MP challenges Dacorum residents to create a pennant for the 2012 Olympics

Mike Penning backs Quilts4London campaign and challenges Dacorum residents to create a pennant to welcome a 2012 Olympic or Paralympic athlete.

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, met with members of the Quilts4London campaign on Saturday (15th January) and called for local people to rise to the challenge of creating a pennant for a 2012 Olympic or Paralympic athlete.

Mike said:
“This is an excellent and inspirational project founded and led by local residents Irene Heathcote and Catherine Hill. It is recognised as part of the Cultural Olympiad and has achieved backing and support from across the UK.

“I urge Dacorum residents to rise to the challenge. This is a local initiative and deserved of local support. The world’s top athletes will be descending on the UK in less than two years’ time and it would be great if each one could receive a pennant by way of a personal welcome to London 2012.”

He added:
“We’ve already had some good responses, for example the staff at Sainsbury’s, Apsley Mills, are backing the project and also challenging their families and friends to make a pennant – I urge other local companies to do the same.”

Quilts4London are offering ‘goody’ bags of textiles with pennant making instructions, to give out to schools, scout and guide groups, the U3A, care homes and any other interested groups to get them making a pennant as a gift for a 2012 athlete. In the process people will not only learn a new textile skill but be part of helping create the most amazing display of work in the lead up to the Games. Regional displays of the nationally collected pennants are currently being arranged for Spring 2012, and Quilts4London are looking for a suitable public space in Dacorum to showcase locally created work particularly as a result of this initiative.

For more information visit www.quilts4london.org.uk or email admin@quilts4london.org.uk or telephone 01442 404234.

Photo: Mike with members of the Quilts4London project