Pat Glass MP

North West Durham MP Pat Glass marched alongside officers from Durham Constabulary at the Police Federation Rally in Central London on Thursday 10 May 2012.

Police officers from across the country gathered under their campaign ‘20% police cuts are criminal’ to highlight the huge cuts to police numbers and the risk to crime and public safety.

Pat marched alongside them and supported their campaign against damaging cuts to the frontline service.

Pat Glass MP said:

“I was pleased to be able to march alongside local officers today and support their campaign against damaging cuts to the frontline police service. I know what a difficult and brave job our local officers do in protecting our local communities.

“Already since the election over 5,000 have gone from 999 response units, neighbourhood policing and traffic units. This is contrary to the Prime Minister’s claim that the front line would be protected.”

Pat Glass MP met with Consett Academy Principal Mr Kevin Reynolds on Friday, 11th May 2012 to discuss the transition to the single Academy from the previously separate schools of Consett Community Sports College and Moorside Technology College.

Mr Reynolds updated Pat on how he is overseeing the implementation of the new curriculum, ensuring parents are kept updated and his commitment to ensuring that students enjoy a successful education experience.

Following the meeting with Mr Reynolds, Pat said:

“I was pleased to meet Mr Reynolds to discuss Consett Academy and we have agreed to meet regularly as the Consett Academy moves forward. As an ex-government advisor I have a lot of experience of school amalgamations and I know that it is not always easy to bring two schools together into one.

“The staff and pupils I spoke to are enthusiastic about the Academy and are looking forward to the new sixth form. I am confident good times are ahead for the children of Consett.”

(From left to right) Brian Harrison, Arthur Harkness (Secretary), Pat Glass MP, Jack Kavanagh (Chairman) Audrey Copeland (Treasurer)

Pat Glass MP visited the Consett and District Heritage Initiative event at St. Patrick’s Hall in Consett on Friday 11th May 2012 where the group held an exhibition which contained archived photographs and artefacts of local interest.

Pat met with group chairman Mr Jack Kavanagh and assisted by group secretary Arthur Harkness and Treasurer Audrey Copeland, Pat was shown the large collection of local artefacts and photographs that the group have collated for the exhibition. Consett and District Heritage Initiative archive photographs, artefacts and ephemera of local interest donated by local residents. Collecting this information enables the group to make educational visits to local schools and hold regular exhibitions. Local residents are encouraged to contribute to their collection by donating or allowing the group to copy any photographs, books or postcards that they possess. The group also assists with family history research if required and can be contacted via telephone on 01207 218414 and via email at cdhi@live.co.uk

Whilst visiting the exhibition, Pat said:

“I very much enjoyed visiting the exhibition, which was well-attended by local people. Seeing the pictures which local residents have taken and cared for over many years brought back many memories for me, particularly the old bus station in Consett and the former Steelworks buildings. I would like to thank the Consett and District Initiative for their hospitality and for inviting me to the exhibition. I encourage local residents to contribute to their collection so all local residents can enjoy the rich local history Consett possesses.”

On the 11th May 2012 Pat Glass MP visited St. Patrick’s Hall in Consett to present Mr John Dixon with a Certificate of Appreciation from Durham Police Authority in recognition of his commitment to the community of Crookhall.

Following a nomination from Pat Glass MP, Durham Police Authority agreed to recognise the good work Mr Dixon undertakes within the Crookhall area of Consett. Mr Dixon participates in a wide range of projects in and around Crookhall including work on the Crookhall Banner, as well as a variety of roles within the Crookhall Community Centre.

Presenting Mr Dixon with the certificate, Pat said:

“John Dixon has worked very hard over many years to support his local community and I congratulate him on this award. I have had involvement with John through the banner association and was proud to walk beside him under the Crookhall Banner during the 2011 Miners Gala, and will be proud to do so again this year. John is a worthy recipient of this certificate of appreciation and it is right he is praised and recognised for his strong commitment to his local area.”

On Friday 20 April 2012 North West Durham MP Pat Glass visited Bradbury House Leonard Cheshire Disability residential service in Crook to talk to service users about their concerns over changes to disability allowances.

Pat worked with the residential home last year to campaign against proposals by the Tory-led government to stop paying the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) mobility component to disabled people living in residential care. Since then she has kept in regular touch with service users and continued to take up their concerns with Ministers.

During her visit Pat spoke to a number of residents over a cup of tea and homemade cakes.

Speaking about her visit Pat said:

“It was a great pleasure to speak to the residents at Bradbury House again on Friday. Last year I promised that I would keep in regular contact with them and provide them with updates on issues affecting disabled people in Parliament so it was good to be able to take some time to do that.

“Disabled people are one of the most vulnerable groups in society and I will continue to ensure that their concerns are heard by the government in Parliament. Any reforms to disability allowances must pass the fairness test and I will ensure that the government is held to account on this.”

Pat Glass MP visited The Salvation Army Hall in Consett to lend her support to ‘Food4U’, a charity ran by local residents to provide Food Parcels for those in desperate need.

Based in the Salvation Army Hall in Consett Food4U welcomes donations, either food or money, in order that their charity can continue to support the growing demand. Pat Glass MP’s office is accepting donations and delivering the food to Food4U on a weekly basis. Food4U are open between 10am – 12pm Monday to Friday and you can contact them for assistance on 07926 810 732. If you wish to contact them via Email you can do so on consettfood4u@talktalk.net Anyone wishing to volunteer are also encouraged to get in touch.

Whilst meeting with Food 4 U volunteers, Consett North Durham County Councillor Clive Robson and Captain Mark Sellars of the Salvation Army, Pat Glass MP said:

“Food 4 U is an excellent charity run by dedicated local volunteers. It provides a vital service to local people who find their benefits stopped or delayed, who are struggling financially. I want to give this organisation all the support I can, whilst recognising that it is sad that this service is needed at all. Any donations are greatly appreciated and welcomed.”>

(from left to right) Pat Glass MP, Mike Smith (Cousins), Phil Murray (Romag), Cllr Clive Robson, Billy Robson (YMCA), Don Pollin (Cousins)

On Thursday, 3rd May 2012 Pat Glass MP visited Consett YMCA to attend the launch of their recently installed solar panels and was updated about the joint effort between local companies that made the installation possible.

Pat met with Mr Billy Robson, Chief Executive of Consett YMCA, Mr Clive Robson, Consett North Durham County Councillor, Mr Phil Murray, Managing Director of Romag and Mr Mike Smith and Mr Don Pollin, Directors of Cousins Energy Solutions. Consett YMCA’s solar panels were installed thanks to a joint project between Gentoo, Romag and Cousins Energy Solutions, who provided scaffolding, workforce and equipment and registered the solar panels on behalf of the YMCA in order that they benefit from the feed in tariff.

Pat Glass MP said:

“I have visited Romag and Consett YMCA on a number of occasions and I am delighted to be able to attend this launch. I am pleased to learn that Gentoo, Cousins Energy Solutions and Romag have worked together with Consett YMCA to successfully deliver this project and I am pleased the YMCA will now benefit from their own set of solar panels.”

On Thursday 3 May 2012 North West Durham MP Pat Glass visited St Patrick’s RC Primary School in Consett to learn about Pupils fundraising efforts in support of CAFORD’s Lent Appeal.

CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. They work with partners and people across all faiths in more than 40 countries across the world to bring hope to poor communities and help end poverty and injustice.

During her visit Pat met with Head Teacher Mrs P Henson, members of the Student Council, Cafod Diocesan Officer Mr Ged Naughton and Cafod volunteer Mr John McBride.

The pupils updated Pat on the fundraising work they have done in supporting Cafod’s Thirst for Change Campaign, where £200 was raised which will be match funded and added to the £5 million Cafod has already raised across the country during their Lent Appeal.

Speaking about her visit Pat said:

“It was a great pleasure to meet staff and pupils at St Patrick’s as well as the CAFOD staff and volunteers. I wish to thank them for their time and congratulate them on their fundraising efforts.

“I have seen firsthand some of the excellent work Cafod does, particularly in countries like Kenya. Every penny children raise in Consett goes to provide clean water and tools so people in the developing world can develop their own infrastructure.”

I was recently contacted by one of my constituents, Paul James, who suffers from Lowes Syndrome. Paul asked me to read his website which tells his story about how he lives with his condition and I was impressed by his positive attitude and dedication to raising awareness about Lowes Syndrome. He is a young man who has demonstrated how it is possible to live with a learning disability and contribute positively to his community.

His explaination of Lowes syndrome is simple but informative and will be of help to families with children with a similar diagnosis. Disability can be too often portrayed as negative but Paul busts that myth and shows just what young people living with a disability can do. I hope you can take a moment to visit his website and support his work.

http://www.livingwithlowes.com

Paul is also on Twitter via @livingwithlowes:

http://twitter.com/livingwithlowes.

On Wednesday 28th March, North West Durham MP Pat Glass attended the ‘Colour your life’ art exhibition with Crook South Councillor Eddie Tomlinson at the St Cuthbert’s Centre in Crook.

Colour your life is a three year arts programme funded by NHS County Durham to provide access to creative activities for people living in County Durham.

Colour your life aims to promote positive mental health and well-being by working with professional artists to support people of all ages and abilities to become more creative whilst providing opportunities for friendship in a safe environment.

Pat gave a short speech on the importance of non-medical treatment for those with mental health problems and listened to a performance of samba drums.

Speaking after the event, Pat said:

“I was pleased to be invited to attend the colour your life art exhibition, which displayed some excellent pieces of art work by service users.

“The Colour Your Life programme does a good job in helping to promote positive mental health and well being whilst encouraging people to become more creative and providing friendship in a safe environment.”