In his latest Reporter column, Denton MP Andrew Gwynne heaps praise on the community spirit which was embodied at local events he attended last weekend.

One of the best parts of being an MP is seeing first-hand the activities put on by local residents. I’m really lucky that I represent a constituency with such an active community, and with a community spirit which constantly blows me away. 

I reflected on this over the weekend, as I once again saw this spirit in action. 

Last Saturday was Armed Forces Day – when the whole country comes together to celebrate those who have served in our Armed Forces, past and present. The community gathered for a fantastic day of celebrations at Victoria Park in Denton. 

It was great to get together for the first time since COVID with people from across Tameside. I especially want to thank the volunteers from the Tameside Armed Services Community, who helped make the day possible. It was great to meet them alongside those preparing cream teas at the community centre and the various youth sections of the armed services.

I hope that Tameside’s veterans who attended the celebrations could see just how much our community values the contribution they have made to the country. 

Last weekend I also attended Denton West End Community Library’s community festival. It was a great event, and I was pleased to unveil their new Dane Bank mosaic. Organisations like the library are a brilliant example of what can be achieved when people come together, and it wouldn’t exist without the work of its dedicated group of volunteers. 

Finally, I have always believed that the heart of our community in Tameside is the Tame Valley. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful area of nature running through our borough, and it’s so important that we conserve it.

I’d like to thank all the volunteers who give their time to help protect the Tame Valley. In particular, I’d like to give a mention to Chris Clarke, from the River Tame Anglers and the Friends of the Tame Valley, who has been busily picking up rubbish in Jet Amber Fields ahead of his meeting with the Environment Agency this week on River Pollution. 

Tameside’s community spirit is thriving. From helping other people, to helping our environment, people in Tameside who give up their time to volunteer are so valuable, and it’s important we give them the thanks they deserve.

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