25 March 2022
Vara Congratulates Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust On Their 10th Anniversary

Shailesh Vara MP recently visited the Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust at their Library offices in Ramsey, Huntingdonshire, accompanied by the Mayor of Ramsey and Huntingdonshire District Councillor Steve Corney.

Vara Congratulates Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust On Their 10th Anniversary

Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust is a charity offering community led activities and services to everyone who lives, works and volunteers in the local area. The charity works closely with Ramsey Town Council, schools, health professionals, businesses, statutory and voluntary sectors to provide a voice for people on local issues.

Mr Vara met with the Chair of the Trust, Christine Mally, Vice Chair Linda Collumbell, Communications and Grant Manager Anna Bradley-Dorman, Trust Project Manager Alison Seery and Discover Ramsey Project Manager Dr Cheryl Greyson.

In 2012, the National Lottery funded Big Local Programme awarded Ramsey over £1million to make a difference to the people living in Ramsey and surrounding villages. Known locally as the ‘Ramsey Million’, a vision was created for a ten year project. The Ramsey Million project works with the Trust in partnership with local volunteers to make decisions about allocating funds in the community.  

An exciting project shortly coming to fruition is Ramsey's new community sporting hub - The Pavilion. This new community hub, home to Ramsey Cricket Club, will provide new facilities, including a place where people can meet and be involved in a variety of community and sporting activities.

During the visit Mr Vara also took the opportunity to congratulate the team on receiving an Award for being finalists in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Awards 2021-2022. The Award was for the Discovery Ramsey project, which has been funded by Ramsey Million Big Local since 2015 to revitalise Ramsey parish.

Following the visit Mr Vara said:-

“I was very pleased to visit the Trust and meet those closely involved in its running. The Trust has been doing great work in the local community and it has gone from strength to strength over the years as it marks its 10th anniversary. The community continues to benefit from a wide range of activities and services including leisure workshops, social clubs, youth clubs, careers support and advice, as well as a café where people can meet with their dogs. I wish the Trust continued success for its next ten years.”

Cllr Corney added:-

“This was an opportunity to meet the Chair and trustees at RNT on their tenth anniversary and to see the work they carry out for our town and villages. The Trust works hand in hand with Ramsey Town Council on many projects with both supporting each other at every opportunity. They are on the verge of taking ownership of a new building in Ramsey after going into partnership with Ramsey Cricket club creating a social hub that they will run many of their projects from, including Dog Café, Bosh and Sparks to name just a few”

Ms Mally commented:-

"It was reassuring that Mr Vara was aware of both the challenges and the opportunities for Ramsey. We look forward to working together to make Ramsey a vibrant town for residents, businesses and visitors."

Photos 1: from left to right, Christine Mally, Shailesh Vara MP, Cllr Steve Corney, Alison Seery, Cheryl Greyson, Linda Collumbell and Anna Bradley-Dorman.

2: from left to right Alison Seery, Cheryl Greyston, Anna Bradley-Dorman, Shailesh Vara MP, Linda Collumbell ,Christine Mally and Cllr Steve Corney.