The big news this week will be the General Election, although this column will be out in the world before the results are in – but I do hope Flintshire residents will make good use of their democratic rights and go out and vote. Here in our corner of North Wales, Becky Gittins is our Labour candidate, Becky is from Bagillt, lives in Pentre Halkyn and went to school at Flint High and Mold Alun – I know she will make an excellent MP if she is elected and she will work tirelessly to represent our new constituency of Clwyd East in Parliament.

I’ve begun to get back out and about locally and I was especially pleased to be able to honour a long standing commitment to attend this year’s Flintshire Schools Pride in person. Hosted at Hawarden High School and attended by students from secondary schools across the county, I found it a really moving and rewarding experience and it was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to the young people about both my own personal journey and also my commitment as an advocate and an ally for equality.

Last Saturday was Armed Forces Day and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who makes up our proud Armed Forces community. It was a privilege to join the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Flint along with representatives of the cadets and Royal British Legion and local residents at the cenotaph in Flint to mark the end of Armed Forces Week. During the week, many of us remembered and reflected on the contribution of someone close to them – family, friends, colleagues and people across our communities and country. I would like to pay tribute to all who have served and continue to serve – serving personnel both regular and reservists, families of those in service, veterans and cadets. We support you and we are in gratitude to your service.

There are plenty of summer events kicking off in Flintshire this upcoming weekend. Tomorrow, the Flint Festival kicks off at the castle and there will be dance performances and a medieval re-enactment as part of the event, as well as a host of other family-friendly things to do and food and drink stalls. And don’t forget, the castle will also host Rock the Castle the following weekend which features bands from all over the area and raises money for local causes. This Sunday, Mold Carnival is due to take place at Kendricks Field and the Rec – a colourful family event which includes shows and stalls as well as the finals of the Time2Shine talent competition. Kick off is 10.30am.

Flintshire residents might not be aware of the Estuary Voluntary Car Scheme, an initiative that some of you might find really helpful. The scheme offers reliable and accessible transportation services for people in Flintshire who need assisted transport – and it’s run by volunteers. The organisation can help with getting you to a medical appointment, assistance with essential shopping and even social events, and drivers are fully DRB checked and the rates don’t cost the earth. The organisation is always on the lookout for more volunteer drivers as well, if you can spare an hour or two – for more information, go to www.estuaryvoluntarycar.co.uk.

Finally, organisations in Flintshire might be interested to hear that North Wales Tourism has teamed up with holidaycottages.co.uk to provide three grants of £1,000 to community organisations and local charities that benefit North Wales. The Community Fund Initiative’s aim is to support North Wales’ local communities, the natural environment and economy – more details and applications for the grants are available at www.gonorthwales.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/blog and the deadline is August 4th.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.