We have been fortunate in having several high profile visitors to Rugby in recent weeks. Last week Andrew Mitchell, who the the Shadow Minister for Overseas Development was here and he and I visited Practical Action in Bourton on Dunsmore. Their Chief Executive, Simon Trace, was able to tell us about the work they are doing in developing countries, aiming to improve people's daily lives by introducing new technologies, often very simple in nature. We were shown a simple clay stove which by burning wood more efficiently, means that African women spend less time collecting wood for cooking enabling them to spend more time with their children and reduces the build up of smoke in their houses which can reduce respiratory problems. I was familar with some of these principles from my daughter Victoria who spent her gap year in Tanzania, and it was good to learn about the work that is being done to support these communities from Rugby's doorstep.Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Andrew Mitchell MP in Rugby
We have been fortunate in having several high profile visitors to Rugby in recent weeks. Last week Andrew Mitchell, who the the Shadow Minister for Overseas Development was here and he and I visited Practical Action in Bourton on Dunsmore. Their Chief Executive, Simon Trace, was able to tell us about the work they are doing in developing countries, aiming to improve people's daily lives by introducing new technologies, often very simple in nature. We were shown a simple clay stove which by burning wood more efficiently, means that African women spend less time collecting wood for cooking enabling them to spend more time with their children and reduces the build up of smoke in their houses which can reduce respiratory problems. I was familar with some of these principles from my daughter Victoria who spent her gap year in Tanzania, and it was good to learn about the work that is being done to support these communities from Rugby's doorstep.
