Tom Brake News Stories (Sutton Borough Liberal Democrats)

Feb 1, 2012:
- Local MP quizzed by Trinity students
  Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake this week visited Trinity School in Croydon to speak before an audience of students and teachers. He spoke about his experiences as a Liberal Democrat MP and the politics of the Coalition. He then fielded questions from the floor and was quizzed on issues including Nick Clegg's leadership and reform of the House of Lords. Tom said: "It was a pleasure to visit the school and to have the opportunity to discuss such a wide range of topics, from the Coalition Government to constitutional reform. It's always great to see students taking an interest in politics." Trinity's Politics Department is now in its third year, and provides the opportunity for students in the sixth form to study politics and government at A Level. In the past the school has invited a number of prominent figures to speak before the students, including ex Labour MP Tony Benn and more recently the Foreign Secretary William Hague. Mr John Short, Head of the Politics at the school, said: "The Trinity School Politics Department believes that it is fundamental for the pupils to immerse themselves in the political process, and as such we welcome speakers from across the political spectrum. We were therefore very pleased that Tom agreed to come and discuss his experiences as a Liberal Democrat MP and the impact the Coalition Government has had on the country. The range of speakers that the pupils have heard has clearly inspired them." Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- MP Signs Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment
  Last week Tom Brake signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust. January 27th marked the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history - and in the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today. In signing the Book of Commitment Tom Brake paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust's Outreach programme. In the weeks around Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to take a stand against racism and prejudice today - and to speak out against hatred wherever they encounter it. Tom Brake said, "Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau - and is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide. I encourage all constituents to mark the day and to commit to 'speaking up and speaking out' against prejudice today." Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "We are proud that Tom Brake is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust - as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of bigotry." Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 30, 2012:
- Local MP calls on youth to make a difference
  Local MP, Tom Brake is calling on the young people of Carshalton and Wallington to get involved in Starbucks Youth Action - the initiative that empowers young people to make a difference in their community. Starbucks Youth Action, open for all 16-24 year olds, gets local young people to identify what needs to change in their town or city and develop a project to bring that change about. As well as providing funding and volunteer support for the project, Starbucks Youth Action also offers training to young people on project management, how to manage a budget and how to work with volunteers. In 2012 a total of £100,000 worth of investment across the ten participating cities will be available, including £10,000 seed funding for Greater London. Previous funding has been awarded to a wide variety of schemes - from photography exhibitions in London to building better access to popular community areas in Leeds. Tom said: "It is so important for young people to be active and influential in the community they live in. This is a unique programme that will give young people the opportunity to bring about the change that they think is necessary." All applications must be in by 5th March. For more information, and to download an application form, visit: http://starbucks.co.uk/responsibility/community/youth-action Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 25, 2012:
- Tom Brake Advice Surgery
  February 24, 2012 5:30 PM Phoenix Centre, Mollison Drive, Wallington, SM6 9NZ Meet Tom Brake MP personally to discuss any issues of concern Ring 020 8255 8155 to book an appointment, alternatively write to Tom Brake MP, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road Carshalton SM5 2DN or email info@tombrake.co.uk Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Tom Brake Advice Surgery
  February 18, 2012 10:00 AM Middleton Circle Library, Green Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1JJ Meet Tom Brake MP personally to discuss any issues of concern Ring 020 8255 8155 to book an appointment, alternatively write to Tom Brake MP, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road Carshalton SM5 2DN or email info@tombrake.co.uk Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Tom Brake Advice Surgery
  February 10, 2012 4:30 PM Constituency Office, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, SM5 2DN Meet Tom Brake MP personally to discuss any issues of concern Ring 020 8255 8155 to book an appointment, alternatively write to Tom Brake MP, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road Carshalton SM5 2DN or email info@tombrake.co.uk Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 24, 2012:
- Brake Braves Water for Bliss
  Local MP Tom Brake took the plunge into the icy waters of the Tooting Bec Lido last week to complete the next step of his Olympic Gold Challenge. Tom, who is taking part in the Challenge to raise money for the baby charity Bliss, took an early morning swim session in the open-air pool before suiting up and heading to Westminster. He said: "I approached this stage of the challenge with some trepidation, and after spending just a few minutes in the pool I realised why! Even with a wetsuit on it was absolutely freezing, but at least it all goes towards helping a worthy cause." Tom's swim marked the third stage of his Olympic Gold Challenge, during which he will try ten Olympic sports before the start of the Games in July to raise money for Bliss, a charity that provides care and support to the families of babies born ill or prematurely. For more information about Tom's Challenge and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/tombrakegoldchallenge. After warming up, Tom said: "The response to the Challenge has been great. So far I've managed to raise over £470, and I'm hoping to add to the total as I work my way through the remaining seven sports. Table tennis is next up, but any input from local residents would be very welcome. If anyone has any suggestions as to what sports I should try and where, please contact my office at info@tombrake.co.uk." For more information about the South London Swimming Club, visit their website: www.slsc.org.uk Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 18, 2012:
- Celebrating Christmas with Bliss
  On December 22 I visited the Thomas Wall Children's Centre to help celebrate the Bliss Sutton support group's Christmas party. I am taking part in the Gold Challenge on behalf of Bliss, which will see me take on ten different Olympic sports in the lead up to this years Olympic Games. Every year in the UK around 80,000 babies are born premature or sick and in need of specialist hospital care. Bliss support groups provide invaluable services and aim to provide support to parents and families ensuring that vulnerable babies have the best possible chance of survival, and of reaching their full potential. I welcomed this opportunity to meet local mums and find out more about the work that Bliss does. I also met with Nada Guarguaglini, whose son Lorenzo needed life-saving treatment at St. Helier's neonatal unit after suffering oxygen starvation during birth. Nada set up the Bliss support group in Sutton to help other parents facing a similar situation to herself and champions the work that Bliss, the special care baby charity, does. Nada says: 'It was really good to be able to talk to Tom about the work we do. The group is for parents and carers of sick and/or premature babies and offers peer support, friendship and signposting to other services. We also fundraise for Bliss and local neonatal units." Bliss does such fantastic work and offers genuine support to premature babies and their families. Local groups like this can give reassurance and support to parents when they are going through a tremendously difficult time. The Bliss Sutton Family Support group meets the first Tuesday morning of each month at Thomas Wall Children's Centre, Western Road, from 10am. For more information about the work Bliss does please go to www.bliss.org.uk To donate to my Bliss Challenge, please go to: www.justgiving.com/TomBrakeGoldChallenge Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 17, 2012:
- Calling all Local Musicians - Come and Rock the House!
  I'm calling on local budding musicians to put their talents on show and get involved in the "Rock the House" - the competition for up and coming British musical talent. "Rock the House" is a Parliamentary live music competition which aims to support the vast wealth of talent currently in the British music scene, as well as recognising the vital work the venues and arenas do in promoting and developing new music. As well as celebrating the very best in up and coming British talent, the competition also aims to highlight the importance of intellectual property rights. The UK music industry is a large and successful one that employs thousands of people. However, if respect for copyright is not upheld, and musicians are not paid for the music they create, then the industry will not survive. I can nominate one solo artist or band, an under-18 year old act and a live venue from Carshalton and Wallington. The winner will then be judged by an international panel of music industry experts who will decide who will compete in a battle of the bands showdown. Whoever wins the battle of the bands will then get the opportunity to play live on the terrace of the House of Commons as well as winning a whole host of other amazing prizes, including thousands of pounds worth of musical equipment and the chance to play live at the Download festival. This is a really fun competition with an important issue at its heart. We must continue to ensure that our musicians and the music they create is properly protected and the UK music industry can continue to grow. I hope as many constituents as possible enter the competition, plus I'd love to see an act from Carshalton or Wallington performing on the terrace of the House of Commons! To apply, you will have to send in an original recording (mp3) and fill out an application form, which can be found at: www.rockthehouse2012.com Please also contact info@tombrake.co.uk if you wish to enter the competition. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 16, 2012:
- Recognition Awards for Helplanka at Parliament
  As Patron of Helplanka - a UK and Sri Lanka based charity - I hosted a reception for Helplanka and its Directors and Volunteers at The House of Commons. Messages of congratulations from both HE Mahinda Rajapakse and Rt Hon Nick Clegg were read at the event which was attended by several UK MPs and Mr P Hamza Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK. Among the winners of awards for outstanding achievement were several Sri Lankan Nationals whose contribution to the charity has been exemplary including: Mr Rushan Pathirana, Mrs Inoka Sirimanna, Mr Indika Goonetillake, Mr Prabath Dissanayake, and Mrs Florence Goonetillake. A group of students and teachers from Barry Comprehensive Wales who visited Helplanka's projects in July gave a very heart rendering account of their experiences working with Special needs children, rural schools in Gampaha and Ragama and Deaf and Blind schools in Sri Lanka. A framed painting by a 14 year old Deaf girl from Sri Lanka was also donated St Helier NHS Trust as a thank you for the hospital's donation of 55 analogue hearing aids which Helplanka donated to the Nuffield School for Deaf in Jaffna last December. Sam Goonetillake, Chief Executive, who organised the event said: "This awards evening is a way of remembering the efforts of so many in donating, volunteering, visiting projects, teaching and making children smile again in Sri Lanka- I am particularly proud of the fact that, in the last 6 years, Helplanka has managed to help over 30,000 children from all ethnicities in Sri Lanka. I am extremely grateful to Tom Brake MP and all our Helplanka Team for their support and I am humbled by the contribution of so many selfless people in helping disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka to a better life through education." Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 4, 2012:
- Brake Backs Bid to Use Sport to Connect with Young People
  Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington is meeting Andy Sellins, Chief Executive for Cricket for Change, on Thursday at 5pm at Cricket for Change's ground in Plough Lane, Wallington to hear how Police Community Support Officers might use sport to help engage young people. Cricket for Change are keen to develop a very simple 'engaging young people through sport' module to add to Police Community Support Officers' (PCSO) training to give them the confidence and skills to play simple team sports such as Street20 Cricket, 5-a-side football, basketball and Rugby 4s, a new simple, 'doorstep' form of the game developed with the Dallaglio Foundation. Tom, who will be working with Cricket for Change on their initiative said: "Sport is fantastic: it helps you left off steam, builds confidence and relies on team work and trust between players. It would be great to have a PCSO in every ward taking responsibility for pushing sporting initiatives and using sport to develop a range of skills amongst young people." Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 20, 2011:
- Successful Employment Event
  Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, recently organised a workshop at the Holy Trinity Centre in Wallington to help people find work and gain new skills using the internet. The workshop was presented and led by professional recruitment consultants, The Plus Team, and was attended by 60 people from around Sutton, Carshalton and Wallington as well as outside the area. Representatives from Jobcentreplus, SCOLA and Sutton Council were also present, to give advice and support. The workshop was designed to be highly practical, and focused on three main areas: 1) How to prepare and write a good CV. 2) How to use effectively popular social media channels such as Twitter, LINKEDIN and Facebook in the search for a job. 3) Finally, how to be successful at interview. The Mayor of Sutton, Gerry Jerome, opened the event with a speech, and spoke of his concern at the large numbers of 18-24 year-olds in the Borough who are searching for their first job. The Mayor stressed he will continue to work with local businesses in order to develop new job opportunities. Tom Brake said, "this event will prove incredibly important, as the methods by which job hunters find work has evolved hugely in recent years. Social media channels are now much more important, and it's imperative that everyone understands how best to utilise these tools to find work in what is a competitive jobs market. It's wonderful that all the partners involved, including The Plus Team and Holy Trinity, gave their time and expertise for free." It is hoped that a second event will be planned in the New Year. If you were at the event last week and have any comments on it or you'd be interested in attending a future one, please let Tom Brake know at info@tombrake.co.uk. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 5, 2011:
- Brake Chooses Winner for Christmas Card Competition
  A Christmas Card Competition that runs annually in the constituency of Carshalton and Wallington has found its latest winner, Maisie Sherriff of St Mary's Junior School, who designed a picture of Father Christmas hanging off the hour hand on the Big Ben tower. Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, runs the local competition, and chose the winner from a multitude of entries from children in ten schools across the constituency. Tom commented: "Maisie's card was absolutely wonderful; it combined obvious artistic talent with a fun design. This card will now be sent out to thousands of constituents, and Maisie will of course be given some of the cards to send to her own friends." The annual competition is something that Tom runs to try and encourage children to be creative and get involved in fun extra-curricular activities such as art or play. Tom is a great supporter of play, on the 21st November, Tom opened a new play facility in Culvers House Primary School, on a previously derelict site, that will help to support clubs for young children who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to join such clubs. Maisie Sherriff was the overall winner, as well as the winner in the Year 3 to Year 6 catergory. William Driscoll from All Saints C of E Primary School was the winner in the reception to Year 2 category. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 29, 2011:
- Be Sure to Sign up For Free Employment Advice!
  A free employment and skills work-shop still has places available, and is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. It will take place in the Trinity Centre in Maldon Road, Wallington, on Friday 9th December, between 10am and 4pm. "Finding Work, Gaining New Skills via the Internet" aims to provide jobseekers with key skills, practical advice and support to help them find and secure work using a range of tools and techniques. The workshop is being organised by local MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake and recruitment consultants, The Plus Team. Tom said: "This event will be beneficial to all who attend. I understand that finding jobs can be challenging, and that applying for them is a confusing and nerve-wracking experience. I am confident that this very practical workshop will help dispel some of the worry and confusion that surrounds this process. "It is important when searching for jobs to use all possible resources available, and the internet is now incredibly important in this process, as 8 out of 10 jobs are advertised in that medium. The event will help make attendees more employable using some simple techniques and the skills learnt will be invaluable throughout the rest of people's professional lives. I will be there in the afternoon to offer my support, and would strongly encourage anybody interested in finding work to come along." The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Gerry Jerome, will open the work-shop with a speech, in which he will highlight the importance of looking for work effectively, given the challenging nature of the current job market. He commented, "this event is a wonderful opportunity for local people to increase their chances of finding employment; and I hope that this free event will particularly help young people in Sutton, Carshalton and Wallington with youth employment at an all-time high. Sutton is a borough with a culturally diverse and talented population, and this event will aid people in realising their full potential." This highly interactive and practical event includes helping attendees learn how best to promote themselves in the job market, either through social networking sites or the interview process as well getting lots of useful hints and tips on how to write and use a CV. It will have a comprehensive selection of free advice, guidance and support from partners such as Jobcentreplus, SCOLA and Age UK to help local people find work in what is a challenging marketplace. Attendees should arrive at the Trinity Centre at 9.45am, fifteen minutes before the start, in order to register. The event is free, and there are still a few places left.Those wishing to attend should email their name and address to info@tombrake.co.uk, or alternatively call Tom's constituency office on 020 8255 8155. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 22, 2011:
- Local Apprenticeships Reach Record High
  Apprenticeships have reached record highs this year, with more than 440,000 learners starting an apprenticeship last year, which is an increase of 50% compared to the year before. In Carshalton and Wallington, the rise is even more substantial, with 660 people taking on an apprenticeship in 2010/11, an increase of 67% from 2009/10. Apprenticeships give people the skills and experience needed to succeed on the job market and create the skills necessary in the workforce for sustainable growth. Commenting, Tom said: "Apprenticeships make companies more productive and give young people the experience and skills they need to compete in the challenging job environment of today. They are extremely beneficial, and the record rise in learners taking them up is great news for Carshalton and Wallington, and the economy as a whole." In the Tom's constituency, Carshalton College offers dozens of apprenticeships, ranging from courses in electrical installation, to hairdressing, to health and social care. Sutton and Cheam saw similarly encouraging figures, with 520 people starting an apprenticeship in 2010/11, up 65% from the previous year. Commenting further, The Business Secretary, Vince Cable said: "The apprenticeships programme is a success story, with record numbers of learners starting an apprenticeship this year. Apprenticeships are proven to boost the life chances of young people, and are a sound investment in our future competitiveness." Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 21, 2011:
- TOM BRAKE VISITS FURNITURE STORE DEVASTATED BY THE AUGUST RIOTS
  On the 16th November Tom Brake MP visited the House of Reeves - the furniture store partly destroyed by fire in the August riots. Tom met with Maurice and Trevor, the Chairman and Owner - and fourth and fifth generations - of the family run business that has sat on Reeves Corner since 1867. Tom talked about the impact the riots had on the Croydon area and the local community. Tom also discussed issues that have arisen in the aftermath of the disturbances, such as the role and effectiveness of the police, insurance, problems surrounding staff recruitment and also the wider, far reaching issues, including the economy. There was praise for the immediate response by the central and local authorities. A key part of the Croydon recovery has been down to the response from central and local government; Croydon Council, in the wake of the riots provided more than £205,500 of interest free loans to the worst affected traders to help them get their businesses back up and running. The Council also offered £1,000 to any business with a crime reference number to aid the clean up, as well as providing £249,000 in hardship grants and £137,129 in business rates hardship relief. Tom said: "It is great to see that this store, which has been part of this community for over a hundred years, is getting back on its feet. It is so important that local shops and businesses are given all the support they need to recover and rebuild following on from the terrible events of the summer." Maurice and Trevor Reeves say that they have been fully supported by the local communities as they work hard to rebuild their furniture store. They also are very keen to see more developments in Reeves Corner and the local community, particularly the Broad Green area and the area surrounding West Croydon train station. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 16, 2011:
- Local MP Provides Employment Advice
  A free employment and skills work-shop run by recruitment consultants is being offered to people of all ages and backgrounds. It will take place in the Trinity Centre in Maldon Road, Wallington, on Friday 9th December, between 10am and 4pm. "Finding Work, Gaining New Skills via the Internet" aims to provide jobseekers with key skills, practical advice and support to help them find and secure work, concentrating on the importance of the internet. It is being organised by local MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake, and The Plus Team. Tom said: "This event will be beneficial to all who attend. I understand that finding jobs can be challenging, and that applying for them is a confusing and nerve-wracking experience. Hopefully throughout the day, we will help dispel some of the worry and confusion that surrounds this process. "It is important when searching for jobs to use all possible resources available, and the internet is now incredibly important in this process, as 8 out of 10 jobs are advertised in that medium. The event will help make attendees more employable using some simple techniques, and the skills learnt will be invaluable throughout the rest of people's professional lives. I will be there in the afternoon to offer my support, and would strongly encourage anybody interested in finding work to come along." The event will provide a comprehensive insight into how you can make the most of what the internet can offer in order to find a job. 8 out of 10 jobs are now advertised on the internet so it is even more important to master the skills to allow you to use the internet effectively. This highly interactive and practical event will include helping attendees learn how best to promote themselves in the job market, either through social networking sites or the interview process as well getting lots of useful hints and tips on how to write and use a CV. It will have a comprehensive selection of free advice, guidance and support to help local people find work in what is a challenging marketplace. Attendees should arrive at the Trinity Centre at 9.45am, fifteen minutes before the start, in order to register. The event is free, but spaces are limited and so you need to book your place by e-mailing your name and address to info@tombrake.co.uk, or alternatively you can call Tom's constituency office on 020 8255 8155, in order to ensure that you get the attention and advice that you need. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 10, 2011:
- Brake Berates Brass Burglars
  Last week, crime-fighting charity 'Crimestoppers' offered a reward of up to £3,000 for crucial information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of brass from a war memorial in Carshalton. Fourteen plaques, which feature the names of 240 people from the local area who were killed in battle, were stolen from the war memorial at Honeywood Lodge Heritage Centre on 28 September 2011. Tom Brake, local MP for Carshalton and Wallington, who lobbied Crimestoppers directly on the subject, said of the incident: "the actions of the individuals responsible are truly despicable. I would like to re-iterate the importance of the initiative to recover the plaques, and pledge my full support to Crimestoppers in their tireless effort to catch these criminals. "Not only is this theft of public property, these criminal actions are a sign of a lack of respect for those who died for our country." The recovery of the plaques is especially important given the proximity to Remembrance Day; a particularly poignant time of year for those who pay their respects to the servicemen and women who have perished in their service to Britain. Sutton Council has commissioned for the plaques to be replaced, but of course the return of the originals is preferable, given their position at the centre of Carshalton for over half a century. Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' Deputy Chief Executive, said: "As Remembrance Day approaches this incident has far more significance as it shows an utter lack of respect for what is, for some, a very sensitive time of year. "This incident is reflective of a wider problem as metal theft is a crime which is happening all over the country." Anyone with information are urged to contact Crimestoppers as soon as possible; they can do so anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. As well as offering £3000 for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrators in this case, the charity Crimestoppers also pays cash rewards of up to £1,000 if the information given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 leads to one or more people being arrested and charged with metal theft in general. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Boundary Commission Template Letter
Nov 8, 2011:
- Brake Braves the Pitch for Bliss
  Local MP Tom Brake launched his Olympic Gold Challenge in aid of Bliss this Saturday during Carshalton Athletic's FA trophy win over Cirencester Town. Tom took to the pitch at half time to face penalties from a selection of the club's youth team players and fans. He said: "Those ten minutes between the posts reminded me exactly why I was never asked to go in goal in my younger years, I must have only saved two or three. With our young players on this form though, it looks like England's penalty curse could be coming to an end!" It was a good afternoon for Carshalton, who came back from conceding in the first minute to win 3-1. A collection for Bliss around the ground during half time and after the final whistle raised £95.80, and Tom was keen to pay tribute to the Robins fans who dug deep to help the charity. He said: "It was great to see so many people donating to such a good cause, so I'd like to thank the club and its fans for making the day such a success." The rest of the Challenge will see Tom try his hand at another nine Olympic sports, including judo and basketball, before the start of the London Games next year to raise money for Bliss, a charity that provides care and support for babies born prematurely or sick and for their families. Tom has so far raised just under £200. If you would like to donate or find out more about the Challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/tombrakegoldchallenge. For more information about Bliss, visit www.bliss.org.uk. Published and promoted by Tom Brake, Kennedy House, 5 Nightingale Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2DN Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

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