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
Celebrating Volunteering 29th November 2017 Damian writes a regular column in the Petersfield Post, and this is the latest one, published today: Imagine what it would be like in our communities if we didn... Articles for the Herald and Post
Damian welcomes the Autumn Budget statement 22nd November 2017 With announcements that will deliver a major house building programme, offer more help for small businesses and boost the income of working families, Damian... Westminster News
UK Parliament Week 20th November 2017 Damian was invited to join the Ropley Brownies, Wooteys Juniors Alton and 8th Alton Explorers for a Q&A session last week, organised as part of the national UK... Local News
Visit to Kidney Care UK 17th November 2017 Damian paid a visit to Alton-based Kidney Care UK today, the UK's leading kidney patient support charity. They provide invaluable practical, financial and... Local News
Unemployment remains at 40 year low 15th November 2017 The latest employment numbers released by the Office for National Statistics show that the rate of unemployment remains at 4.3% - the lowest in 40 years. Damian... Westminster News
Taste of Parliament event 27th October 2017 Damian was delighted to host a 'Taste of Parliament' event this week for a group of 6th form students from Alton College, Bohunt School, Churcher's College... Local News
Plenty of talent in the jobs market 26th October 2017 The theme for Damian's latest column in the Petersfield Post looks at the talent available to employers amongst groups of the working-age population that they... Articles for the Herald and Post
Low unemployment record stays on track 20th October 2017 The latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the rate of unemployment remains at 4.3% - the lowest since 1975 – and are welcomed... Westminster News
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce 20th October 2017 Damian was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss employment issues with members of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce this morning, at Old Thorns in... Local News
