Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
CURRIE & BALERNO NEWS (Currie Fair, human trafficking)
Despite the dreadful weather the Currie Fair was a great success. Congratulations to everyone who braved the wet weather especially those who stood by their stalls throughout the day.
The Fair is a real show case for what’s going on in Currie and the surrounding area. Church groups, people working with the young, the elderly. I was especially struck by a group of young people who were concerned about the scandal of human trafficking throughout the world. They brought home the message that governments across the world need to take action to stop this evil trade.
Our Government has recently established a human trafficking centre which brings together the efforts of police and other services to fight trafficking in the UK. We are also concerned at the exploitation of valuable people coming from Poland and other countries in the former Eastern Europe. This was a point emphasised by one of the church groups who work with homeless people in the city.
But the Fair demonstrated the sheer number of people who are willing to volunteer every week to help other people as well as to get something enjoyable themselves.
It’s this community spirit that is so evident in Currie and Balerno. And particular thanks should go to the Community Council who do all the hard work to make the Fair possible and of course the home baking was as usual excellent.
Volunteering can be fun but more importantly it brings a lot to the community. Concern for the environment or just wanting to get things done locally – like running playgroups – it’s the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers that make the difference.
Finally, as always, I found it was another good opportunity to meet constituents. If you want to get in touch with me then please do so. All you have to do is call 476 2552, e-mail me on darlinga@parliament.uk or write to me at 22A Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BB.
