October News
As I write this, I am recovering from the London Marathon and I’m delighted that, together, we have managed to raise over £37,000 for 26 local charities. A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has so generously donated to support these amazing good causes which do so much for North Norfolk.
One of the great joys of the marathon project has been meeting the hundreds of staff and volunteers involved in our local charities. Together, they help support those with serious illnesses, save lives at sea and by air, look after our wildlife, promote health and wellbeing, preserve our Dark Skies, help and encourage our young people, get people singing… and so much more. North Norfolk has 513 registered charities, and a far greater number of smaller charitable and community organisations too. This generosity of spirit was at its most visible during the Covid pandemic, but it’s work that goes on all year round, every year – and it helps to enhance all our lives.
After a year where many of us have felt somewhat isolated and cut off from the communities around us, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, take on a challenge, make a difference, be part of a community, and have fun!
One group of volunteers which receives little attention is the army of parish councillors who serve North Norfolk. We have 122 such councils in our district – and nationally, over 80,000 people give up their time as councillors to help their local communities. We owe them our thanks for all they do to support our towns and villages across the constituency.
At the local level, party politics matters far less than being committed to making a difference, and bringing your unique skills, experience, and perspective to the role. Maybe it’s not something you’ve considered before, but many parish councils are eager to find new people to stand for election or to be ‘co-opted’ so why not contact your local council today to see if you can help? If you’d like to find out more about what is involved in being a councillor and the opportunities available, please do get in touch!
And finally for this month, from November I will be resuming my regular monthly face-to-face surgeries for constituents. If there’s any issue I can help you with, please do contact me on 01692 557140 or [email protected]. The next surgery will take place in North Walsham on Friday 5th November from 10am.
Duncan Baker
Member of Parliament for North Norfolk
