Photo - Alan Mak MP speaks at the WDRA's AGM
Havant MP Alan Mak has praised the tireless efforts of the Warblington and Denvilles Residents’ Association (WDRA) after he joined the group for their Annual General Meeting on Friday 6 May.
Mr Mak highlighted the brilliant contribution made by the group after a year of intense activity for the residents’ association which has included community engagement, fund raising and local campaigning.
The Havant MP was particularly keen to stress the role of Warblington School in hosting the inaugural Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, organised by Mr Mak, in February 2016. The event was a huge success, with over 500 residents in attendance and a range of employers from international firms to local businesses all offering vacancies and advice.
Mr Mak also praised the WDRA’s support for the new Stride Community Centre, which he recently opened in Denvilles, as an ‘excellent local project’. The state-of-the-art complex provides excellent facilities and a real community hub for local residents, built by the apprentices of Barratt David Wilson Homes as part of their development at the Nursery Fields site.
WDRA has also led work locally to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, comment on local planning applications, and organise events for residents.
The Havant MP also gave special mention to Archie Hayward, a GCSE student at Warblington School, who recently became the first British teenager to gain work experience at the world-famous nuclear research facility at CERN in Switzerland. Mr Mak said Archie’s achievement was a source of pride for the whole area.
At the residents’ AGM, Mr Mak also took the opportunity to hear news of upcoming events and local issues. For instance, the WDRA will be working with Stride Community Centre to run a community event on 11 June to mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
Following the meeting, Alan Mak said: “I was delighted to attend and speak at the Warblington and Denvilles Residents’ Association AGM for the second year running. They plan a key role at the heart of a thriving community t their annual meeting. It is terrific to see such a healthy level of engagement and activity from members of the local community.”
The Havant MP added: “I thank the WDRA and all residents for their support with local projects such as the Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, and the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards. Warblington and Denvilles are a vibrant community, and the residents’ association plays a key role in ensuring the are remains successful.”
WDRA Chairman Dave Dowland commented: “It is great to see our local MP Alan Mak getting involved in the residents’ association. Alan has been a strong supporter of Warblington, Denvilles and the surrounding area since his election, and we look forward to working with him, alongside our other elected representatives, over the coming years. We are happy to support initiatives that help our community, such as the Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair.”