Saturday afternoon Karen could be found visiting the Caribbean Roots Connection event close to home at Batchley.

There she toured the stalls and is pictured here posing with volunteers Cate and Verity who were working for the Stroke Association taking blood pressures.

Saturday morning saw Karen at the Redditch Rugby Club fun day – and what a great event that was.

She opened the event and then kicked off the first game.

Karen admitted later it was the first time she had ever kicked a rugby ball …

Karen visited New College on Friday to meet with the Principal John Callaghan and Vice Principal Tricia Burton to talk about the issues facing them  She was very impressed by the college and the buildings and knows they are doing a very good job in very difficult circumstances.

One of the nice things about being an MP is you can show your family around the spectacular parliament buildings which are even more impressive inside than out.

Karen’s niece and nephew had come all the way from Dubai and Karen welcomed them to the House of Commons and gave them a grand tour.

Friday was schools day for Karen. She visited Arrow Vale, St Augustine’s and Matchborough First as part of a busy schedule.

First came Arrow Vale where Karen wanted to meet the new head, Alun Williams, and discuss some of the issues facing him.   There she was delighted to meet Charlotte Toomer, Sean Green and George Docker along with Alun Williams.

Karen then visited St Augustine’s on their “Democracy Day”. “It was pleasing and fun to see the students enjoying the day and coming up with parties of their choice and proposing policies” said Karen.

Afternoon saw a visit to the tea party at Matchborough First with local Councillor Anita Clayton where we met Anna Mai Cox and Jaye Crumpton who were there supporting the Noah’s Ark Trust along with Vicky and Charlie her monkey.

“All in all a great but busy day” said Karen.

Karen was at the Inkberrow horse show on Saturday.

She was there to judge the fancy dress competition and what a difficult choice it was! But decisions have to be made and she congratulated the lucky winners

The BMX track was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Anita Clayton on Saturday.

MP Karen Lumley together with local county Councillor Gay Hopkins went along to see the fantastic facility.

Karen noted that the first ever BMX track in the UK was opened by Halfords on the same site in 1980 and once again Redditch has the best BMX track in the Midlands.

Karen was at the Brambles Residential home on Saturday to attend their summer fete.

She spent time there talking to residents and staff hearing of their plans and their concerns and – of course – spent lots of money.

Karen popped in to judge the floats at the Astwood Bank carnival on Saturday along with the Mayor of Redditch Kath Banks.

She is pictured here crowning the Queen, Princess and Prince of the carnival.  And a great day was enjoyed by all.

Karen visited Homestart as part of her busy day on Friday. Homestart help young families and have been based in Redditch for many years.

Karen chatted to Zohary and Rebecca Twigger who are regular visitors to the Easemore Road site.

“I was pleased to be invited to visit this very worthwhile operation” said Karen. “I will be looking at ways we can help them in the future.”