On Monday, David Lammy welcomed a very special group of Tottenham pensioners to the House of Commons.
‘Young at Heart’ are a community run organisation, established 18 months ago, open to people aged 50 plus who live in the South Tottenham area. Funded through a Community Chest Grant, Young at Heart organises fundraising events and a range of social activities for its members. Recent activities have included a successful trip to the “Sound of Music” ane a stall at the International Women’s Day event at CONEL.
They are a flourishing membership group, with over 50 signed up members. Events, meetings and its social club are well attended. Currently the group is planning its fund raising, social and other activities for 2008 and 2009.
David was approached by the Secretary of the group Eileen West to host members of Young at Heart in Parliament. He helped organise a tour of the Palace of Westminster followed by a coffee and chat about local, national and international issues.
Discussions included policing, public transport, pensions, health care, local environment and tax policy. Members also made and an impassioned plea not to forget that pensioners and older people needed support, local groups, as well as exciting and safe places to meet and have fun as much as young people.
Commenting afterwards David said:
“Meeting Young at Heart today was a wonderful way to start the week. Their passion for the community, taking action and getting involved was really infectious. They also put me on the spot on many of the big issues of the day.
"I hope that this is only the beginning of my relationship with Young at Heart and that many more groups will come and visit me in Parliament - which is after all everyone’s to visit.
“I also look forward to holding an event back in Tottenham with Young at Heart and congratulate them all on everything they do.”
Anyone wanting to know about the group can contact the Secretary, Young at Heart Association, PO Box 45198, London N15 5WW.
If you have a group that would like to visit the House of Commons please contact David Lammy on 020 7219 0767 or email him at mail@davidlammy.co.uk. It is a good idea to give plenty of notice as tour times can often be over subscribed.
Please click here to visit the tour page of Parliament's website to read more about the Palace of Westminster, including what you are likely to see, and also what times tours take place.
