When I moved here in the 1980s I wanted to become involved and part of the local community. I
became a local Councillor, attended events and played whatever part I could to help, something I have continued to do since becoming your MP in 2010.
The sheer number and variety of events in South Derbyshire never ceases to amaze me, whether it is summer or winter you can always be sure of a warm welcome.
One such event is the Rosliston Parkrun which I went to on 1st October. This takes place every Saturday morning at the Rosliston Forestry Centre, is completely free of charge and you simply need to register your attendance before your first run to ensure you get timed. It was great to see so many people making the most of the National Forest and keeping fit at the same time. Since the Parkrun began back in March there have been over 1500 different runners in attendance with an average overall of 144 each week. The really amazing figure though is the 172 different volunteers who have given up their time to help make the run such a success, without them the whole event would not be possible. The Run Director when I visited was Sarah Heath, who was kind enough to meet me and explain all about the event. The Parkrun really is a fun way of keeping fit and I would encourage everyone, whether you are an experienced runner or a beginner, to go along and run on a Saturday morning. For more information please visit: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/rosliston/.
Also, like thousands of others across the country I attended two Macmillan Coffee Mornings to support all they do for those families coping with cancer. The first was at the Co-op Funeral Care Home on Granville Street in Woodville, where I was pleased to open proceedings. Everyone had gone to such a huge effort with lots of ‘naughty but nice’ cakes and a super raffle. The event was also attended by local Swadlincote Councillor Sandra Wyatt.
The second was in Bretby Business Park where two young men were doing such a great sales job they had almost run out of cakes. The Macmillan Coffee Morning has become a great tradition in the UK with thousands of people attending them at their place of work, local schools, shops and all manner of places. This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month which brings home why it is so important we support Macmillan and all of the amazing work they do.
If you are hosting, involved in or even just attending an event you think I should be visiting I am always happy to receive an invitation and will try my hardest to attend when my diary allows.