Richard Drax MP announces intentions at the Chamber of business Christmas lunch
Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce celebrated Christmas at their annual lunch this year held at new members venue: The Nook in Weymouth.
Guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Weymouth, Graham Winter and Mary Jordan-Winters; the Mayor of Portland Councillor Susan Cocking and newly elected MP for Dorset South, Richard Drax, were welcomed at a reception with Champagne cocktails by Chamber President Craig Oakes. Past Presidents Hugh Chalker and Julie Cleaver were also welcomed.
A wonderful dinner awaited everybody in the downstairs restaurant where host Amy had everybody well organised.
The event had been organised well before the election came along, so there arose the question as to who would be attending as the very newly elected Dorset South MP? Richard Drax arrived having spent most of the night up awaiting the election results and gave a brief talk on the some of his thoughts for the future.
“We will now get Brexit done” said Richard and he commented “we need to get Weymouth and Portland moving forward, just like the rest of the country”.
Mr Drax spoke of the need for the road links to Portland and the changes in the rail system enabling high speed trains to London from Weymouth possibly via Yeovil.
The MP took questions from the guests and Susan Cockings, the Mayor of Portland, raised the issue of raising standards in schools. Richard Drax emphasised the need for schools and colleges to work with business, and to develop the apprenticeship schemes that are widely available.
President Craig Oakes said, “The Christmas Party went very well. Indeed. Richard Drax fresh from an all night election, in which he successfully defended his seat, talked very eloquently about the need to ensure Weymouth & Portland is moving forward just like the Country might now be. Politics aside it was a great lunch served by the staff at The Nook Cocktail Bar so a huge thanks to them for that and we are delighted we had Mayoral representation from both Weymouth & Portland.”
After enjoying Christmas dinner all the guests moved upstairs for entertainment from the Weymouth College.
President Craig said, “Just brilliant. The Nook Cocktail Bar are used to seeing some class acts within their building. Norman Jay even adorns one the walls in respect of when he played there.
We think we witnessed some big stars of the future yesterday. Thanks to the students Weymouth College for putting quite an amazing show on.
You have immortalised yourselves in local entertainment legend already. We wish you all the success with your continued studies and performances.”
Mary Jordan-Winters, Mayoress of Weymouth said “Thank you for an opportunity to meet members and learn more about what is going on in our town. It was very worthwhile being with you all.”
