I was pleased to lend my support to Newport Transport’s ‘Driving Away Hunger’ food drive appeal earlier this month.

There’s still time to donate items to the appeal, which closes on the 20th December. Items will be given to the Raven House Trust, and those accepted include: tins of any type, pasta, pasta sauce, jars and rice products. You can take any items for donation to the Travel Centre in Newport Market, or Newport Transport’s Bus Depot at 160 Corporation Road. All items must have a shelf life of at least six months.

As we make our final preparations for the Christmas festivities, it is important that we remember to ‘Respect our Shopworkers,’ the theme of USDAW’s annual campaign. Christmas is a season of goodwill, and unfortunately, violence against shopworkers continues to be a problem. Let’s all keep our cool and make the season peaceful for us all!

On Saturday 7th December, individuals from all walks of life came together to support the Shop Local campaign. It was great to see so many people supporting our local businesses and visiting the newly redeveloped Newport Market. The campaign has empowered and traders and shoppers alike, and has reaffirmed our commitment to support local businesses across the whole of Newport. It will be good to see what the legacy of shop local Saturday will be, and I will continue to do all I can to support and encourage small business in my constituency.

There are a number of Welsh Government consultations still accepting responses and I would encourage you to visit www.wales.gov.uk/consultations to send in your comments to those that are of interest.

I’d like to take this opportunity to send my best wishes for the festive season and for 2014.

Keep up to date with my activities by visiting www.rosemarybutleram.com or following me on Twitter @RosemaryButler. To be added to my email newsletter list call 01633 222523 or email rosemary.butler@wales.gov.uk