Hello and welcome to this week's edition of the Denton and Reddish weekly news! 

It's Friday, so time for a 60 second recap of what has been another busy week. There's been Balsam Bashing, Armed Forces Day Celebrations and even some time capsule burying.

Take a look!

On Saturday, with the Union flag flying proudly above Denton Town Hall, Tameside marked Armed Forces Day.

Created under the last Labour Government in 2006, Armed Forces Day aims to celebrate and commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces.  

Since its inception, I’ve always found the day very poignant. It’s a simple idea really – just to say ‘thank you’ to those who have risked and sacrificed so much for the United Kingdom – but when you see the local community coming together to recognise our Armed Forces personnel it’s incredibly moving.

Tameside excelled itself in this respect. I went along to a superb Family Fun Day in Victoria Park, where Tameside Council and lots of other organisations put on a fantastic event with fun and entertainment for all ages. There was live music, multiple displays, historic presentations and even inflatable archery and axe-throwing!

Tameside has a proud history of supporting our veterans. In 2012, Tameside Council were one of the first local councils in the country to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, as well as their families, are treated fairly and given the support they deserve.

This covenant is delivered with the help of organisations like the Tameside Armed Services Community (TASC). A not-for-profit group partnered with Tameside Council, TASC organise trips, events, and commemoration events, but also give veterans help with things like housing and finance. They’re a tremendous organisation, and one that I’m beyond proud to support.

As the family fun day on Saturday drew to a close, I had the humbling experience of meeting with veterans and their families. As we sat and chatted in the sunshine, I was reminded of just how much we owe our extraordinary veterans. Safety and security are the foundations of our democracy, but they were hard won and require protection.

That is why our Armed Forces are so important, and that is why I will continue to do everything I can to stand by their side locally and in Parliament. I want Tameside’s efforts to support our Armed Forces to serve as a blueprint nationally, so that we can build a Britain where our Armed Forces Covenant is enshrined in law, and personnel are given the recognition, but also the support, they so deserve. 

Labour analysis has revealed that the average household in Denton and Reddish is set to be put under more pressure than ever by Conservative mismanagement of the economy.
 
In Denton and Reddish, it is estimated that 9,300 home owners will see a rise of around £2100 on their annual mortgage increase.
 
It follows the news that many mortgage deals are being withdrawn by Banks and interest rates increased, with Moneyfacts data suggesting the typical rate on a two-year fixed-rate loan had increased to almost 6%.
 
This week, economists warned that there is a real risk of job losses and a sharp recession. The latest forecasts of economic growth this year suggest that the UK is struggling to get out of the slow lane, with growth of just 0.2% forecast on the year.
 
Commenting, MP for Denton and Reddish Andrew Gwynne said:
 
““The Tory mortgage penalty is devastating for family finances and is holding back our economy.
 
“The country is buckling under 13 years of Conservative mismanagement and a crashed economy, and it is families being asked to pay more on their mortgage once again. 
 “People are asking themselves whether they or their family are better off under the Tories. The answer is no. 
 
"Labour will bring financial and economic security back, so that families are not constantly on a cliff edge, and so that we can urgently grow our economy to grab hold of opportunities of the future."

It was my pleasure to join the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Taf Sharif and the Denton South Councillors last weekend to bury a time capsule full of memories from 2023, and including a message from His Majesty King Charles III, in Haughton Green Playing Fields.

We were also joined by the Head and several pupils from St John Fisher RC Primary School and their parents, and local residents.

A BIG thank you also to Ian and Russ from Tameside Council who made the capsule and gave their time freely to dig the hole too! A commemorative stone will be placed on the site in due course.

The capsule will be opened again in 2123. I wonder what Denton in 100 years will think about the capsule’s contents?

It was also great to get down to Reddish for the magnificent Worker Bee Markets

As always, Clare put on a brilliant event with lots of great craft, artisan, food and specialist goods stalls to browse around and shop at. It was also nice to speak to Girlguiding Stockport leaders who had the “local charity” stall this month.

 Another great morning session on with FoTV on Sunday removing the Himalayan Balsam from the river path in Jet Amber Fields. A BIG thank you to those who joined us.

Please keep an eye out for more FoTV activities in the Valley: you’re always welcome to join us. Email [email protected] to be added to the list.

A massive well done to all the volunteers and trustees who ensure the library in Denton West End continues to be the hub of the local community.

10 years ago, there were plenty of naysayers… but you’ve all shown them how right you were. A lot of hard work, a lot of continuous fundraising and diversifying the “offer” of the building later and you’re celebrating a decade!!!

Time files and I’m so proud of you all!

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.

 WATCH: In Justice Questions, I raise the issue of legal aid access.

We've seen drastic decreases in access to housing, mental health and welfare legal aid. The Government must urgently address this crisis which is leaving people in the lurch.

I'm not sure what the Minister was getting at, but he certainly didn't answer my question!

 WATCH: Earlier this week the Government published the impact assessment of its Illegal Immigration Bill.

In short, the Government don't know how much this unworkable plan will cost, nor where the money is coming from.

Yet more bluster with no substance.

 WATCH: Great to speak on BBC Newsnight about Labour's vision for the future of the NHS, one in which we shift care into the community and work to prevent the causes of ill health.

Labour has a plan to give the NHS the staff it needs to thrive, while focussing relentlessly on improving outcomes for patients.

📰READ: Thanks to the Tameside Reporter for covering the recent FoTV Balsam Bash. 

Another successful morning, and FoTV volunteers are making a real difference to the Valley. 

Read the full piece here.