There are the cynics in life, the moaners and the knockers. Never a good word to say about anyone, but happy to carp about everyone. Then there are the decent people, trusting, caring, optimistic. This area is full of such good people.

People like Ron Warner who organised a large team of volunteers to ensure that nobody was flooded last month. People like Chris Smith who is the volunteer groundsman at Worksop Town. People like Mary Mitchell, who runs our hospital as if it were her own home- clean, efficient and welcoming. People like Joan Linacre who runs the Balmoral Tenants and Residents Association.
 
And there are thousands more across Worksop, Retford and the villages. Some like Gill Wallhead in Langold even get they accolade of the Guardian Rose and what a good idea this award is, bringing good news to the local area.

Everywhere I go- and I do go everywhere, I find people doing their bit for community and country. In the bleak and dreary month of February I say thank you each and everyone of you.

Would that we had more of your quality in Westminster. Don’t feed the beast they whisper. In other words heads down and hope that the public never notices us. I take a different view. Look up and face the people. Amongst the dreary London types I had a moment of great joy- a quick chat with actor Tony Robinson- digger of ancient ruins and of course Baldrick.

He knew me, but more importantly he knew Bassetlaw. As President of the Alzheimer’s Society I invited him to the area to see how we are dealing with Alzheimer’s and I hope he can make it.

The quality of care for those with this and other such problems is crucial. From my experience the best care is from the professionals of the Health Service and Local Authorities. Paid decent wages and with proper training I know which people I would want to look after my family. And as we develop better services, at its heart is a good team of health and care  professionals in the community, backed by a top class hospital.

There are always issues to address in every major organisation.  Every issue needs addressing honestly  and none hiding away and every complaint needs investigating. Sometimes changes and significant action will be needed. But the bottom line is this. We have a top quality hospital in Bassetlaw, prepared to listen, capable of changing and good enough for me and my family.