Learning the ancient craft of coppicing Thursday, 18 September, 2025 “So, you just need to hold the hazel branch and then pull the blade down firmly, and make sure you don’t take your fingers off!” To give you some context, I was at Butser Ancient Farm for the official opening of the Hazel Centre – a stunning oak-framed building designed to support volunteering and workshops at this historic site. There I met Darren Hammerton, a veteran in the world of coppicing... Articles for the Herald and Post
On a shift with Alton Police 21st April 2023 Thank you to the Alton Response & Patrol police officers who who hosted PCC Donna Jones and me on Friday, on the night shift around East Hampshire — and thank... Local News
We can be a net zero nation 17th April 2023 This is my article for this week's Herald and Petersfield Post: Now that spring is here, it’s hopefully time to lower the central heating, bringing a little... Articles for the Herald and Post
Local pharmacies - can we use them more? 6th April 2023 This week's article for the Herald and Petersfield Post highlights the important role pharmacies can play in the community... When the NHS Long Term Plan was... Articles for the Herald and Post
Q&A with Eggars' students 31st March 2023 One of the highlights of being an MP is local school visits. This time to a year 7 group at Eggar's School in Alton. A great discussion about politics with an... Local News
The Budget: positive news for businesses 29th March 2023 This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald and Petersfield Post: "Last week I wrote about the importance of people being supported... Articles for the Herald and Post
Visit to the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre 24th March 2023 Went on a fantastic visit to the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre in Bordon today to meet Rob Allerston (director) and Eric Clifford (chairman). We discussed... Local News
Helping people return to work - it's key 23rd March 2023 Damian's article for this week's Herald and Petersfield Post... A week ago, the Chancellor announced his spring budget. This ‘budget for growth’ may have... Articles for the Herald and Post
Get out and about this English Tourism Week 17th March 2023 Damian's article on English Tourism Week for this week's Herald and Petersfield Post: Today sees the start of English Tourism Week. This year’s focus is... Articles for the Herald and Post
Alton U3A group visit Parliament 16th March 2023 Three groups from Alton U3A visited Westminster this week, and Damian had the opportunity to join one of the groups for an impromptu Q&A. More information on... Westminster News
