Karen Bradley: In her latest column, the Moorlands MP has shared her thoughts on the events that have recently taken place in honour of the Queen. Read what she had to say below...

This is my first column since the sad passing of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Together with other Parliamentary colleagues, I was honoured to attend a service in Westminster Hall, the Proclamation in Leek at the Nicholson Memorial and also the RAFA service at St Edward's church. I will also take an oath of allegiance to King Charles III in the Chamber on Wednesday. This has been an incredibly sad period and these events were all very special and moving.

On a local note, I am delighted at the number of Community Volunteer organisations and groups that have already signed up for a stand at the Community Volunteers Celebration event I am hosting at Moorlands House in Leek on Saturday 12th November from 10 – 12.30.

There is still space for more volunteer groups to sign up and I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage these groups to enter for an award.

The categories are as follows: Focus on Young People, Best New Group, Best for Innovation, Wellbeing Support, Physical Activities, Support for Disabilities, Community Involvement, Volunteer Empowerment and Addressing Climate Change.

To enter your organisation for an award please email [email protected] for an entry form.

Entrants will be asked to answer the following 3 questions in no more than 200 words total: the organisation's main aim, how they measure the qualitative outcomes of their activity(ies) and to date, the outcome/achievement they are most proud of.

The deadline for entries is Friday 21st October 2022 and the judging panel will then make their decisions with winners being announced at the event on 12th November.

I am really keen for local people to come along and meet some of our fantastic community groups who are always looking for more volunteers. Please do try and pop into Moorlands House on 12th November.