Groups which staff can join
Book
Club Choir
Christian Fellowship
Christians in Parliament
Cricket 1
Cricket 2
5-a-side Football
Hockey
Humanist
Knitting
Poker
Rounders
Rugby
Running
Sports &
Social
Village
Drinks
Weightwatchers
Westminster Gym
Writers Group
[Click on the items above you wish to explore]
We have checked round the groups below to see whether they are still functioning and those with updated dates in red have confirmed that they are live and well. The others may well still still exist but we haven't heard back from them yet. If you know of others...tell us; use the Feedback Form.
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Christians in Parliament (CiP) is a non-denominational and official All-Party Parliamentary Group, working throughout Westminster with a clear vision: to encourage relationships in, with and through our Lord Jesus Christ. CiP is open to Peers, MPs and all policy and house staff in the Palace of Westminster, and exists as an umbrella for the diverse expression of the Christian faith in Parliament. When Parliament is sitting there are informal weekly prayer groups and Bible study groups, and monthly worship meetings in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. We also run evening receptions, an annual Week of Prayer for Parliament & Government, Alpha Courses, and the National Prayer Breakfast. Importantly, we act as a point of contact, information and connection for Christians. So drop me a line and get connected. Contact: Dave Landrum landrumd@parliament.uk Posted: 15 August 2008 |
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ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY RUGBY GROUP The Commons and Lords Rugby Union team is looking to recruit new members to play against other Parliamentary teams. The team usually plays around six times per year, both home and away. The game is slightly modified from the 15-a-side game to enable players (MPs) to play in four fifteen minute quarters. This year the team is unbeaten against the Welsh Assembly, an Italian team from Florence and the Assembly Nationale in Paris! We are next due to play against Ireland, at the Lensbury club, on the morning of the England vs Ireland International on March 15th. For more details, please get in touch with Anthony Houlden at houldena@parliament.uk and also let us know the position you play. Anyone who is a pass holder is welcome to play. Posted: 13 March 2008 |
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August 2008 update:
2007 - Annual Inter-Party Parliamentary Staff Rounders Competition The Inter-Party Staff Rounders competition continues to go from strength to strength. Started in 2004 the competition is now the highlight of the summer recess for researchers and party staff as they are pitched against each other to win the Edelman Trophy. The event held in August each year is held in the glorious surroundings of Hyde Park. Following a picnic in the park (where the prize of best picnic is fought over) the game begins with the party teams trying to out-bat and out-field each other. Teams are mixed and the objective of the day is to celebrate the work of researchers with a fun and free afternoon in the park. The annual rounders competition is followed by a reception, sponsored by Edelman Public Affairs, in the Kings Arms in the nearby Shepherd Market, where the much coveted Edelman Trophy and prized Man of the Match prize is awarded. Games are open to anyone who works in Parliament and associated political parties. In 2007 over 80 researchers were involved in the competition. Details of the 2008 competition are available from Luke Pollard, the competition organiser. E-mail: luke.pollard@edelman.com
Previous competition winners: Latest revision: 7 August 2008 |
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We are currently working on
our fixture card for 2008. This will probably start
with nets at the Ken Barrington Centre at The Oval. We
normally try and have these between February and April.
We always have quite a full fixture card and are very
keen indeed to welcome new researchers and interns etc.
For further information
please contact:
Henry Bellingham MP
0207 219 8234 Or Alan Keen MP 0207 219 2819
Last updated: 17 September 2007 |
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PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCHERS' CRICKET CLUB Fancy playing cricket with other researchers? This summer, the Parliamentary Researchers played their first cricket season. We play Twenty20 usually on a Thursday evening against other Whitehall and Westminster teams and have arranged a tour of Sri Lanka for this Christmas. Next year we plan to form a political league and need a bigger squad of researchers to sustain the team throughout the season. We will be having a series of nets sessions over the winter. Should you like to get involved, please e-mail on the details below so that you can be included on the squad list and attend our nets at the Oval. All researchers are eligible to play and there is a good team spirit amongst the players. Should you be interested, please contact Nick Cuff: cuffn@parliament.uk or x 5834. All standards welcome, the more the merrier.
Added: 3 September 2007 |
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Membership of the Sports & Social Club is open to anyone who has a parliamentary photo-identity pass valid for at least six months. Application forms for Club membership (£5 p.a.) are available in both of the bars. For further information, contact the Membership Secretary: Paul Hannett, Room G26, 7 Milbank. Tel: x 2312 or email: hannettp@parliament.uk If you're not a member of the Club, don't be shy; get your friends and colleagues together and visit us off Peer's Inner Court (the opposite side to the "flower lady").
Updated: 30 March 2007 |
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The next match is against Lloyds of London on Wednesday July 9th, 8pm at Wapping. Will anyone able to play please contact Tim Loughton MP on x4471. The AGM of the Hockey group will also be held directly after the match. We have been approached for matches with various teams so I am hopeful that we will have a rather fuller programme in 2008. We are always looking for new recruits and welcome both Members and Staff. Tim Loughton MP loughtont@parliament.uk or ext 4012. Updated 12 June 2008 |
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ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY HUMANIST GROUP The All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) has opened itself up to staff of Parliament, of MPs and of Peers as associate members. The group meets about five times a year to hear speakers and discuss topical issues and also receives briefings on issues of interest. Of recent interest have been the promoting of a rational humanist approach to bioethical, medical, and scientific issues, the defence of free speech, issues raised by the existence and expansion of faith schools, and other matters related to education, human rights and equalities from a humanist perspective. If staff want to join the group, just email me with your name and the office you work in. You will then receive notices of meetings, briefings etc. Naomi Phillips at:
phillipsn@parliament.uk Added: 3 February
2007 |
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UPDATE 13 February 2007:
A reminder that Running For Office is this Thursday 15th
Feb at 6.30pm by the Clive steps in St James's Park. A good turn out
is expected for the two runs. Last month's three parks run was a
great success with the runners clocking up 12k. The two park run was
also well attended. Both runs start at Clive Steps and finish at the
Red Lion pub on Whitehall. UPDATE 15 January 2007: Start 2007 by Running for Office! Running for Office - Westminster's political running club welcomes new members to its January run starting at 6:30PM on Thursday 18th from Clive Steps in St Jame's Park. Whatever your standard of running, come along. Drinks in the Red Lion pub on Whitehall afterwards. Running for Office runs on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30PM. See: www.runningforoffice.org or contact Georgie at: hemmingwayg@parliament.uk Running is not always about being first past the post but it is always about finishing. Join politicos of all shapes, sizes and political bents in a running club where the finish post is the pub! RUNNING FOR OFFICE is a running club for people who do politics on the front line or behind the scenes. Runs are fun, friendly and designed to suit your fitness. Whether you're a runner or a rider.....come join us. We run every third Thursday of every month meeting at six thirty by Clive Steps in St James's Park. Why not give it a go? The only thing you have to lose is your belly! Contact:
Website: http://www.runningforoffice.org/ Added 15 November 2006 |
Last updated 19 October 2006 |
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I've
just moved down from If you are interested please e-mail me, Geoff, on aberdeing@parliament.uk Added: 29 September 2006 |
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I am trying to setup a writers’ group for people who work in Westminster and who are interested in all forms of writing, in particular screenplays and novels. If you are a budding writer and want to meet up for support and advice from fellow scribblers, please get in touch! Contact Ian: pendlingtoni@parliament.uk Posted 7 September 2006 |
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The flop has been dealt, you have the flush draw, your opponent bets big, what do you do? If you know the answer, or even if you don’t, you may be interested in joining the newly formed Parliamentary Poker Club. Meeting every fortnight for a friendly game or two of Texas Hold Em. Contact Matt: kaymr@parliament.uk Updated 28 August 2007 |
UPDATE 25 July 2006: It's never to early to start making next season's wardrobe but Wednesdays was a little too early in the week for some of us so Westminster Cast Off (knitters and crocheters) is now on Thursdays, 1-2 in the 1st floor meeting room in Portcullis House. It's run on a drop-in basis so it's a bit like a knitting surgery but with everyone present at once. PS: Google 'autumn sweater' and you get an awesome track by Yo la Tengo. Drop in and knit with Westminster Cast Off on Thursdays between 1-2pm in the first floor staff meeting room of Portcullis House. Bring needles, yarns, projects, questions, magazines, advice and wisdom. Bring your dreams of becoming a fabulous knitwear designer or crochet diva. Bring patterns to ooh and ahh over. Or just bring yourself and learn to knit. If you don't know how to knit but want to learn, come along as we've spare yarn and needles. All those working in the House welcome. Whitehall staff also welcome. Contact attarj@parliament.uk Updated: 15 November 2006 |
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Situated
in 1 Canon Row, Westminster Gym has excellent facilities including a
fully equipped gym, a wide variety of classes, treatments, saunas, a
steam room, and friendly, REPs registered instructors. The gym is
open to all Parliamentary staff, and has full, off-peak and session
memberships. Opening
times: Monday
– Thursday 7am – 9pm; Friday
7am – 7pm For more information: www.jubileehallclubs.co.uk or ring x5546 Last updated: 2 October 2006 |
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Village Drinks is the social group for gay, lesbian, and bisexual professionals working in political, financial and legal industries. The group is open to anyone who wants to visit the West End of London to meet like minded professionals. We hold monthly events at some of London's most exclusive venues. For each event we select a sophisticated, elegant, and exclusive venue for a relaxing environment that facilitates conversation and guarantees a good time. When you arrive, you will be greeted and welcomed by our staff, who will happily introduce you to others. Guests will usually chat lightly by the bar for the first part of the evening; then, as the night darkens, the mood changes to a more upbeat atmosphere with a helping hand from our live DJs. Our guests make the night what it is; a chance to socialise with professionals from the “Westminster Village”, MPs, parliamentary researchers, civil servants, political consultants, journalists, members of think-tanks and quangos, lawyers, investment bankers. And it’s a great opportunity to “live in colour” by forging new business links with other gay professionals and, importantly, by making new friends. Correct at 15 November 2006 |
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All staff of both Houses and all Departments are invited to join the most successful Weightwatchers group in London! We meet weekly in 1 Parliament Street, Conference Room C (Tuesdays, 12.30pm - 1.30pm) where you can be weighed in confidence and take part in the Weightwatchers Switch programme. A good range of Weightwatchers products are available for sale. Initial membership is free with classes costing £4.95 per week. For more information contact falconera@parliament.uk Correct at 15 November 2006 |
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We are a group of members of staff working in Parliament: for a Member of any Party or in a Department in the House. We come together as a mixed interdenominational group of believers who are fairly committed, although come along just for company and interest. We meet to pray and support one another in small groups and larger speaker meetings. We would be delighted to hear from anyone new who is interested. Contact:
Updated 28 August 2007 |
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Staff, as well as MPs and Peers, are most welcome to join the Parliament Choir. Click here to see an article about the choir by Baroness Walmsley which appeared in The House magazine on 25 February 2002. If you would like to join the Parliament Choir either telephone Jane Jacomb-Hood on 07880 644859 or email her at: parliamentchoir@btinternet.com The Choir's website address is www.parliamentchoir.org.uk Correct at 20 November 2006 |
So far, we have just the groups listed above so let us have information for posting here about your group or organisation. If you don't tell us about you, staff won't know! Use the Feedback Form.
Organisations which represent MPs' staff will be found on the Representation page.
Page last updated:
15 August 2008
7 August 2008
12 Jun 2008
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Hockey info updated
13 March 2008
11 September 2007
3 September 2007
30 March 2007
13 February 2007
3 February 2007
15 November 2006
19 October 2006