Karen Lumley, MP for Redditch County said:
“I am extremely disappointed that a community scheme like this has been abused in this way. I visited Hewell Prison a few weeks ago and met with prisoners who were doing great work in the community, and indeed with Redditch Borough Council, and I know from them how valuable they found the experience. I find it very sad that this scheme has now been suspended, but hope that with stricter guidelines it may continue in the future. I also hope that the Batchley Support Group who also do a fantastic job look closely at their procedures so they are not brought into disrepute.”
Press Release: Response to News Reports Today that Prisoners Painted a Room in the House of ex-Redditch MP Jacqui Smith
August 24th, 2011Snippet: Viking Boxing
August 12th, 2011
Karen Lumley MP is pictured with Laurence O’Conner who is a former Midlands boxing champion and new business starter in Redditch along with the Mayor, Anita Clayton, to officially open the new Viking Boxing and Fitness Club.
Laurence O’Connor and his wife Alice, set-up Viking Boxing and Fitness Club, which is situated on Newmeadow Road on the Lakeside Industrial Estate, with the aim of getting locals of all ages active in an enjoyable way based on the sport he loves that at one time saw him hold the Midlands Championship. “I have been involved in boxing now for the last 22 years and it’s just a dream come true to be able to do this,” he said.
Alice added: “We looked at Redditch and realised there was a gap in the market. We want it to be part of the community and to get them involved. It’s a way of people getting fit in a totally different way in a different type of gym that isn’t just sitting on a boring exercise bike.”
There are a range of classes for men, women and children of all ages and abilities based around the kind of preparation a boxer would go through to prepare for a fight and the gym includes punch bags, workout and medicine ball areas and a boxing ring. There is also the option for people to get in between the ropes if they want to and take part in one of the charity boxing matches Laurence organises.
Karen said “I’m delighted to see another business open in Redditch. This facility provides an ideal form of exercise which will help tackle health inequalities in the borough.” For more information call Laurence on 07576 563569.
Press Release: Karen Visits Alex
August 11th, 2011
Karen Lumley MP recently spent time with staff at the Alexandra Hospital.
Karen took time to quiz staff in the hospital’s catering department as well as spending time on the maternity unit and viewing the operating theatres.
This visit was part of a series of regular meetings Karen is planning to have with both staff and senior officials in the local hospital.
Karen said of the visit, “I am getting to talk to staff at the coalface, not just with senior management, and I get to hear their experiences of what is going on. The message coming back from the staff is they are very proud of their hospital and are doing the very best job they can and are striving to improve.”
Karen Lumley is shown with hospital director Frances Martin and head of human resources Julia Cross. (Courtesy Redditch Standard)
Snippet: Happy Birthday Madge
August 9th, 2011
Karen Lumley MP and council leader, Carol Gandy, took time out from their busy schedule on Monday August 9 to visit residents at Terry Spring Court in Smallwood. They received a tour around the West Avenue based home, spoke to residents and shared lunch with them.
Madge Tillsley MBE, chairman of Smallwood Residents Association, who lives at Terry Spring Court, invited the dignitaries to visit on behalf of the management and fellow residents. She said: “There wasn’t any heavy political chat it was just nice they could come and visit us, see the place and talk to residents. It was much appreciated by everyone.”
Mrs Lumley said: “I was delighted to be invited, it was a great to have the chance to catch up with the residents there and it’s been the first opportunity I’ve had to congratulate Madge on her 80th birthday.”
