Cumbrians have a genius for voluntary work and community action. I would like to pay tribute to all those volunteers and local organisers that help to run a seemingly endless number of local community initiatives, from credit unions to care at home. Too often it can seem as though society is set in an immovable – if slightly wobbly – jelly of conventions, regulations and procedures that makes change feel almost impossible.
The solution in my view is to rediscover the energies of the local. If Cumbrians do not generally seem powerless, it is because they are often changing or protecting their surroundings. When I visit the village of Bampton, I am struck that nearly everyone seems to be involved in some local volunteer scheme or community initiative, be it a community library or a recycling scheme – and they are not the exception.
Rory Stewart MP joined staff, supporters and beneficiaries on Friday at the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Eden Mencap Society (EMS), celebrating the important local service that began in 1986. The birthday party took place at their premises in Duke Street, Penrith, which has provided the local charity with vital extra space to support its users […]
Rory Stewart MP, whose backing of the ‘Save the Pool’ campaign in Wigton has been well-documented, visited the swimming pool on Saturday, where he learned more about the many community initiatives it is involved in, and to personally thank some of the team involved in the successful campaign to retain the historic baths for the […]
Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, is encouraging young people in need to be aware of the important services provided by Carlisle Key, a local charity whose work Rory supports. Rory met with Trustee Peter Ryan, Project Manager Julie Spence and apprentice Sophie Edwards, who introduced Rory to young Penrith resident Catherine Harper […]
Rory Stewart MP for Penrith and The Border last week praised staff during a visit to the Grace Little Centre at Kingmoor Park – Carlisle Mencap’s respite care centre, which provides overnight care and support for those with learning disabilities living in the locality. The MP was given a tour by senior manager Sheila Gregory, […]
Rory Stewart MP is backing a call for people of Penrith and The Border to consider fostering, and to learn more about fostering during national Foster Care Fortnight, organised by The Fostering Network. The local MP learnt more about how fostering works, and how it can benefit some of the the most vulnerable children in […]
Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, on Friday 22nd helped to raise a staggering £7,000 for Carlisle and North Lakeland Hospice at Home, in an unusual ‘Meet the Artist’ event and auction at Netherby Hall, Longtown. The MP presided over proceedings at the event, where five local artists had each donated a work […]
Rory Stewart, the parliamentary candidate for Penrith and The Border, was invited to speak at a fundraising dinner last Thursday, in support of the Castlerigg Manor Youth Service. Castlerigg Manor serves communities across the North West, acting as a residential retreat where young people can engage in outdoor activities and adventure weekends to develop their […]
Rory Stewart MP has helped support the national awareness-raising campaign ‘Ed’s Lace’ by meeting with local constituents suffering from PSP – Progressive Supranuclear Palsy – a severe neurological condition which over time causes problems with sight, speech and response time, amongst other symptoms. Ed’s Lace is a shoelace in the corporate colours of the PSPA, […]
Rory Stewart MP on Friday visited Penrith Rugby Club to help celebrate their £60,000 National Lottery funding win from the Inspired Facilities fund to upgrade the floodlights on the second and third team pitches, which is also the area used for training. This upgrade will help protect the improved ground and allow the area to […]
Sunbeams Patron and Penrith and The Border MP Rory Stewart on Friday joined Annie Mawson, Founder of Sunbeams Music Trust, and her team at the Redhills site of their £2m new music therapy building, to officially launch the 35-week construction of the long-awaited and richly-deserved centre. The project is the culmination of many years of […]