Local MP Maria Miller recently attended the Annual General Meeting of Basingstoke and District Disability Forum (BDDF), held at Popley Fields Community Centre. The AGM was attended by Trustees of the BDDF, and many of its supporters including Borough Councillors and representatives from local community and voluntary organisations.
Those attending heard from the Interim Chair of BDDF Robert Heyfron about the Forum’s activities over the last year, and plans for the 2018/19 period. These included events, such as the fundraising “Basingstoke Roll” (to be held on 14 July this year) and the Disability Awareness Day in Castle Square Basingstoke (this year, to be held on 12 September).The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, the Worshipful Sean Keating, also addressed the AGM.
It was announced at the AGM that Lady Judith Colman, who has been Patron of BDDF for several years, had been awarded the title of “Life Patron of BDDF”. It was also announced that Maria was to become a Patron of BDDF, alongside two other new Patrons, Cllr Simon Bound and Cllr Jane Frankum.
Maria said: “The BDDF does a fantastic job in signposting disabled people to make sure that they can access the help and information they need, and raising awareness of disability issues with businesses, organisations and members of the public more generally.”
“I was honoured to be asked to become a Patron of the BDDF, and was delighted to accept the role. I will continue to do what I can to support them, and the wonderful work they do to bring together the many other voluntary organisations in Basingstoke who work to provide advice, assistance and activities for disabled people and their carers.”