Richard was invited to open Herringswell Village Hall officially following extensive renovation works. The main hall has been completely refurbished and decorated, including a new floor and window blinds. The kitchen has also been totally refitted and the small meeting room, WCs and entrance hall have all been updated. The Village Hall Committee raised substantial funds from Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Environmental Trust, Forest Heath District Council, the Big Lottery “Awards for All”, Garfield Weston Trust and Ridgeons Timber Merchants. They have also received other smaller donations which were equally as important.

Richard said after the opening: “I was honoured to be invited to open the refurbished Village Hall. The Hall is used by parishioners for social and recreational gatherings and I know that a lot of groups will take advantage of the greatly enhanced facilities. I congratulate the Committee on its Herculean efforts to raise the money and for re-establishing the Village Hall at the heart the village community.”

West Suffolk Conservative Association held a special dinner for Richard to mark his retirement after 18 years as the Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds and then West Suffolk. The dinner was held at the Bedford Lodge Hotel and attended by members of the West Suffolk Conservative Association.

Richard said after the dinner: “I was very touched that the Association wanted to hold a dinner in my honour. It was an excellent opportunity to thank Association members for all their hard work and friendship over the years since I have been the local Member of Parliament.”