council to use all available resources to avoid the very severe cuts proposed by the Council on 5th November 2013 as these would disproportionally affect the disabled, vulnerable old and young people, those who live in rural areas, the safety of schoolchildren and other road users, and the already poor condition of our roads.

Signs o' the Crime

While out campaigning your local Focus team has been made aware of a particular local phenomenon - a spate of posters independently pinned to telegraph poles and noticeboards asking for information about different local crime incidents.

 
Here are photos of just two:

While the posters identify relatively minor incidents, they also reflect widely-expressed concerns about deprioritisation of crime levels in rural areas - such as the village parishes in Aldermaston ward.

Local campaigner James Spackman said,

"it's important to keep our eyes open for signs of crime, as the ability to share information will help pin-point local needs and prevent potential escalation in the future."

'On Track' With Local Station Manager Alison Stone

Last Saturday we were lucky enough to be able to meet with First Great Western's Alison Stone, Station Manager for Aldermaston and Midgham stations.

James Spackman with Alison Stone

It was a very useful meeting where we had the opportunity to ask a wide range of questions relating to the local rail and station services provided by FGW.

The first topic for discussion covered the redevelopment of Aldermaston station and reasons for long delays rebuilding at Midgham (see here and here).

Following this we talked about the effect of new car-parking charges at Aldermaston and the potential for their introduction at Midgham.

Then we raised issues of passenger safety, vehicle security and potential need for CCTV in local stations.

Next on the agenda was growing demand for cycle lock-up facilities.

Finally we discussed solutions for overcrowding on local trains during rush-hour, issues surrounding scheduled engineering works, rumoured reductions in service after electrification of the line and further above-inflation ticket price rises.

We noted that 5% discounts apply on Thames Valley routes because punctuality remains stubbornly low, at 89.2% for the month and 86% for the year (to 12th October) - below required targets of 92% and 89% respectively. Service reliability is on target [ref].

Alison explained she sympathises with the varied concerns of rail users, but finds many of these difficulties stem from enabling effective communication between the corporate stakeholders Network Rail and her employer rail franchisee FGW.

She said it was a very constructive session, promising to use our feedback to help inform the decision-making process and remain engaged with local residents and travellers about forthcoming developments.

In the meantime you can:

• download the FGW Passenger Charter
• view daily performance and punctuality results

If you have an issue regarding local train services email:  fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com
If you have an issue regarding local station services call:  0800 912 0843

When Is A Council Tax Freeze Not A Council Tax Freeze?

In 2012 the Coalition Government announced plans to remove Council Tax Benefit (for people claiming Disability Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance etc), instructing all local authorities in England and Wales to put in place their own scheme of support by April 2013 [ref].

As an interim measure the Department of Communities and Local Government offered a one-off grant to soften the impact on parish budgets for the past financial year and give sufficient time to plan for these budgetary changes.

Within West Berkshire the decision was made not to put an alternative scheme in place, and now parishes will be expected to make up the shortfall of more than £250,000. This will mean either an increase in the Parish Precept, a reduction in expenditure, or a combination of the two.

Yet the sums currently controlled by parish councils are so small (typically less than £10,000) that few services are offered and this effectively leaves only one option - to raise the precept!

And because of the uneven distribution of people who were previously eligible for this type of support it also means that the more deprived areas within the district will be expected to shoulder a larger share of the burden.

For the five parishes in Aldermaston Ward the projected increases will be:

• Aldermaston Parish - 6.01%
• Brimpton Parish - 3.06%
• Midgham Parish - 2.47%
• Wasing Parish - 0%
• Woolhampton Parish - 3.31%

Aldermaston Ward campaigner James Spackman said,

"Village communities are the backbone of rural West Berkshire, but this is financial sleight-of-hand and another slap in the face to ordinary people as complacent Conservatives try to pass the buck once more. Residents don't want to create an invisible pile of financial reserves by cutting basic village services back to the bone, we want action to make a fairer society!"

Talking About Sex - WBC Undertake First Young People's Sexual Health Survey

West Berkshire Council has announced it's very first Young People's Sexual Health Survey - results of which will inform future sexual health services in the local authority area.

It 'aims to gain a better understanding of their views and experience of sexual health issues and how and where they access sexual health services'.

The survey is open to all 14-24 year-olds in West Berkshire, irrespective of whether they have used these services, or are in a sexual relationship - because evidence shows that younger people have significantly higher rates of poor sexual health.

These issues can include the physical aspects of sexual health, such as the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and helping reduce unintended pregnancy, but also the mental and social aspects including making better-informed choices about having sex and the types of sex, being able to express sexuality without fear of exploitation, oppression, physical or emotional harm and having access to high quality sexual health treatment and advice that is offered in a non-judgemental, confidential manner.

Lesley Wyman, consultant in public health for West Berkshire Council said,

"I am delighted to promote this survey which is a first for Berkshire and will give us valuable information about young people's needs and their perceptions about sexual health services."

The survey is open until Friday 29th November - and can be accessed here via this link.

All responses will remain confidential and anonymous and will not be used for any other purpose. Results will be published in the New Year.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Fatima Ndanusa, on 01635 503437 or at: fndanusa@westberks.gov.uk.

For more information click on these links:

• Health Advice for Young People in West Berkshire
• Information on Sexual Health Services in Berkshire
• NHS Webpage on Sexual Health Promotion
• Outline: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Support and Information

Midgham Station Update

Improvement work at Midgham Station was slow to get started, but has been gradually getting moving - thanks to your local LibDem Focus team!

Here's a review of what's been happening:

At the end of June the old shelter was demolished.

During July the new ramp was removed and fencing was replaced.

Towards the end of September work began on a new information board.

Now the Newbury platform has two electronically updated boards, but still no shelter!

New A4 Road Markings Fail Cyclists

In the last week of September West Berkshire Council finally finished repainting the eastern area A4 road markings, linking the section between Midgham and Aldermaston Wharf on the major thoroughfare between Newbury and Reading.

While highway workers and commuters alike will be relieved at the end of the job, cyclists have expressed disappointment and frustration at the lack of any designated cycle lane.

Your local Focus Team went out to look at the issue and this is what we found:

The UK is currently experiencing a cycling boom, as continuing success at professional level gives the humble two-wheeler an image boost, while new facilities make cycling safer and less of a discomfort. This is particularly noticable as commuters, leisure bikers and sportive riders increasingly frequent the direct routes, meandering backlanes and picturesque hill-climbs this part of the county.

Newbury Road Club, for example, operates two time-trial courses [10 miles, 25 miles] along the Woolhampton section of the A4, making it one of the most popular competitive cycling routes in the whole of Berkshire.

Furthermore, the gradients and sweeping corners which make the stretch of road appealing to cycle along also make it dangerous - especially considering recent accidents along the stretch and the fact that West Berkshire drivers have relatively high numbers of  penalty points on their licences.

Aldermaston Ward campaigner James Spackman commented,

"It is strange, to say the least, that only the section of the A4 in Aldermaston ward is now without a cycle lane. I compliment WBC on efforts to encourage cycling as part of environmental and health strategies, but it is an example of the lack of joined-up thinking and incompetent leadership exhibited by local tories to neglect the demands of the fastest growing segment of road users on one of the key cycle routes in the area."

Meanwhile, cycling campaign group West Berkshire Spokes reports that it is "working with the Canal Trust and Sustrans to explore opportunities for upgrading the section of the towpath to the east of Colthrop" on the the parallel route along the Kennet & Avon.

James added,

"With only one established cycle route in the area 'overgrown' and 'unsafe', by not creating a cycle lane along this part of the A4 West Berkshire Highways department have missed a glaring and simple opportunity to promote this clean and healthy means of transport."

Royal County of Berkshire Show 2013

Last weekend was the Royal County of Berkshire Show at the Chieveley Showground.

A crowd of more than 10,000 attended each day for the highlight of the Berkshire agricultural year, but it is much more than a trade display - it is truly a celebration of county life.

Together with Judith Bunting, LibDem PPC for Newbury, we spent a fun afternoon getting blisters as we traipsed across the massive site eating classic ice cream in the sun and meeting local residents.

The range of stalls and events was remarkable, encompassing entertainment and education, through to commercial and charity exhibitors.

If you've not been before we recommend it, there's something for everybody!

Check out our photo album below:

 

Find out more at:

• Web: newburyshowground.co.uk
•  Twitter: @Berkshire_show
• Facebook: Newbury Showground

LibDem Annual Conference Report: Leader's Speech

At the LibDem annual conference in Glasgow this week, party leader Nick Clegg MP set out his ambitious strategy for the lead-up to the next general election in 2015.

Nick Clegg speaking at Conference in Glasgow

He argued that LibDems are a positive force in British politics and are now a party of government.

LibDems have successfully achieved significant reforms, fulfilling many of the LibDem manifesto pledges.

Clegg said the party has acted in the national interest as a responsible moderating influence on current coalition partners, and would act in the same manner in the event of another hung parliament after 2015 - whether with Conservatives or Labour parties.

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In a letter to activists he wrote:

"Over the last few days, we’ve showcased what we’ve achieved in Coalition and we’ve demonstrated that we can make the tough decisions required in Government. But crucially, that we do so in a way that is fairer than the Conservatives would if they were governing by themselves.

And whether you were voting in the main hall or catching updates at home, there has been a fundamental shift in how our party is perceived.

We’re finally starting to get recognition for the decision we, as a party, took by going into Government. Especially at a time when the economy had suffered the biggest crash in 80 years and Labour had left us with no money to clean up the mess.

The last three years haven’t been easy, with the vitriol of our opponents and the difficult headlines.

But all those insults were worth it.

Because we’re starting to turn things around. We are seeing the first signs of economic recovery, a recovery that wouldn’t be happening without us.

There’s still a long way to go and over the next two years Liberal Democrats will focus unrelentingly on creating jobs and sustainable growth.

As I said in my speech this afternoon, we can’t trust either of the other parties to get it right by themselves. I have spent my entire life watching the other two mess it up. We cannot stand idly by and let them do it all over again.

Only the Liberal Democrats can finish the job of restoring the economy, and finish it fairly."


Read his full speech to conference here.

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The full list of 16 issues which LibDems have blocked:

Aldermaston & Wasing Show - Saturday 7th September

Come to the 71st Aldermaston & Wasing Show and celebrate your local spirit at the Old Mill, Aldermaston, from 2pm!

Attractions include 104 competitions, vintage car, craft, ferret and falconry displays, among many others... while volunteers to help out are always welcomed (see contact details above).

You can be sure of a good time, so why not come along - and maybe you'll bump into an old friend!

Doggone Bins

Imagine the scene: a picturesque pathway along by the Kennet & Avon canal at the height of a steamy summer's day.

A toddler eats an ice-cream, but doesn't want to drop any litter or spoil the countryside. He goes over to the rubbish bin to deposit the paper wrapper - only to put his hand into this:

A litter bin filled with dog litter! 

This was exactly the story told by one anxious parent to your Focus Team.

It is with remarkable regularity that dog walkers complain about insufficient bins to clear up after their pets, while tourists complain about the lack of collection points for rubbish as villagers complain about the smell.

Local LibDems recently secured a commitment to constantly monitor whether the bins are being emptied on schedule and investigate whether more are needed.

Parish Councillor Andrew Grover said,

"Local residents, businesses and visitors all need to keep our countryside and streets clean and free of litter. Fellow dog walkers need to collect and dispose of dog litter properly. The problem of those not doing so has been obvious and unpleasant for us all during the recent heatwave."