Mandy a specialist in UK Parliament
THE history of the co-operative movement from its origins to today’s world-wide movement was traced by speaker Gillian Lonergan in her presentation to Elland (Men’s) Probus Club.
Mrs Lonergan, the Manchester-based librarian of the Co-operative Heritage Trust, said the international co-operative federation, now covered 97 countries, has its own archive and its museum was in the premises where the Rochdale Pioneers opened the first co-operative food shop in Manchester.
Mrs Lonergan explained that the growth of the manufacturing ventures led to the formation of the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
The movement’s interest in politics grew during World War I because it believed rules regarding exemption from conscription were being administered unfairly.
Secretary Bryan Crossley thanked the speaker and president Gordon Landall who chaired the meeting.
Meetings of Elland Probus (men’s) group are held at Elland Working Men’s Club every other Tuesday at 10am for 10.30am. A NIGHT of laughter is taking place with some top comedians.
Elland Round Table host their first comedy night ‘One Ell Of A Laugh’ with Justin Moorhouse, Tom Wrigglesworth, Lost Voice Guy and Master of Ceremonies Roger Monkhouse.
It takes place on Saturday April 14 from 7pm at Baines Hall on Hullenedge Road, Elland.
Tickets are £15 and available at www.ellandcomedy.co.uk or on the door.
Richard Porter, Vice chairman, said: “We host the Elland charity bonfire and a 20 mile circle walk, but we wanted to put on another couple of events.
“We asked what people wanted to see or do in Elland and the top three things they wanted was a comedy night, a family event and a music festival.’’ taking the course when she took a party from the school to visit the Houses of Parliament and talk about championing the arts in school at a time when a lot of focus is on maths, English and government tests.
She said: “I wanted to learn a little more about how Parliament works. I spent three days getting into the nitty-gritty of how it works, how laws are passed, the committees and petitions.
“There were about 70 on the course and Tracy gave a talk to us about the work of an MP. She also wants to champion music, drama and art.’’
Since its launch in 2006, the Teachers’ Institute has trained more than 700 teachers from all parts of the UK, giving them a detailed understanding of how the House of Commons and House of Lords work.
It is funded by Parliament’s Education Service, which works with schools and members the Lords and Commons to support young people in developing their understanding of Parliament and democracy.
The service informs young people about the role, work and history of Parliament through educational visits, tours, publications, outreach and competitions. Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin with Teachers Ambassador Mandy Barrett (right) with children from Gomersal Primary School during her visit MIRFIELD Town Council is looking for nominations for people to become ambassadors for 2018.
Nominations should be for the recognition of those who have made a significant contribution to civic life in the town or who have, through achievement, brought recognition and credit to Mirfield.
Please send any nominations to the clerk at info@mirfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk.
The nomination should include a supporting letter highlighting the achievement of the individual and reasons why they should represent the town as an ambassador.
For further details go to www. mirfieldtowncouncil.com and click on the Ambassadors link.
The scheme was introduced in 2010 and ambassadors honoured last year were: Clr Vivien Lees-Hamilton; current Mayor of Mirfield Clr Paul Blakeley; fundraiser Derek Highe who lights up his home for charity every Christmas; Laura Brown for her work on St Mary’s pantomime; and Matthew Thornton, an air cadet instructor.