It’s been a busy few weeks in Government trying to turn around the difficult situation we inherited as a new administration. But it’s hugely important for me to spend time in my home constituency of Torfaen, to speak with and represent local people here.

It was a real privilege to join Welsh rugby legends including Terry Cobner to unveil the new location for the Ken Jones statue at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. We were joined by his family, including his son Phil.

Ken was a sporting icon who we are incredibly proud of in Torfaen, an Olympic medallist and an international rugby player for Wales and the British and Irish Lions. He is remembered across Wales for scoring the winning try when Wales last beat New Zealand in 1953.

It was also great to celebrate more recent local sporting success at the dedication of a gold bench to James Ball, our brilliant local Paralympic cycling champion. We are so proud of James here in Torfaen and his achievements will inspire so many others.

Listening to the priorities of young people is one of the most important parts of my job, so it was fantastic to visit Our Lady of the Angels RC School recently. The pupils definitely put me though my paces with some great questions!

At the other end of the educational spectrum, it was an honour to speak at the Newport & District Group Training Association Graduation event this month. The courses they offer are so important for developing the skills our companies need.

Congratulations to the staff and students on their hard work, and best wishes to Neil, CEO, and Diane, Operations Manager, for their retirement. Their contribution over the years has been immense.

It was good to visit Frog Bikes in Torfaen this month, one of the many key employers and exporters we have in the constituency.

Their products are market-leading - light, quality bikes enjoyable for people of all ages to ride. The company also has an impressive focus on sustainability, going above and beyond to source more environmentally-friendly materials for their bikes. For example, they are trialling the use of recycled aluminium in their frames.

The contribution voluntary groups and organisations like churches make to our community is huge. I was visited Sharon Full Gospel Church in Pontypool alongside Cllr Gaynor James to see the work they are doing in the local community, and to thank staff and volunteers for their dedication and commitment.

With funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, they are expanding their initiatives including their cafe, grocery store, healthy meal pack programmes, and community activities.

It was great to catch up with the Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group this month. We took a stroll along the canal with Tracey and Paul to discuss the work they have been doing in our community. Thank you to them as a group and to everyone who gives up their time to help improve our local environment.

Thank you so much to Greg & Julie Williams for the invitation to open their Macmillan Coffee Morning in Blaenavon. Such a lot of work went into to organising the event, and it was lovely to speak to so many people who came along to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

At this time of year, our thoughts always turn to the importance of Remembrance. It was a privilege to give an address at the Woodland Road Memorial Dedication Event and to pay tribute to all those from Torfaen who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. Thank you to Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council for organising the event.

Nick Thomas-Symonds is the MP for Torfaen