A Great Blog

Meeting with Cyclists from across the Constituency

2012-05-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP holds meeting of cyclists to discuss how to make Congleton Constituency a more cycling friendly place

Fiona Bruce MP hosted a meeting of over 20 cyclists at her offices in Riverside, Congleton in order to establish what was needed to make the Congleton Constituency more ‘cyclist friendly’.

Representatives from across the Constituency including Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Mow Cop and Congleton Cycling Club met with Fiona and Alan Lawson, on behalf of Congleton Local Area Partnership at Cheshire East Council and its newly formed sub group, the South East Cheshire Cycling Action Group, to air their views and suggest improvements for the future.

The busy meeting covered a wide range of subject areas from the problems of potholes to driver attitudes and speed.

The biggest of the issues raised was that of driver attitudes towards cyclists. It was felt by the meeting as a whole that car drivers often see cyclists as a nuisance and do not respect a cyclist’s right to be on the road. The meeting felt that this was a national problem that would benefit from better training of drivers and cyclists and of a campaign in the media much like the ‘Think Bike’ campaign for motorbikes.

Alan Lawson told the meeting that there was a group starting across Congleton Constituency of cycling representatives – South East Cheshire Cycling Action Group - that would look at tackling important issues to cyclists and promote cycling as a viable mode of transport, not just for leisure. Starting in Holmes Chapel the group is looking at putting together a map of available cycle routes around the towns and into the surrounding countryside.

Fiona Bruce MP said: “I called this meeting to get together cyclists from right across my Constituency and it was excellent to see so many there from Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Mow Cop and Congleton, to discuss how we can make this area a more cyclist and more cycling friendly place.

We had a positive and extensive discussion with some excellent practical suggestions, which I hope will be quickly taken up by Cheshire East Council such as improved signage, speedy pothole repair, a cycle to work scheme and a Cheshire East Cycle Day to promote the health and enjoyment benefits of cycling more widely. There were also some important longer term strategic proposals such as improving driver awareness of cyclists through changes in the driving test and better bike facilities at local stations and I am taking these up at National level with Government ministers and Agencies such as the Highways Authority and Rail companies.

I am encouraged by the announcement at the meeting of a new group, the South East Cheshire Cycling Action Group, which will be working as part of the Congleton LAP and am pleased that this group will be able to take forward the many constructive suggestions from this meeting on an on-going basis.”

Alan Lawson said: “I was impressed by the large turnout at the meeting, indicating the strength of feeling locally around cycling issues. The discussion highlighted that there are clear benefits to society of increasing the number of people using their bikes instead of their cars, especially for short journeys, such as health benefits, environmental benefits and reduced traffic levels. Yet there are significant factors discouraging people from doing so, relating to safety, infrastructure and a perception that significant numbers of motorists perhaps do not regard cyclists as legitimate road users. Congleton Local Area Partnership is keen to work with local cycling groups and other local organizations to look at ways of beginning to overcome some of these barriers and get more of us on our bikes.”

ARMA

2012-05-16T07:54:00.001-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP calls for national strategy to deliver improved care for people with arthritic conditions

Local MP Fiona Bruce has joined the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) in calling for the introduction of a national strategy for such conditions.

The strategy would help implement key priorities in the Government’s NHS reforms such as greater engagement by clinicians in the care of those with arthritis and similar painful joiont conditions, better joined up working between medical and social services and in delivering improved treatment results.

Speaking in Parliament at the launch of the new report “Joint Delivery” by ARMA calling for these improvements, Fiona Bruce said:

“Arthritis and similar conditions – medically termed “musculoskeletal”- affect a huge number of people – 9.6 million in England alone – more than respiratory conditions, diabetes and infectious diseases. Many people stoically soldier on in discomfort and daily pain, often for years, without asking for help.

A national, joined-up strategy, involving all medical advisors – right from the point when an individual first goes to their doctor’s surgery, would help improve access for appropriate help; from advice on diet and the right exercise to more sophisticated medical treatment.

A national strategy would also help address the variations in service provision in relation to musculoskeletal conditions which exist across the country something I am particularly concerned about for my constituency with the highest aging population (per head) of any area in the North West.”

Women's Lacrosse World Cup Bid

2012-05-16T07:52:00.002-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP supports bid to host Lacrosse World Cup

Last week the English Lacrosse Association launched their Bid to host the 2017 Women’s World Cup in the UK with the help of the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson and MPs including Congleton Constituency MP, Fiona Bruce.

Fiona Bruce MP helped demonstrate her support by signing the ‘Back the Bid’ England flag.

Cross –party Parliamentary support came from Prime Minister David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband.

Sue Redfern, Chair of the English Lacrosse Board said ‘We were delighted with the response and support that we received from Members of Parliament yesterday and with over 10% of the House behind us, we believe that this puts English Lacrosse in good position in the bidding process.’

Fiona said: ‘Hosting this tournament, as with so many sporting fixtures, will stand the country in good stead in terms of its support for sport of all types, especially for young people. If the UK bid succeeds it will be yet another cause for sporting celebration in this Olympic year. I wish the ELA every success.’

The final decision will be made by the Federation of International Lacrosse in June this year. Lacrosse is becoming an increasingly popular sport internationally - 30 nations are expected to compete in the FIL Women’s World Lacrosse Cup in 2017 in comparison to the 16 countries that competed in Prague in 2009.

Lab in a Lorry

2012-05-16T07:49:00.001-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates Lab in a Lorry for inspiring a love of physics in local children

‘Lab in a Lorry’ is an initiative led by the Institute of Physics which aims to bring an interactive, school trip experience to the classrooms of pupils across the country and is currently sponsored in the North West by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The Lorry in the North West is one of three, the other two being mainly stationed in Scotland and Africa! It is touring the North West until July and hopes to visit 30 schools and give 6000 children a unique insight into science.

Experiments in the Lab, which was at Alsager School this week, included using an endoscope on a dummy and learning about fibre optics, seeing how sound can make a wine glass vibrate (but hopefully not shatter!) and learning just why the sky is blue.

Visitors to the Lab said that the young people experiencing the activities and teaching in the ‘Lab in a Lorry’ were “fully engaged and entertained”. Regular exclamations of “Oh Wow!” and “This is awesome!” indicated what a good concept this must be in the teaching of science and especially physics.

Tony Buckley, STFC'S senior communications specialist at Daresbury Laboratory said that “It was marvellous to see young people engaging so actively and enthusiastically with the experiments in the lorry. The visit of this wonderful laboratory might be the spark that ignites an interest in science, helps young people see how what they learn in class gets used in everyday life, inspires them to get a better grade at GCSE or pursue a career in science.”

Whilst Louise Butcher of the Institute of Physics added that “Young people need to know that there is a wide range of careers out there for those who choose to study physics at A-level and beyond. ‘Lab in a Lorry’ gets students involved, hands on, in experiments showing them how exciting physics is.”

Fiona Bruce MP said “’Lab in a Lorry’ is just the type of initiative that we need in the North West. Engaging children with science helps to foster the engineers of the future. Building our manufacturing base is very important in our country at the moment. The Lab’s fun and interactive approach to science must surely show the students of the practical application of their lessons.”

Eaton Bank School Parliament Visit

2012-04-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP meets with pupils from Eaton Bank School in Parliament and encourages other schools to do the same

On Tuesday 24^th April Fiona Bruce MP met in Parliament with eighteen Economics, Business Studies and Politics pupils from Eaton Bank School. Fiona Bruce discussed the wide range of work of undertaken as a Member of Parliament and took questions from pupils. During their visit the pupils also enjoyed a tour of Parliament and watched Question Time with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

One of the most interesting things students saw was the Diamond Jubilee Window – a stained glass window presented to Queen Elizabeth II as a gift from Members of both Houses on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee address to Parliament (see picture).

Fiona Bruce commented:

“It is always a pleasure to meet with school pupils from my constituency in Parliament, and such a visit can compliment a vast variety of subjects – not just politics - as experienced by the pupils of Eaton Bank School on their annual visit to Parliament. The tours provide a fascinating insight into the history and workings of Parliament, whilst the topics discussed in question time and debates ranging from the economy to international aid illuminate subjects studied in the classroom. I encourage all schools in my constituency a visit Parliament.”

Speaking of his trip, Andrew Hobson, a Politics and Economics pupil commented:

"It was great that Fiona Bruce took the time to meet us. I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to ask her questions about her day-to-day work as an MP".

Mike Hodgson, a Business Studies, Economics and Politics pupil enthused:

"The tour of the Palace of Westminster was excellent and the highlight for me was seeing the Chancellor and the Shadow-Chancellor debating the economy in the House of Commons".

Mr Tony McNulty, Head of Economics, Business Studies and Politics said:

“The trip to Westminster which takes place annually, provides Eaton Bank students with a fabulous insight into the workings of our legislature, which of course greatly enhances their enjoyment of what they are studying."

Child Online Protection Launch

2012-04-24T02:35:00.003-07:00

MP co-launches Independent Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection and calls on the Government to take action

Fiona Bruce MP was part of a Panel of MPs and Peers who today lauched the report of the Independent Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection, and called upon the Government to take action.

Fiona, who was a Lead Member on the Inquiry said from Westminster:

‘For the first time through this Inquiry, a clear signal is being sent out from Parliament that much more needs to be done to develop effective methods to protect young people from access to unsuitable internet materials, ideally through an Opt-in system so that parents can be sure that their children cannot access unsuitable material on the internet, but can continue to benefit in a healthy way from use of the internet.

Time and again during our Inquiry, we heard from witnesses who reported an astronomical rise in the viewing of pornographic and violent material by youngsters, particularly teenage boys and of the frequent and accidental stumbling upon adult material by children – for example when one very young child put in the word ‘fairy’. Witlessness’ also spoke of the sense of powerlessness which many parents feel to tackle this issue – partly because so often they are technologically disadvantaged, but also because appropriate action has not been taken by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

This report aims to change that – and as will be seen from the recommendations (cf page 8) calls on the Government to introduce legislation to resolve this issue, one of huge concern to parents, should the ISPs fail to implement the appropriate technological solutions themselves. The Inquiry concluded that ideally this would involve the introduction of an Opt-in filtering content system for all internet accounts throughout the UK. Any other solution would be patchwork and only partly effective’.

Speaking during the launch of the report this morning in Parliament, Fiona commented:

‘the argument that this is censorship simply doesn’t hold water. This is not about censorship - it is about protection. It’s about giving back our children their childhoods. It is about allowing them to grow up free of the awareness of so many issues they simply don’t need to know about. Our Panel of Inquiry heard time and time again from witnesses about how in many cases material, far more explicit and hardcore than many parents realise, is easily accessible at the click of a button by young people. Repeatedly, we were told by witnesses about how damaging this is. Experts told us of concerning changes they are seeing on the part of young people in terms of increased worries about body image, of a reduction in sexual inhibitions to early and risky sexual behaviour, of resultant relationship difficulties which could potentially last long into adulthood and of a desensitising of children and youngsters to violent and sexual aggressive acts. We wouldn’t let our children watch this on TV of films – why allow it on the internet?

The power of that one click of a button for our children to access this material needs to be passed to parents – with one click though an Opt-in system to ensure internet safety for our children.

These recommendations are about empowering parents to be the responsible parents they want to be and letting every child have the childhood they deserve.

We the MPs and Peers on the Inquiry Panel, have a sense of urgency about this. We have not given our time to this report for it to gather dust. Action must follow and we will not be deterred from finding solutions from the so-called technological complexities of resolving this issue. In fact the ISPs do already have the technological capacity to do so – they already screen for gambling and as the reports says – if necessary we will pursue the Government to legislate to resolve this issue’.

A copy of the report can be accessed by visiting http://www.claireperry.org.uk/downloads/independent-parliamentary-inquiry-into-online-child-protection.pdf

Young Enterprise Awards

2012-04-24T02:33:00.003-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates students of Eaton Bank School on Young Enterprise award

At a recent Young Enterprise awards event at Bentley Motors in Crewe, students from Eaton Bank School were awarded ‘Best Presentation’ for their business project creating and developing model aeroplanes. The event was attended by a number of schools, along with their supportive teachers, business mentors and local business people.

In a keynote speech at the event Fiona Bruce MP, herself an entrepreneur and UK Winner of ‘Women in Business Award’ for the successful founding and development of her business, spoke of the importance of inspiring a whole new generation of young people to become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses, as she did almost 25 years ago.

Fiona Bruce said “I particularly congratulate the students From Eaton Bank because their entry involved manufacturing. The importance of developing and increasing our country’s capacity to manufacture goods and sell them worldwide cannot be overstated if we are to achieve the economic resurgence this country needs. Creating and developing a new product, particularly in the space of one academic year, is no mean feat and for this reason Eaton Bank School’s entry quite rightly received particular commendation at the Young Enterprise awards.”

Mairi Rice, Head of ICT at Eaton Bank said “"It was an absolute pleasure watching the students present their year's worth of work in front of the Young Enterprise judges and hearing Fiona Bruce speak about the importance of encouraging young people to aspire to become entreprenuers. It was such an achievement to win the 'Best Presentation' award as the competition from other schools was extremely tough. I am tremendously proud of all the students and the hard work they put in; not only on the night but for the whole year.”

Macmillan in Parliament

2012-04-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Local Charity volunteers congratulated in Parliament by Macmillan HQ for their fantastic fundraising

Fiona Bruce MP invited Carol and Ken Gledhill of Congleton Macmillan Cancer Support Group to Parliament recently so that they could hear of the work done with funds they raise and discuss the priorities of Macmillan with those from the Macmillan Cancer Support Headquarters.

Fiona Bruce MP said “It’s really good to get these two groups of people together. After the immense time, energy and dedication that Carol and Ken Gledhill put into fundraising it is important for fundraisers like them to know firsthand how money is spent and to be able to contribute towards discussing the correct priorities for the charity, spending donated and collected funds. So I was very pleased to arrange this meeting. One of the key priorities they decided upon was how to ensure that people at the end of life have a ‘good death’,- meaning the right care, of the manner they choose, and that their families are fully supported at that most difficult of times.”

Jeremy Adams-Strump of Macmillan Cancer Support said “I’d like to thank Fiona for inviting Ken and Carol down to Westminster so we could hear about the incredible work they do in Congleton to raise money for Macmillan. Their support helps us to reach and improve the lives of people affected by cancer both locally and nationally. Macmillan helps people in many ways, from specialist nurses and doctors, to help and advice for people who have financial worries. None of this would be possible without the incredible efforts of fundraisers such as the Congleton Macmillan Cancer Support Group.”

An event in support of Congleton Macmillan Cancer Group is being held at FX Leisure, Barn Road Congleton on Sunday 29^th April from 7.30pm.

Entry is free and there will be champagne and strawberries on arrival, taster cocktails, a buffet, stalls from a number of companies, taster classes in legs, bums and tums, zumba and more. All money made at the event will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Carol Gledhill of Congleton Macmillan Cancer Support Group said “I want to thank FX for hosting this event and all their support and hope that many people attend. Our visit to Parliament was a day I will never forget.”

Hill House

2012-04-18T05:25:00.005-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP visits new facilities at Hill House

Fiona Bruce MP visited Hill House, Leonard Cheshire Disability recently in order to see their new facilities.

Fiona said “I am very impressed with the transformation of the facilities at Hill House since my last visit just over two years ago. This change is a credit to all who have worked hard at Hill House.”

Hill House has a “Wish List for 2012”, some of these things, which Fiona Bruce MP went to see, have been achieved such as mobile sensory equipment and sensory gardens to stimulate and give relaxation for residents. This wish list has further items that Hill House still hope to achieve to further enhance the lives of their residents including an adapted greenhouse to help residents grow plants such as tomatoes. The wish list states that Residents have already shown an improvement in their well being through watching and guiding staff through gardening activities. Being able to garden themselves is a natural next step.

The Rode Hall lunch committee is holding a fundraising event, in aid of Hill House, on Monday 16^th April at 12 pm. Helena Gerrish will give an illustrated lecture on Edwardian Country Life followed by a marquee lunch. Tickets cost £25 and can be obtained from Sarah Scott 01270 663150. All are welcome.

The money raised by this may go towards fulfilling more wishes of the residents of Hill House in 2012.

Sounds of the Sudan

2012-04-18T05:25:00.001-07:00

Sandbach Churches Together hold fundraising tea for relief work in South Sudan.

Sandbach resident Joe Jones, who has previously lived in Africa for 28 years with his wife Maureen, is currently in South Sudan working to support the JumJum tribe. A tribe that is designated as one of the World’s unreached people and whose language has never been written down.

A fundraising tea was held at the Wesley Centre in Sandbach to raise funds for resources to stock schools and buy medicine and inoculations for the people of the JumJum tribe who Joe is working with.

Maureen Jones gave a talk to those present about the work of her husband.

Donations of support can be given at Sandbach Baptist Church.

Inland Waterways Association Parliamentarian of the Year

2012-03-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

Fiona Bruce MP wins Parliamentary Award

Fiona Bruce MP was presented with the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Parliamentarian of the Year Award on Tuesday this week in the House of Commons.

Fiona said “I was delighted, but even more, utterly surprised, to win this award.”

As Treasurer of the Parliamentary Waterways Group, Fiona Bruce MP challenged in Parliament the funding provision and potential pension liabilities which the new Canals and Rivers Trust would inherit, when it takes over running and maintaining our canals from British Waterways in a few months time. In addition to raising questions with Ministers and challenging them to improve future funding provision, she also cross examined the British Waterways and Canal and River Trustees at some length at a Parliamentary hearing of the Waterways Group on the proposed plans.

This week Fiona said “I am very pleased that as a result of the hard work of many people in Parliament and outside, including members of the IWA, the Government has substantially increased future funding for our waterways. This is a particularly important subject for me as so many boaters and walkers enjoy their leisure time on and around the canals in my constituency and our local waterways are a key part of what makes it so attractive – it’s important to keep them that way.”

The funding the Government proposed originally was £390 million over ten years and will now be the considerably improved sum of around £800 million over fifteen years.

Fiona Bruce became a member of the IWA as part of her campaigning on this issue and is Vice President of the Macclesfield Canal Society.

Women's World Day of Prayer

2012-03-09T02:39:00.000-08:00

Women’s World Day of Prayer Event in Congleton

This year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer Event took place at St Mary’s Church Congleton.

Jean Cook, Chairperson of the Congleton WWDP said

“The first Friday in March is a very special day for Christians world wide. All round the world, during the 24 hours that the sun takes to encircle the earth, groups of Christians assemble to worship God, and every service has exactly the same format.The words of the well known hymn “The day Thou gavest” are re-enacted. “As o’er each continent and island the dawn leads on another day, the voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away. The sun that bids us rest is waking our friends beneath the western sky, and hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondreous doings heard on high.”

This ‘Mexican Wave’ of identical praise encircles the whole world, and includes over 170 countries. In the British Isles alone there will be over 6,000 services

This amazing event is organised by the Women’s World Day of Prayer. It is organised by women but is for all Christians.

Here in Congleton, a group of women from all denominations organise the service which takes place in a different Church each year. This year (2012) the venue was the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and the service ,which had been written by the women of Indonesia was entitled “Let Justice Prevail.””

Music Classes for Babies

2012-03-07T02:17:00.001-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP supports free music and movement classes for babies

Fiona Bruce MP is calling on Congleton constituents to utilise the 6 free music and movement lessons for babies under 6 months currently being offered by Jo Jingles East Cheshire.

Run by local resident Alison Wright, Jo Jingles East Cheshire operates across the Congleton constituency, providing music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children to aid their early development.

Fiona Bruce said:

"It is widely recognised by healthcare and educational experts that exposing a baby to music is one of the most effective ways to aid their early development and I encourage parents and carers across the constituency to experience the tangible benefits of music, singing and movement for babies."

Alison Wright said:

"Most of us instinctively understand that our children react positively to songs, but what we may not fully appreciate is how those endless repetitions of "Twinkle Twinkle" are a fundamental part of our babies mental, physical and social development helping our children to "wire up" their brains, develop their speech and improve their coordination."

Alison continued:

"Parents and carers can benefit too - it is believed that musicians are less likely to suffer from senile dementia!".

Jo Jingles baby classes usually last 30 minutes and aim to develop a love of music in babies whilst having interactive fun.

For more information visit www.jojingles.com/eastchesire or contact Alison on 01477 535124.

Special Treasures

2012-02-24T03:31:00.001-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP attends Special Treasures Open Afternoon in Alsager

Fiona Bruce MP attended the Special Treasures Open Afternoon recently at Alsager Community Church to see the good work done in the community by this group for special needs children aged 0 to 3 and their parents or carers. Also attended was Ron Tyson, Chairman of Alsager Town Council.

Special Treasures was started following a request by a local Mum whose baby was born with Downs Syndrome, and who felt there was a need for a group where parents and toddlers could meet with other children and their families. The group is open to any family who has a child with an additional need whether it is a disability, medical or social need. The group is for the whole family and brothers and sisters are encouraged to get involved, and join in. Drinks and snacks are available from the cafe in the Community Church building.

Special Treasures is run by a group of local volunteers and is part of the many community activites run from Alsager Community Church managed and led by husband and wife team Chris and Matthew Wright.

Fiona Bruce said “I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time at Special Treasures. Having visited before I continue to be increasingly impressed with the ever-improving facilities Alsager Community Church provides for children and their families. It was a pleasure to see parents relaxing and chatting whilst children enjoyed the sensory play areas, toys and equipment and different coloured lights – even on the ceiling!”

Fiona continued:

“This is a tremendous resource for local families who deserve all the support they can get and it is wonderful to have Special Treasures located in Alsager. Real credit goes to Matt and Chris Wright and their volunteer team for their dedication and commitment to providing such a high standard centre, backed up by support, information and advice from professional practitioners. The soothing atmosphere was an oasis of calm in a busy day.”

Waitrose Community Matters

2012-02-22T03:36:00.000-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP visits Waitrose Sandbach to help hand out this month’s Community Matters cheques.

Fiona Bruce MP went to visit the Waitrose store in Sandbach recently to meet representatives from the local community groups receiving donations from this month’s Community Matters money Fund. Community Matters is a scheme through which £1000 is split each month between three different local charities according to the number of green tokens (given by each customer) in the chosen charities box. The charities were Whizzkids, a Cheshire charity that provides wheelchairs and other equipment of disabled children, Brushheads, Sandbach, which helps disabled people to create artwork as therapy and Winsford Grange Care Home.

Ashley Gaunt, Branch Manager at Waitrose Sandbach, says:

"Our Community Matters scheme enables us to support many worthy causes and we are delighted to play our part in helping to ensure that these local projects can continue their excellent work. In addition to raising money, Community Matters also helps these causes to raise their profiles for future fundraising, giving them the opportunity to network and build relationships with one another. It's one way in which we take an active role in the community and is an important element of our presence here in Sandbach."

He also told Fiona Bruce MP that “ From Easter we shall also be giving 250 hours of time volunteering to local charities from partners within our store and are inviting local community groups to contact us if they would like to be considered for this help.”

Next month’s Community Matters charities are Sandbach Cinema Project, Holmes Chapel and District First Responders and Cheshire Swan Study Group. Local residents can nominate their good cause for future months by collecting a leaflet from the Waitrose store.

Congleton Learning Centre

2012-02-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP is impressed by Congleton Learning Centre Open Day

Fiona Bruce MP recently visited Congleton Learning Centre (CLC) to see a local service at the heart of the community. The CLC was holding an Open Day to showcase the work that they do including computer, numeracy and literacy training and help to raise the profile of the centre.

The Centre is supported by IT solutions company, Prism, who donated two laptops to the Centre at the Open Day.

Peter Neal, Sales Manager at Prism, said “It’s a pleasure to do it because it really does help the local economy.”

Fiona agreed, saying “Prism proves in more ways than one that we should buy from local businesses because the money you spend with them stays in the community.”

Whilst there Fiona spoke to a number of people regarding the “Work Club” initiative in Alsager, Congleton and Middlewich, to which Fiona has lent her support to in the past.

Cath Barton, who leads the Alsager and Middlewich Clubs explained “Work Clubs provide people with one-to-one advice, CV reviews and further educational opportunities. It’s about giving people the confidence to get their CV out there and to apply for not just one – but lots of jobs – which is key to success.”

The clubs have proved a huge success with ten people in Middlewich alone already finding full time employment through the Club including Steve Dodd whom Fiona met on her last visit to the Work Clubs. The Alsager Work Club meets from 2 - 4.30pm on alternate Wednesdays at 1 Grove Court, the Middlewich Club meets Thursday 10am-12.30pm at 10 Dale Court. The Clubs are available to anyone wishing for help in job seeking, careers advice or help with training.

Fiona commented; “This is a great place and I never cease to be amazed at the community in my constituency.”

Congleton Museum

2012-02-14T04:36:00.001-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP has first look at new collection for Congleton Museum

Fiona Bruce MP visited Congleton Museum on Friday to have a first look at the new collection for Summer 2012. This new collection has come from archaeological digs of the 1980s in places like Somerford, Betchton and Withington and offers a picture of pre-Roman life in the area that has not been seen before. The new collection suggests that pre-Roman life in this area was far more active and sophisticated than was previously thought.

Fiona also toured the rest of the museum with Chairman, Ian Doughty who told her of how the museum intended to expand and develop and become a real tourist asset to the town. The museum is staffed almost entirely by the 50-60 volunteers who willingly give up their time to make the museum a success.

Fiona said

“Congleton Museum is punching well above its weight in terms of breadth and depth of artefacts and the professionalism with which the development of the museum is being progressed. Having seen some of the items dating back to pre-Roman times that will form part of a new exhibition this summer, I am encouraging everyone to visit Congleton Museum – whether for the first time or if you have visited before. There will be a lot of new, interesting items to see which will broaden our understanding of how people lived in this part of Cheshire going back not just hundreds but thousands of years.”

Fiona continued:

“I also wish to pay tribute to the many volunteers – I understand over fifty local people – who make Congleton Museum such an interesting and attractive place to visit.”

Alcohol Strategy

2012-02-10T04:26:00.002-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP highlights importance of positive parenting in preventing binge drinking

Fiona Bruce MP spoke in a debate in Parliament yesterday and highlighted the importance of positive parenting in reducing the likelihood of young people becoming binge drinkers.

Fiona’s speech was supported by the DEMOS report “Binge Drinking Behind the Headlines – Under the Influence”, the launch of which Fiona hosted recently. The DEMOS report stated that young people with parents who are actively involved in their lives are materially less likely to binge drink at 16 and also less likely to binge drink later on at age 34. In contrast, young people with disengaged parents were eight times more likely to be binge drinkers at 16.

Fiona said

“We cannot resolve every problem of excessive drinking in our country, but we should not act only at personal, community or national levels. We need to do something at all those levels, because doing nothing is not an option. The research highlights the fact that active parenting is a key aspect in reducing binge drinking. We should consider seriously the positive contribution that parenting classes or education could make, particularly in terms of prevention rather than cure.”

The photograph shows (l to r) Christine Thompson ( SABMiller Policy Manager), Fiona Bruce MP, Bryanna Hahn (University of Cambridge Institute of Criminology and co-author of “Under the Influence”) and Jamie Bartlett (co-author of “Under the Influence”) at the launch of the DEMOS report

Apprenticeships Week

2012-02-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

MP marks National Apprenticeship Week by hosting conference meeting on supporting young people into the world of work.

Fiona Bruce MP, who is supporting National Apprenticeship Week (6^th – 10^th February), recently held a meeting at her Riverside Office in Congleton which brought together the Head Teachers of Congleton and Eaton Bank High Schools with local business leaders and some of Cheshire’s biggest employers, as well as representatives of the many small businesses in the area.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss how schools and local businesses could support young people into the world of work by building stronger relationships between them.

The Head of Congleton High School, David Hermitt, set out his vision for the future by saying at the meeting that he wanted every one of his pupils, who do not go to university or college ‘to have a local employment opportunity’.

The Head of Eaton Bank High School, Ann Webb, reinforced Mr Hermitt’s comments and said they were both extremely fortunate to work in a ‘very supportive, stable and aspirational community’.

The Local Authority, Cheshire East Council, has also been hugely supportive of Apprenticeships through its highly successful A-Team initiative. The scheme, which was only created 18 months ago, now has 100 Apprentices across all Council services and locations exploring new collaborations.

The meeting heard from Sue Price, North West Director of the National Apprenticeship Service that there were framework and qualifications in place for over 200 employment opportunities. She spoke of the Government’s commitment to Apprenticeships having invested a £1.4 billion in Apprenticeship training and that this policy was a key priority in assisting 16-24 year olds.

Fiona Bruce MP said:

“We are extremely fortunate in Congleton to have excellent initiatives such as the Beartown Apprenticeship Scheme, pioneered by Plus Dane and supported by the Chamber of Commerce, which provides a local route for smaller employers to work together to jointly employ an Apprentice – and helps employers select, interview and recruit an appropriate candidate for their businesses’.

‘The wealth of expertise and the willingness of people in and around Congleton to help in offering exciting opportunities for our young people and assisting them into the world of work is extremely important. I will continue to work hard to support interested parties and that is why it is so important to highlight National Apprenticeship Week.

“Research confirms that 80% of people believe their workplace is more productive because of an Apprentice; Apprentices remain extremely loyal, they often stay will a company for life and become future managers. It is also known that over their career, an Apprentice can expect to earn an additional £65,000 - £105,000 above someone who has not done an Apprenticeship.

Fiona will be attending Bentley’s Annual Open Meeting for aspiring Apprentices on Saturday 25^th February and the National Apprenticeship Service Parliamentary Reception to once again reaffirm her support for their work and to listen to the Skills Minister, John Hayes MP, and see what further steps, like the ‘New Era of Apprenticeships’ campaign, the Government will be taking to support Apprenticeships’.

Speaking in Parliament, this week, Fiona said:

“I hope that Apprenticeship Week will further encourage businesses across the Congleton Constituency to consider offering opportunities to our young people. Through the excellent and streamlined partnership working on Apprenticeships in Congleton between schools, businesses, the Council, Chamber of Commerce and Plus Dane – real endeavours are being made to help every one of our young people to achieve their full potential’.

Fiona continued:

‘Today’ s high quality Apprenticeships are a respected route of choice towards building a career-a valid alternative to academia and an equally important –indeed, essential, contribution to our nation’s wellbeing, both socially and economically. This week’s announcement that there were 450,200 Apprenticeship starts last year- up by 90% on the year before, confirms that across the country and in all employment sectors, employers are increasingly recognising the value to their businesses of taking on an Apprentice .This is particularly so for small businesses with real financial support from Government now available for those taking on an Apprentice for the first time. What is also particularly striking is the growth in Apprenticeship schemes leading to a degree- there are currently around 2,200 Higher Level Apprentices , which constitutes a recent tenfold increase; the Government aims to support an even greater increase in this to 25,000 Higher Level Apprenticeships over the next three years- so the sky really is the limit for young people who choose the Apprenticeship route to develop their skills , broaden their future career opportunities and fulfil their life potential’.

RSA Reception - Houses of Parliament

2012-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

MP hosts 30^th Anniversary Reception in Parliament for the Alsager based Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association

Fiona Bruce MP, this week, hosted the 30^th Anniversary Reception in Parliament for the Alsager based Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association (RSA) in Parliament.

Under the inspirational direction of Chief Executive, Alsager resident, Anne Mawdsley, the charity based at 112 Crewe Road, Alsager has raised £12 million pounds since its creation.

Speaking at the event, Fiona Bruce MP said:

‘I am delighted to be hosting this Reception in Parliament for a charity which I am extremely proud to have within my Congleton Constituency. The RSA has increased awareness of Raynaud’s and Scleroderma, developed better communication between doctors and patients, made advancements in research, treatment and care and seen mortality rates decrease’.

Fiona read out the following message of congratulations to Anne Mawdesley and the RSA from the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister:

‘Please accept our congratulations to you and all of your team at the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association as you mark its 30^th Anniversary.

We are pleased to offer you our continued support. Your role is vital in supporting people with these often little known and poorly understood conditions, in improving their health, their quality of life and outcomes.

We wish you every success for the future’.

The event was attended by MPs, Peers and supporters of the RSA to mark the landmark occasion.

The RSA’S current fundraising campaign is its Cool Million campaign, which was launched by Fiona in August 2010 and has already raised £500,000 which will be used for further research into Scleroderma.

The President of the RSA, Professor Dame Carol Black, highlighted the progress which has been achieved over the past 30 years through the charity’s work:

‘From 1990 to the mid 2000s, survival for five years from the worst form of the disease improved from 69% - 84%. Through early meticulous screening we now recognise internal organ complications much sooner’.

Professor Black also went on to highlight some of the personal sponsored challenges which Anne Mawdesley has undertaken in order to help raise money for the RSA:

‘Anne has always challenged herself, and to date has raised £120,000 by personal sponsored challenges. Here are some of the things she has done:

In 2000, swam a mile with Olympic swimmers Sharron Davies and David Wilkie
In 2004, swam with sharks (not in a cage!) with David Wilkie
In 2010, with Jo Kaddish, chair of Trustees, took a team of huskies across Finland in minus 30 degrees – a severe challenge given her Raynauds’.

In a moving and deeply thought provoking speech, Anne Mawdesley said:

‘I am in daily contact with people who have Raynaud’s and Scleroderma and have lost many friends to Scleroderma. Several new treatments are now available especially for the most life threatening aspects of the condition, such as pulmonary hypertension, which can dramatically change a person’s life. I believe that everyone deserves to have the best quality of life possible and therefore more research is needed to investigate causes and treatments.

My message to all present today is to stress the importance of early diagnosis and that timely access to the best evidence-based treatments should be available to all patients, irrespective of postcode or cost.

I would like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey. Without the support of our trustees, patrons, staff, family, friends, and everyone involved with the RSA, we would not be celebrating here today. This includes physicians and researchers who are vital to our future progress. My vision is that the Association will continue to grow and develop so that people with Raynaud’s and scleroderma will always have access to help, advice, the best treatments available and above all, hope for the future’.

Speaking from Parliament after the event, Fiona said:

‘This Reception showed how important the work of the RSA is and the stories told by both Carol and Anne touched all of those present, the reception was very well attended by RSA supporters who had travelled from all over the country. The highlight of the Reception was, however, passing on a message from the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.’

Fiona continued:

‘I have no doubt that the message from 10 Downing Street will spur Anne and all the RSA’s supporters to continue their very important work and I look forward to supporting them on an ongoing basis’.

The mission of the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association is to provide educational and emotional support for people with Raynaud's and scleroderma and their families. The Association is committed to increasing awareness of these potentially devastating conditions and raising money for essential research in order to determine cause, enhance treatment and ultimately find a cure.

The Association's aims are to:

create a greater awareness of Raynaud's and scleroderma

offer support, advice, and information to sufferers and their families

put patients in touch with each other in order to exchange ideas and information
assist in the welfare of the chronically sick, and those with disabilities resulting from Raynaud's and scleroderma

raise funds to further research into these conditions and to disseminate the results of such research

produce publications about Raynaud's and scleroderma

The Association has four main areas of funding:

Welfare projects - to help individuals by offering advice, support and information and where appropriate, provide items of equipment which are not available on the NHS.
Research projects - research is expensive and we are working hard to continue funding vital projects at specialist centres nationwide. There are many exciting projects and we hope that one day a cure and better treatments will result.
Childhood Scleroderma - to support families of children with scleroderma and to fund research in this specific area.
Running costs - in order to be able to support the day to day work of the Association, we need to fund our running costs which are kept to an absolute minimum.

Back row: (l to r) Fiona Bruce MP, Jim Dobbin MP, Anne Mawdsley (Chief Executive, RSA), Professor Dame Carol Black (President, RSA), David Amess MP

Front row: Baroness Masham of Ilton

To donate to the Cool Millions campaign visit: www.justgiving.com/rsamillion

Newton Court Care Home Visit

2012-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP visits Newton Court Care Home to support their call for more volunteers

Fiona Bruce MP visited Newton Court Care Home last week. The care home, located on St Ann’s Road, Middlewich, has 60 ensuite rooms and provides nursing care for the elderly and physically disabled.

Newton Court would like to invite more people to come and volunteer in the home with the residents. The work of the volunteers is very important and much appreciated by the staff and residents. There is a wide range of opportunities to volunteer from book reading to playing music to just chatting.

Newton Court also holds Special Interest Weeks such as a recent “Birdwatching Week” when a visitor showed photographs of a variety of birds in their habitats. The care home’s Holiday at Home Weeks are also very popular when volunteers come in to talk about a country they have visited and special displays about the country are put on. More ideas and volunteers for such weeks are always welcome and next week is a Book Week where people can go to read to the residents and in preparation, as shown in the photograph, residents have been making bookmarks.

Civil Aviation Bill

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP raises passenger safety concerns in Parliament regarding the need to extend ATOL cover and EU proposals to extend pilot flying hours

Fiona Bruce delivered a speech in the House of Commons this week on important changes proposed under the Civil Aviation Bill to improve ATOL protection for air travellers saying that “as a result of internet bookings and the increasingly popularity of “DIY package holidays” , the proportion of ATOL protected holidays has dropped from 97% of all leisure flights in 1997 to less than 50% in 2010 and, if action is not taken, will undoubtedly decrease further.”

The speech also raises the important issue of flying hours for pilots and the need to ensure crew and passenger safety.

Fiona Bruce is today writing to the Undersecretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker, who, due to time constraints in the debate, did not specifically respond to her concerns regarding the risk to pilot fatigue and passenger safety from proposed EU flight time regulations. The concerns have been raised with her by a number of pilots living within the Congleton Constituency.

Local Resident writes new book on business

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates successful businessman and author on new book launch

Fiona Bruce MP, former winner of the Small Business Bureau’s Business Woman of the Year Award, met with local resident, Nick Bailey, at Congleton Business Centre, to hear about his new book Customers are F.I.C.K.L.E.^TM which will be on bookshelves soon. The book aims to help businesses win more contracts and “Get Britain Selling”.

Congleton Resident, Nick, of Apexselling Ltd is a sales expert with 26 years experience. “Without sales there is no business,” said Nick “and yet in the UK we tend to be too polite to ask for the order. In other parts of the world, particularly the USA, sales is seen as a highly respected profession. We need to foster the same mindset here so we will be able to get the economy moving again.”

To help companies understand that selling is not only nothing to be timid about, but is in fact a very important part of any organisations capabilities, Nick has written a new book “Customers are F.I.C.K.L.E.^TM” which is being published by Filament Publishing.

It will provide readers with the methods and processes he has developed during his successful blue chip career which can rapidly improve individual and sales team performance. For example Nick says: “It’s about tenacity rather than procrastination.”

Fiona said: “I see a major part of my role as the MP for this area is to encourage local business, especially new business to establish and grow. It is important that we encourage and promote the entrepreneurial spirit and advice like that in F.I.C.K.L.E.^TM, based on many years of practical experience in the field of sales could do just that for many budding entrepreneurs in this area!”

Nick Bailey says: “By selling more products and services both here and abroad will we be able to stabilise and then grow the economy and private sector growth and job creation is critical to this.”

Nick is a member of the East Chamber of Commerce and a strong supporter of local entrepreneurs. This month he is holding free business clinics at Congleton Business Centre for young people interested in the Young Enterprise Awards Scheme, which is being run in this part of the country by East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

Olympic Rower Speaks in Swettenham

2012-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

Olympic Rower Speaks in Swettenham

Olympic Rower, Alex Story, spoke to the Congleton Constituency Conservative Association last Friday.

Alex Story held the world record at the indoor European Championships with Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent in 1994, went on to represent Britain at the Olympics in 1996 and competed in The Boat Race in 1997 and 1998.

Following his rowing career, Alex set up a business documentary production company and has since stood twice for Parliament.

Alex said: "For those of us, who will not be competing at the Olympics this summer, the two week event will provide a great deal of excitement. The stage will be set for all the human drama that top athletes can deliver to billions of spectators. Ours is the privilege of hosting an event in which new heroes will emerge and who will inspire our next generation of athletes to aim for greatness. For the athletes, however, whether they win or lose, it will be, by far, the most important two weeks of their lives. A handful will win; many will lose, and yet none will be losers. And for us to hosts this ageless event is truly a great privilege. Let us hope for gold and glory this summer.”

Fiona Bruce MP, who attended the event, said “It was such a pleasant and interesting evening, Alex’s comments and company were much appreciated by all.”

French Exchange Visitors - by Jane Ash

2012-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

27.01.2012 From the Cote D’Azur to Congleton –

A free international helping hand for local businesses.

Local business woman, Jane Ash of Optimum Social Care Initiatives Limited together with Future Focus is helping Congleton by offering European vocational students into local businesses for unpaid student placement work experience.

The students are aged between 19 – 25 years of age and are studying specific vocations. In their home country they are in full time education, English speaking and the free work experience placements run between 3 to 12 weeks. The students stay with local host families who offer them a warm insight in to the British way of life.

Recommending the programme to local companies Jane says, “In today’s economic climate, businesses often cannot afford to pay for an extra pair of hands, but could really do with some short term help. The great thing about our student placement programme is that they can now get that help simply in exchange for offering a European student experience in a local business.”

Jane is also thrilled about promoting Congleton itself and comments “Of course they will also be helping demonstrate Congleton as a wonderful market town with friendly people and a great cultural place to visit.” The programme also brings European tourists to Congleton as families often visit their relatives who are on placement here.

On Friday MP Fiona Bruce welcomed 3 French students to Congleton; they are the first of several students who will be staying and working in Congletone. The students are on a 4 week student placement with a local accountancy firm and web design company. Next month sees 2 Norwegian students arrive for a 12 week placement in a local hotel and a school. Whilst 2 Italian science students arrive in March.

The next step for Optimum Social Care Initiatives is to offer Congleton young people the chance to experience a work placement in the occupation of their studies with Future Focus in Malta.

If your company would like more information about registering with Optimum Social Care Initiatives to be considered for a European student please contact Jane Ash on janeash.optimum@hotmail.co.uk or on 0788 239 1334.

Note to Editor:

Jane Ash of Optimum Social Care Initiatives Limited is a businesswoman based in Congleton and is passionate about promoting Congleton and it’s cultural history. Working in conjunction with Future Focus, she is promoting Congleton to European Vocational Colleges as a great place for their students to gain international work experience in their chosen subjects as well as a great town to visit for it’s history.

Photo call: MP Fiona Bruce, Jane Ash Optimum Social Care Initiatives Director,

3 French students – Oceane Demessance, Nadia Ichchou and Laura Imbert.