| Parliamentary and Other Activity |
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| Ann Widdecombe Presents A National Award To A Local Hero |
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| On Saturday 3rd March 07 Barclays awarded Sheila Camis, Manager of MNM Netball Club in Maidstone, the unique Barclays Spaces for Sports Local Hero Award and £1,000 to honour her outstanding efforts in grassroots sport. |
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| Sheila, from Burham, was presented with her award by the M.P Ann Widdecombe and Stephen Sangster, Local Business Manager based in Maidstone. The award recognises Sheila’s commitment to grassroots netball across the Kent area, where she has worked tirelessly to help hundreds of children from all backgrounds enjoy their passion for sport. |
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| Sheila has been working within grassroots sports for more than 40 years. In addition to her hard work at the club she dedicates her time to the local netball league and local schools. She runs skills days in school holidays; organises a summer camp with national New Zealand coaches; organises Hi5 tournaments for Primary Schools; addresses local school meetings to encourage participation and trains teachers in netball coaching. |
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| Sheila goes above and beyond the call of duty. She spends four nights a week and Sunday mornings coaching and umpiring and can often be seen emptying rubbish bins, re-threading netball rings and sweeping the courts. She also led the committee that raised £400,000 to build five all weather floodlit netball courts with spectator seating for 100 people. |
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| The Barclays Spaces for Sports Local Hero is a unique award to celebrate sport’s genuine champions. Barclays invites fans to nominate someone in the community who deserves recognition for their outstanding contribution. The winner is presented with the award and £1,000 goes to the organisation or charity of their choice. |
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| MNM Netball Club has extra cause for celebration as, in addition to Shiela’s Local Hero Award, Barclays have donated a complete set of coaching kit and equipment. The donation is one of 1,200 packs being awarded each year to ensure teams across the UK benefit from the three-year scheme. |
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| The Local Hero award and kit award forms part of Barclays Spaces for Sports, a £30million community sponsorship which creates sustainable sports sites across the UK in areas that lack such facilities. |
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| Heather Bailey, member of MNM Netball Club, commented: “I am so pleased that Sheila’s commitment and hard work have been recognised. Her dedication to netball both locally and nationally is an inspiration. Sheila is a fantastic role model for the members of the club and everyone in the community.” |
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| Stephen Sangster for Barclays, said: “Sometimes a story comes along that reminds you of the power and reach of community sport, just like this one. We are delighted to recognise Sheila’s amazing work and contribution to grassroots sport. The Barclays Spaces for Sports Local Hero Award is all about honouring sport’s true heroes, and the efforts of Sheila Camis are a fantastic example of community sport at its best.” |
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| Ann Widdecombe added: “Sheila should be very proud to receive this recognition, especially as these awards are rarely handed out. The amount of time and commitment she devotes to the club provides a great opportunity for hundreds of children to enjoy the sport” |
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| Skip2BFit |
| Ann Widdecombe MP attended Hunton Primary School, near Maidstone, to watch a Skip2BFit PowerPoint Presentation and skipping display. |
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| John would like to say a big thank you to Ms Widdecombe on joining in with the children skipping!! |
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| He said "I meet lots of MPs in my work in schools and when an MP skips it is a great message for children to see that skipping is for everyone, including grown ups. |
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| "I would personally like to congratulate all the children and staff on their fantastic improvements they have made over the six weeks. Skipping at Hunton is now very much a permanent part of the playtime activities, thanks to Skip2bfit!!" |
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| Lung Health Awareness Day |
| Ann visits the British Lung Foundation in Portcullis House during Lung Health Awareness Day. |
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| 36 Engineer Regiment |
| Click here to read Ann's speech in the House of Commons about the 36 Engineer Regiment on 22 March 2006. |
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| MP joins IFAW for launch of landmark report on seal hunt |
| Click here to read Ann's press release on the landmark IFAW report on seal hunting. |
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| Archbishop Derek Warlock Memorial Lecture |
| Click here to read the Archbishop Derek Warlock Memorial Lecture that Ann gave at Liverpool Town Hall on Friday 24th February. |
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| Animal Welfare Speech |
| Click here to read Ann's speech in the House of Commons during the second reading of the Animal Welfare bill on Tuesday 10th January. |
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| The State Opening Of Parliament |
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| After the General Election, the Queen visits Parliament to formally open the new session and she gives the Loyal Address, more commonly known as the Queen’s Speech. |
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| The occasion is one of pomp and ceremony and Ann has one of the best views from her office. |
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| The soldiers prepare, before the arrival of Her Majesty |
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| The start of the procession |
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| The State Coach in which the Queen and Prince Philip travel to Parliament |
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| The procession draws near to the Sovereign’s Entrance |
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| The Royal Standard flies over the Palace to show the Queen has arrived |
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| The Queen and Prince Philip return to Buckingham Palace, before departing to Canada for their State Visit |
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