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Hello and welcome to this week's edition of the Denton and Reddish weekly news.
Well, it's certainly been an eventful week, not least in terms of footballing drama. A huge well done to the England team for advancing to the last 16, and a special mention to Wales, whose achievements will have no doubt inspired the next generation of footballers.
Tomorrow, I'll announce my Local Business Award winners to mark Small Business Saturday. A massive well done to everyone who has been nominated. In competitions like these, everyone is a winner.
There's lots to update to you on across the local area and in Parliament. Scroll down to find out more!
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Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, last week thanked ‘extraordinary’ local carers to mark Carers Rights Day.
Each year, Carers Rights Day takes place to ensure that those caring unpaid for family and friends are aware of their rights and know where they can get help and support. It is also about raising awareness of caring – it can take people several years to recognise themselves as a carer
This year, the day’s theme is ‘Caring Costs’, which focuses on raising awareness of the various costs carers face. From the financial costs associated with looking after someone, to the impact caring can have on people’s ability to work, and the quality of their relationships.
As part of the day, Carers UK are highlighting resources available to inform carers of their rights, as well as an overview of the practical and financial support available. For more information, click here.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“On Carers Rights Day, I’d like to take a moment to thank all the extraordinary carers across Denton and Reddish caring for family, friends or loved ones.
“Unpaid carers often don’t know the rights and protections that they are entitled to, which is why Carers Rights Day is such an important initiative.
“I’ll keep doing everything I can in Parliament and beyond to ensure that we improve support for unpaid carers across the country.”
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Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has shown his support for this year’s Tameside Toy Appeal, and encouraged local residents to get involved.
Tameside Toy Appeal is an annual initiative which aims to provide gifts for Tameside children living in poverty. Reliant on donations, the appeal gives toys to young people from 0-18 years of age.
Those wishing to donate toys can do so by visiting one of Tameside Toy Appeal’s local drop-off points across Tameside, or by handing a gift to one of the appeal’s ‘Doorstep Donation Elves’.
For gift ideas and tips on how to donate, visit www.actiontogether.org.uk/tameside-toy-appeal. You can also donate to Tameside Toy Appeal via donating on their Just Giving back here.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I’m delighted to be supporting this year’s Tameside Toy Appeal.
The reality is, Christmas will be exceptionally difficult for families across the UK and here in Tameside. For children living in poverty, receiving a gift will mean so much, and give them a little bit of Christmas joy in tough times.
So if you are able to, I’d really encourage you to donate to this year’s Tameside Toy Appeal. I’d also like to take a moment to thank the extraordinary volunteers and staff who make this annual initiative such a success.”
Please note, Tameside Toy Appeal cannot accept any second hand or soft toys.
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Andrew in the constituency
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 A visit to two wonderful schools
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I love visting schools in the Constituency, and last week I got to visit Audenshaw Primary School and All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield.
At Audenshaw, I was grilled on everything from Matt Hancock to Charles I with a bit of third world debt thrown in. Really clued-up kids. They’ll go far. Thanks for the invite!
At All Saints I had a look at some of the fantastic new facilities for students and was quizzed by the Pupil Leadership Team. I’m always so impressed by All Saints staff and pupils. This school has been transformed in a very short time and is such a great place to teach and to learn. Thanks for showing me around!
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 Getting into the Christmas Spirit
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I then went over to the Denton Christmas Tree switch-on on the Civic Square. There was so much to see, with stalls, entertainment and fairground rides. 
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I then finished the weekend with a well and truly magical Christmas evening over in the West End of Denton.
Lyle and I went to St George's Community Centre in Dane Bank and we made our lantern for the children’s lantern parade to Denton West End Community Library.
We then had great festive disco fun outside the library until the tree was switched on by me and the councillors (with a little eleccy hiccup along the way).
Alls well that ends well and the tree looks amazing. A BIG well done to all the volunteers at both the centre and the library; and to the people of Dane Bank and the West End who came out to support these events. You’re amazing! 
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 WATCH: Both Avanti and TransPennine Express services are in meltdown. The Government has sat back and watched this unfold.
Worse, it’s paid the train operators massive bonuses for this failure.
I ask why the Minister isn’t demanding a remedial plan is put in place that is legally binding on these sheisters masquerading as train operators.
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WATCH: We have a Backbench Business Debate to mark World AIDS Day.
I respond in my capacity as Labour's Shadow Public Health Minister. We've come an awful long way since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, but there's lots more work to do.
We need to see an equalisation in fertility treatment for LGBT+ people with HIV, improved access to treatment and testing, and a cross-party effort to tackle the stigma around HIV.
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WATCH: So many Government announcements and policies are being delayed. Ministers are yet to announce the Round 2 winners of its Levelling-Up Fund.
Time is ticking on… I ask if Denton will get an early Christmas present!
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WATCH: There are questions to the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission.
My friend, Cat Smith MP answers questions on this (it’s not a Government role) from the Labour benches.
I’ve asked if the Committee can push the Government on releasing the regulations for the big changes to voting in May, where photo ID will be required by voters. They’ve still not been given to Election Administrators.
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 READ: The Tories have been using dodgy stats to peddle government propaganda on nurses' pay.
Now they've been caught red-handed, the Health Secretary Steve Barclay needs to apologise, do his job and get nurses around the table to avert strikes.
Thanks to the UK Statistics Authority for looking into this, and The Mirror for covering my thoughts on this shocking story. Read the full piece here.
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READ: To mark the end of my Local Business Awards and in the run-up to Small Business Saturday UK, I've written in the Tameside Reporter about the importance of supporting local businesses.
Local businesses obviously improve economic output, but are also places where we see friends, neighbours, and connect with our community. We're lucky to have so many fantastic businesses right across Denton and Reddish.
When local businesses succeed, we all do. So, this Small Business Saturday, if you’re able to, I’d encourage you to shop local. Read the full piece here.
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Guide Bridge Station Coal Wagon Project
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 The WOODHEAD RAILWAY MUSEUM and Friends of Guide Bridge Station are restoring an old coal truck for the Guide Bridge Station memorial garden.
Apparently the truck will be painted in the liveries of the Ashton Moss colliery in Audenshaw and Denton colliery…
Thank you to WRM, FoGBS and Network Rail for restoring a bit of our industrial heritage. I can’t wait to see it in place!
A GoFundMe has been set up for the Coal Wagon project for anyone who wishes to make a kind donation towards the restoration work. If you are able and wish to donate click here.
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