Regular readers of this column will know that I spend as much time as I possibly can meeting local community groups, businesses, charities, and the occasional pub landlord. 

Last weekend was no different. I made a number of visits across the constituency and met some of the people who make Clacton so great. 

I started with a visit to Clacton Pier for a meeting with local business owners to discuss investment in Clacton and issues facing businesses. We all know tourism is an important part of the local economy and I will always do what I can to support it. My thanks go to pier owner Billy Ball for hosting us. 

Next up was a visit to the Jaywick Sands Revival Foodbank which is based at the Sands Building. It’s a grassroots-led initiative that does some vital work by providing free food parcels, clothing, and household essentials to local residents in need. In addition, it also hosts a Citizens Advice Tendring Outreach office. I really was quite impressed by the operation they had there. 

After that, there was a brief pause for some media interviews followed by a visit to the Aldanat Community Hub. Based in the heart of Weeley, it caters for the whole community with a focus on adults with learning difficulties. I was given a tour, saw some young adults take part in a cooking workshop, and had tea and coffee with the staff. Given that last week was National Carers Week, which aims to help carers access much-needed support, it seemed like a very timely visit. We are very lucky to have them on our doorstep. 

After all of that was an end-of-day drink at The Queens Arms. Well, I did say it was the occasional trip to meet pub landlords!