Articles and Speeches

Civic Charity
03-Mar-06, Windsor Express Article.

I was delighted to be invited to the Mayor’s Annual Charity Fundraising dinner at the weekend. The Mayor and Mayoress of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Councillor Eric Wiles and Mrs Heather Wiles have reintroduced this annual fundraiser and this year the proceeds will go to the Thames Valley and Chilterns Air Ambulance.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable event – not least because I was fortunate enough to win an iPod! And it was good to see so many people taking part including Paul Thomas, Editor of the Express, Rt Hon Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead, and many local business people and residents.

At events across the constituency, I am constantly reassured and reminded of how generous people can be. Too often the news is filled with disheartening stories of crime, loss and tragedy and it is good to be reminded once in a while that so many people are willing to give up their time and money to help local good causes.

During my time so far as MP for Windsor, I have visited many local organisations who take up the slack where remote Government departments have failed, and often volunteers, who are committed to an issue, do a far better job in any case.

I do hope that this annual fundraising event will continue. Not only does it raise money for a good cause, but it also highlights the local and civic pride which we rightly have for our beautiful area.