Power to Ukraine

Duncan Baker and a Team of Constituents Deliver 112 Generators to Ukraine

On Sunday 12th February 2023, a team of six North Norfolk residents and Duncan Baker MP, in three transit vans, set off on the 2,000mile journey to Ukraine to deliver 112 generators and other aid, to those suffering in the war.

Just before Christmas, Putin began bombing civilian targets and energy infrastructures causing blackouts in homes across Ukraine and leaving many without light, heat and power. This spurred the team to begin raising funds in order to provide generators

The people of North Norfolk and from wider Norfolk responded phenomenally and raised £18,500 in online donations Some people chose to donate their unused generators, and some bought generators to specifically donate to the cause It was an incredible outcome and one that is greatly appreciated

Once in Lviv, in Western Ukraine, the group met up with the military aid organisation run by Svitlana Legka that was suggested by Anna Kolomiichuck, the Ukrainian lady that Duncan Baker MP has hosted and supported since the beginning of the war They explained that the generators would be going to schools, orphanages, hospitals and other vulnerable people who are the in the worst hit areas of Ukraine.

Whilst staying in Lviv overnight, the air raid siren was activated, and many hotel guests were moved to the basement for cover. The following morning it was confirmed that energy infrastructure just outside of the city was hit Upon their return journey, Duncan Baker took a lady, her 10-year-old daughter, and their pet Marty, the French Bulldog back to England in his van, to provide them safe passage whist fleeing the country after their home was destroyed. They are now being hosted by a family in Guildford

The team of 7 included Duncan Baker MP, Rob Scammell, Paul East, Jayne Morton, Michelle Foulkes, Leon Calder and Anna Kolomiichuck They returned home safely but exhausted on Saturday 18th February

Duncan Baker and the team wish to express their thanks “We cannot thank our constituents enough for their generosity in helping us take aid to Ukraine It was a long and tiring journey, but the chance to support and help those in desperate need once again puts North Norfolk on the map Thank you to everyone who made a donation, we could not have done this without you ”

Duncan Baker MP, Member of Parliament for North Norfolk

Macmillan Centre

Provides Warm Welcome

North Norfolk Macmillan Cancer Centre in Cromer aims to provide local information and services close to home Having visited and met up with Rachel and Wendy, Macmillan Information managers, I can promise you a warm, friendly welcome and support where needed.

Their team is keen to reach out and build services that meet the needs of folk in North Norfolk They rely on sharing experiences and ideas with the real experts – cancer patients and their carers

If this means you - Why not support them and join your support group? It meets last Friday of the month from 10am-12pm at the North Norfolk Macmillan Centre, Cromer and District Hospital, NR27 0BQ You will be welcomed whether living with or surviving cancer or a carer or relative

A wee cuppa and chat with like-minded folk, with an opportunity to build support that meets your needs while making new friends – what’s not to like!

Look out for the Centre’s Hope Courses run for Cancer Survivors

For further information please contact 01603 641559 or email CromerMacInfoCentre@nnuh nhs,uk Mary Russell, Carer Ambassador 01263 761419 granvillewhite@btinternet com

Antingham Village Hall is available for hire. For more information please contact Julie at avhallbookings@gmail.com or call 01263 834803.

As ever it has been a busy month focusing on community work around North Norfolk Herewith are a number of highlights of what I’ve been up to around the area

Victory Homes

The state of our social housing has been brought to my attention and I have been concerned about the number of damp and mould cases brought to me I have a meeting with the Chief Executive of Victory Housing and will be taking forward my overall concerns, including the numbers of homes being sold off If you are having issues with outstanding repairs or mould and damp, please do get in touch with my office so we can help you

North Walsham Jobs Fair

In early January I worked with the North Walsham DWP office to help local people try and find a new job opportunity We held a jobs fair on the 13th January in North Walsham Community Centre This saw 25 businesses and job providers talk to over 200 people

A resounding success!

More Mental Health Funding

I was very happy with the further investment announced for mental health funding across the country, with Norfolk and Waveney due to directly benefit from the money. This is an area that I've campaigned on tirelessly, to ensure our services receive the investment they need

I was incredibly proud when I managed to persuade the local NHS to support mental health clinics at Cromer hospital, offering much-needed care to people in North Norfolk

Clifton Park - Cromer

I'm sure many were considerably concerned when the news broke about the land clearance at Clifton Park in Cromer. An area which presumably was home to many species of animals and plants and cleared, as I understand completely without professionals first assessing the site I was quick to act on this, writing almost immediately to North Norfolk District Council, The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and the Environment Agency My letter has been seen by the Chair of Natural England and the case is being looked into further

We missed out on Levelling Up Money

I am very disappointed that NNDC have lost out on four consecutive Levelling Up and Community Renewal Fund bids I have written to the council expressing my views and want us to plan now, to find ambitious and imaginative projects that will win government approval I had wanted the important Holway Road/A149 roundabout to be included in the bid which would improve safety on one of our main roads and ease summer congestion I have subsequently met with the road’s Minister to take this forward

If you have problems that I can take up for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at duncan@duncanbaker org uk

Duncan Baker MP Member of Parliament for North Norfolk