IT was another proud moment for our Pride in our People winners as they toured Parliament last week.
The tour, organised for the third year running by Angie Bray, Ealing Central and Acton MP, started with the 11th century
Westminster Hall, the oldest of its kind in Europe, graced by Nelson Mandela, the Pope and Barack Obama, when the latter spoke to both Houses of Parliament.
Angie leads the visit to recognise the achievements of the winners of the Pride in our People Awards, run jointly by the Gazette and the University of West London.
She said: "The Ealing Gazette and University of West London are to be congratulated for the Pride in our People awards. Every year it plays a very important part in recognising all the wonderful work that often goes unrecognised in our community.
"Even those who didn't win have played their part because it helps to paint a picture of a community where people really do go that extra mile to help others and make a difference. Organising a visit to Parliament is my way of saying thank you for what they do and I am always delighted to have them here as my guests."
As well as the stunning Westminster Hall, where a new Jubilee window to honour the Queen is being put in (with personal donations from some MPs), the tour took in the Commons and Lords and sumptuous robing room where the Queen dons her robes before opening Parliament.
The tour ended on the balcony overlooking the Thames where some of the winners, partners and friends expressed their delight with their morning in the heart of Government.
Tim Wilkinson, a paramedic who won the key worker category for teaching the community to save lives, said: "It is an unexpected pleasure to be invited to the Houses of Parliament to see where everything happens behind the scenes.
"The history is fantastic and it's very interesting to see the opulence in the Lords, compared to the Commons. It's such a difference to actually see history in the making, as opposed to on TV. The Pride awards was a fantastic experience, especially to meet the other winners and this visit was a bonus, much appreciated and unexpected."
Josh Ryan, duty officer at Hanwell ambulance station, who nominated Tim, added: "This was a fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes. This place is steeped in history. It is also great to have the personal touch from our local MP."
Anna Aristodemou runs A Cut Above hair salon in The Avenue, West Ealing and won the business category for their care of vulnerable customers. She said: "I feel really proud to have been invited by Angie. I have been really excited since I won the award and had lots of cards and flowers from local people, tremendous feedback. This visit is the icing on the cake.
"I am so impressed by the architecture and how well kept everything is, considering how old it is. I want to thank Angie for inviting us."
Her son Nicholas, a hotel manager who accompanied her, said: "It's lovely to be able to see things you don't get to see every day and see the difference between the two Houses. We are very proud of mum, especially as she has run this business for so long and is still in the same area."
