Alun Cairns is the MP for the Vale of Glamorgan and was first elected in May 2010. He lives in the constituency with his wife, Emma, who runs her own small business, and their son, Henri.

This past week I have spent quite some time out and about in Cowbridge.

Firstly, I had the privilege to speak at Cowbridge U3A's monthly meeting at the Town Hall.

Chairman Douglas Guy invited me to give a talk on my parliamentary experiences and what life is like in Westminster. The talk was non-political and instead focussed on the quirky traditions of Westminster that I have experienced during my 12 years as an MP.

For instance, I relayed a story about how the Speaker of the Commons, when elected, is dragged to the Chair by other MPs. This is because during the late 1500s and 1600s over five speakers were ordered to death by the Monarch, thereafter each elected speaker had to be dragged into position over fear of death! The tradition remains to this day as current speaker, Lindsay Hoyle found out back in 2019.

If you would like to hear more similar stories and tour the historic House of Commons, I am due to restart my Parliamentary Tours to Westminster in the coming months. If you are interested in coming on the tour, please get in touch with me via email. I will also update via Cowbridge Nub News and my Facebook page when they are restarting.

Elsewhere in Cowbridge, I popped in to see the wonderful new gin bar on the High Street, Bont Gin. Located where Bar 44 used to be, the new bar opened just before Christmas, and it would be great if the town were to support this great new addition to the High Street.

It looks fantastic inside and they have a brilliant array of gins for you to try, they also do gin making session too. Please go and support!

I also visited the Wick Artists Exhibition in the Old Hall. The exhibition displays amazing art, and it was a great experience. My favourite piece was a portrait of a chicken! You will know what I mean if you see it too! Please go and visit; it is free to go in and is open until March 2.

Finally, I want to say that I hope everyone stays safe during all these storms hitting the Vale coastline. Please listen to the guidance and look out on my Facebook for any updates on travel and school disruption.

Click here to read Alun's column from last Saturday.