On Thursday the SNP MP, Angus Robertson, made a beeline for me in the chamber of House of Commons. "You're from Cheltenham, aren't you?" he said. "I went for the first time last week. What a place!"Â
It turned out Robertson had been in town with the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee. He was clearly impressed by what he had seen. His reaction is not uncommon. But what's frustrating about the compliments I hear from MPs is that they are often tinged with a note of surprise. It's as if they feel they've discovered a well-kept secret.
I believe we need to change that. We need to sell ourselves better as a tourist destination. Our festivals, magnificent as they are, are seasonal. Let's up the ante during the rest of the year, put ourselves on the map, and attract more tourism revenue.
My encounter with the SNP took place following the launch of the Communications Data Bill in Parliament. Although controversial in its early days, I believe the revised provisions are much improved. This will be a landmark piece of legislation which will ensure that law enforcement and security agencies have the powers they need to seek out terrorists and paedophiles, while at the same time providing world-leading oversight arrangements. I am personally pleased that warrants will have to be signed off by independent judges, not just politicians. I have long argued that this safeguard was necessary to bring credibility and legitimacy.
Back in Cheltenham I was honoured to attend Remembrance Sunday services in Charlton Kings and at the Municipal Offices. Once again, Cheltenham paid a superb tribute. The turnout was fantastic, and the march-past of service personnel, former and serving, was impressive and moving.
In other news, I was delighted to welcome Google to Cheltenham to give a seminar to our small businesses on maximising the benefits of the internet. Over 70 came to the 'Google Garage' event at the University of Gloucestershire. I also took part in a charity static bike ride in the Regent's Arcade to raise money for eye care in the developing world, opened the excellent charity Christmas card shop in the Beechwood Arcade, and met dozens of local doctors on Friday evening. Broadband was also on my agenda, as I spoke to Gigaclear about the possibility of bespoke broadband solutions for Cheltenham.
Angus Robertson was right. Cheltenham is a terrific place. Let's make it better still.