Owls about that! Gavin Williamson is unflappable on visit to animal attraction
What a hoot! Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson met up with volunteers from the World Owl Trust and some feathered friends.
The South Staffordshire MP, who is a member and patron of the trust, popped into its temporary home in the county.
Mr Williamson's visit came amid reports he is set to dine with the wife of one of Vladimir Putin's former allies – and she paid £30,000 for the privilege.
Lubov Chernukhin, whose husband Vladimir used to be Russia's deputy finance minister, won a bid at the Conservatives' Black and White Ball.
Mr Williamson has previously warned a Russian cyber-attack could cripple Britain's infrastructure and kill thousands.
But the MP had constituency matters on his mind during his visit to Rodbaston Animal Zone at South Staffordshire College.
Seventy owls are currently being temporarily homed at the site until the trust's new base at Himley Park has been built.
Delays with historical excavations being carried out on behalf of the West Midlands Historic Building Trust mean an opening date for the new site is still unknown.
Volunteers are hopeful it will be operational by next spring
Alan Pearce, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "Even with his very demanding parliamentary job which takes up a lot of his time, Gavin is very supportive in his role as a patron of the World Owl Trust attending trust events whenever he can for which the trust is very grateful."
Mr Williamson said: “I had a lovely time visiting Rodbaston Animal Zone last week to have an update on the work of the World Owl Trust.
"I am always so impressed to hear how hard volunteers work to care for the owls and I was pleased to hear that progress is being made at the new site in Himley Park.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the site completed as I know it will be a wonderful attraction within South Staffordshire."
