Groups which staff can join
Book
Club Choir Christian Fellowship
Christians in Parliament
Cricket Football
Football 6-a-side (Cons)
Hockey
Humanist Krav
Maga
Netball
Parliable
ParliOut Poker Rounders
Parliamentary Running Club
Sports &
Social
Tennis Village
Drinks
Weightwatchers
Westminster Gym
[Click on the items above you wish to explore]
February 2011. This list has grown over the past five years and the only thing we can guarantee is that quite a bit of it will be out of date. Clubs tend to come and go pretty quickly and we rely on you to tell us when there's something new or when a club dies. Now that we are in a new (2010) parliament we will try and check all those listed below and get it more up to date but please help us by sending any current info via the Feedback Form.
Check out other groups staff can join here.
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ParliAble – Workplace Equality Network in support of Disability ParliAble is a Workplace Equality Network in support of disabled Members of Parliament, Peers, staff in Parliament, and all who work on the Parliamentary Estate. ParliAble is open to both those who consider themselves to have a disability and those who have an interest in supporting disabled people. ParliAble’s Mission Statement:
The official launch shall take place on 14th September 2011 in Mr Speaker's House. If you would like to attend the launch or future events please sign up to become a member. If you wish to attend the launch you need to email us by 2 September 2011. Email - parliable@parliament.uk Telephone - 0207 219 142525 25 August 2011 |
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KRAV MAGA (ISRAELI MARTIAL ART)
FREE TRIAL SELF-DEFENCE CLASS FOR KRAV MAGA (ISRAELI MARTIAL ART)
TUESDAY 12TH JULY 2011 12.30PM UNTIL 1.30PM LOCATION: THE GYM, ROMNEY HOUSE, ROMNEY ST, WESTMINSTER (we are located opposite the back of Westminster Magistrates Court) 5 minutes walk from Parliament INTRODUCTION: The British Academy of Krav Maga will be holding a free trial class for parliamentarians and staff on Tuesday 12th July, 12.30pm until 1.30pm. Krav Maga is a reality based self defence system that incorporates elements of many different martial arts such as grappling, boxing, kick boxing & weapon defences together to form a fighting system that works under the stress of a real situations. Krav Maga is used by Police & Security Services throughout the world. This system is easy to learn & apply & will get you fit whatever your level of fitness. ENROLMENT: Please RSVP to francesca.chinlewis@parliament.uk (Coordinator of the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group) to secure a place... Then, simply turn up on Tuesday 12th July at 12.30pm at the gym in work out gear (showering & changing facilities are available) and we will take care of you. All training kit is provided. You will be taught for 1 hour by the school’s most senior instructor. FOLLOW UP: After the class the instructor will explain how to join the school and if sufficient interest is shown then we will then consider whether a lunch time group class can be set up in September 2011. More info: www.krav-maga.org.uk4 July 2011 |
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Hello, Please register your interest by
replying to
hamed.kamal@parliament.uk so
that we can keep you posted with more details – feel free to forward
this to your friends and colleagues around Parliament too. Caroline Dinenage MP 29 March 2011 |
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The LORDS AND COMMONS TENNIS CLUB offers a warm invitation to all MPs, Peers and their staff to join this long established and successful club. The club has use of practice courts in Vincent Square every Tuesday and Thursday morning where you can just have a casual knockabout or a more serious hit. In addition we have an annual presentation session by the LTA, with coaching at the National Tennis Centre. We also have an excellent fixture list with matches against the leading clubs in London throughout the year. So why not join us in playing tennis to whatever standard suits you. We are remarkably affordable at only £10 per annum membership. Want to know more? Either come along to the AGM on Wednesday, 30th March at 4.00pm in W3 (off Westminster Hall) or contact club captain Baroness Billingham (Angela) – e-mail: a.billingham77@btinternet.com.20 March 2011 |
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Running Club is for anyone who wants to run, from total beginner upwards! Check out what we’re up to at http://parliamentaryrunningclub.blogspot.com/. Current members include people running to keep fit for other sports, beginners who want to get fitter and some regular runners who enjoy training and occasional racing from 5k to marathon. We have also launched our “Guest MP of the Month” scheme which has proved a great success so far. You don’t need to be super-fit, we will always stop to “stretch” if anyone gets tired! Our “No Runner Left Behind” policy means there’s no need to worry about not being able to keep up. We meet at
6.30 on Tuesday evenings in 1 Parliament Street reception. Updated 17 February 2011 |
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CONSERVATIVE 6-A-SIDE FOOTBALL
Based in Westminster and fancy playing in a
Conservative 6-a-side football team? We are looking for 2-3 players
of a semi-decent standard to take part in a power league in or
around the Westminster area. We are in definite need of a
Goalkeeper! Updated 21 December 2010 |
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Would you like to play for the Lords and Commons Cricket Club? It is open to peers and members, peers' and members' staff, and house staff. It may be very cold and the depths of winter, but the warmth of spring and with it the domestic cricket season is only five months away. You may know that the Lords and Commons Cricket Club has a full fixture list each year of matches. This year they have added some very attractive fixtures to the list, and hope to have a very good summer. Matthew Hancock has taken over as joint-secretary from Henry Bellingham, following his promotion to Government. Nigel Adams is the Treasurer, and Alan Keen the joint-secretary. With such a large number of new Members, they are very keen to make sure all are welcome to join in. Their matches vary in ability from the very modest to the quite good. If you are interested in playing cricket at all next summer please let Matthew Hancock know so he can add you to the distribution list. Please also let him know what you do. The Club’s AGM will be held on 18 January at 6pm in a venue to be decided. All are welcome, and he will email those who have expressed an interest nearer the time. The Lords and Commons Cricket Club is open to Members of Parliament, Peers and their staff. For further information, please contact
Matthew Hancock MP, Joint Secretary of the Lords and Commons
Cricket Club on
Last updated: 20 December 2010 |
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ParliOut - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network for Parliament With advice from Stonewall and support from the Speaker, who will be President of the LGBT network, staff have created the group in line with the best practice of other employers.
ParliOut is available for all parliamentary staff, including those
employed by the House and for staff of Members, both in Westminster
and in constituencies. The network will provide a forum for
providing mutual support and discussing issues. A mentoring
programme will also be developed in the New Year.
Welcoming the new group, the
Speaker, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP said: "Parliament as a
workplace should set an example in good practice when it comes to
equality and diversity. Therefore I am delighted to be able to
welcome the creation of the first LGBT network group - the first of
the equality network groups to be set up on the Parliamentary
Estate. This is another positive step towards breaking down barriers
in the workplace" Updated 9 December 2010 |
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PARLIAMENTARY
POKER CLUB 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 (re) formed Parliamentary Poker
Club. Meeting every fortnight for a friendly game or two of Texas
Hold Em. Updated 28 October 2010 |
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WESTMINSTER WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB Westminster Wanderers are an established football club, with four teams in the Southern Sunday League and an occasional midweek side. We're always looking for new players of a good standard, particularly goalkeepers, and strikers, and welcome players of whatever experience. Many of our players come from political, public affairs and public relations backgrounds and the club has always had a strong link with parliament. We were formed out of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parliamentary teams in 1999. Last season we won the Southern Sunday League Cup, making three trophies and a promotion in two seasons. We also went on tour to Barcelona, playing the ‘Legends’ sides of a number of Spanish league clubs. We touring to Finland and Estonia in August. The club has a pre-season programme with training sessions and pre-season fixtures, midweek and on Sunday mornings. You are welcome to join us for pre-season training. We will be training or playing every Sunday from August. If you want to join the club, or are simply interested in finding our more, e-mail john.foster@parliament.uk Correct at 31 August 2010 |
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28 August 2010 update:
Rounders is on Thursday 2nd September 2010. The matches start at
3:00 pm. 12 August 2010 update: Inter-party Rounders is back. The ever popular event is being organised for a week-day afternoon in late August or early September 2010, date and time TBC. If you want to take part please email Dan Whittle daniel.whittle@parliament.uk who will pass on your details to your team Captain (Labour vs Coalition). The exact details will be confirmed closer to the event so please watch this space or email Dan. Edelman are sponsoring refreshments after the game. The event is being organised by Rounders England, who prove on their website that make-up and sport do mix: http://www.roundersengland.co.uk/. As well as a prize for the winning team there will be a prize for best picnic and best player from the losing team. July 2009 update: ROUNDERS 2009 It’s that time of year when the sun is out, the grass is a little wet from the occasional down pour and staff across the parliamentary estate are counting down the days to recess. The only other item left on the summer to do list is attend the Edelman sponsored Inter-Party Parliamentary Rounders competition. Last year the Tories snatched the title from the three time champions, the Liberal Democrats, and also won a clean sweep with Man of the Match and Best Picnic. This year the rounders will be held on Wednesday 19th August at 3 pm in Hyde Park. Edelman will be buying the post competition drinks again at a nearby pub. Last year over 120 researchers came to play and watch the matches and this year looks set to be even bigger. This is the last Rounders competition before the General Election – which party will go into the election as the champions? If you want to play or find out more email Victoria Barton at victoria.barton@edelman.com
Also
don’t forget to join the Inter-Party Parliamentary Staff
Rounders Facebook Group:
Latest revision: 12 August 2010 |
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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 NEW Discover programme. A good range of Weightwatchers products are available for sale. Initial membership is free and classes are also free. Update June 2010: Weight Watchers will most probably begin again in autumn 2010 as the room we usually use is being used at present and no other room can be found for us. For more information contact Frances Alexander, the weight watchers leader for parliament: f.alexander@lcc.arts.ac.uk Correct at 5 June 2010 |
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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 - david.landrum@parliament.uk Correct at 5 June 2010 |
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All those interested in playing (men and women, members and staff) please contact Tim Loughton MP on loughtont@parliament.uk We are always looking for new recruits and welcome both Members and Staff. Tim Loughton MP loughtont@parliament.uk or ext 4012. Correct at 5 June 2010 |
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ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY HUMANIST GROUP Update: 14 June 2010:
INVITATION - All Party
Parliamentary Humanist Group - Inaugural Meeting of 2010 Rt Hon Lord Macdonald of Tradeston, Chair of the APPHG, will welcome and introduce the group, and the new officers for the group will be elected. Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the BHA, will set the political scene for humanists, and speak on the opportunities and challenges posed by the coalition government’s agenda. All welcome, I do hope you can join us. The All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group is a network of non-religious peers and MPs, and those sympathetic to the humanist position, who meet to hear speakers and discuss relevant issues, as well as to share information and receive briefings on matters of interest. These matters are wide-ranging and include the promotion of a rational approach to bioethical, medical, and scientific issues, the defence of free speech, civil liberties and education. We welcome MPs and Peers as full members, and members’ staff and Parliamentary staff as associate members. For more information and RSVP: Naomi Phillips, APPHG Administrator, phillipsn@parliament.uk, 020 7079 3585, 07540 257101. The All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) has opened itself up to non-religious (and those sympathetic to Humanism!) 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.
The inaugural meeting of
this year is 17.30-19.00, Committee Room 3, House of Lords, 30th
June 2010 - and staff are welcome. I'll also be sending out an
email invite nearer the time. Correct at 14 June 2010 |
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The Westminster Gym has all the latest equipment, including two virtual-reality gaming bikes, as well as 32 classes per week on aerobics, salsa and Pilates. There are saunas and a steam room, whilst therapies include massage, acupuncture and beauty treatments. Membership costs just £33.50 per month. The gym is managed by the Jubilee Hall Trust, a charity which uses the gym’s profits to run outreach community programmes to promote healthy lifestyles. The Trust works in partnership with the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Service offering stretch and relaxation classes elsewhere on the Parliamentary Estate. Please contact the Westminster Gym on x5546 or email Westminster@jubileehalltrust.org. Website: www.jubileehalltrust.org/westminster Last updated: 5 June 2010 |
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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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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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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:
Correct at March 2011 |
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Staff, as well as MPs and Peers, are most welcome to join the Parliament Choir. The Choir meets at 6.15 for 2 hours on Sitting Tuesdays in St Mary Undercroft for rehearsals. 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, please contact the Choir Secretary by email or by clicking here The Choir's website address is www.parliamentchoir.org.uk Correct at 12 October 2011 |
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:
12 October 2011
-
Choir - updated contact and rehearsal details
25 August 2011
4 July 2011
29 March 2011
20 March 2011
17 February 2011
21 December 2010
20 December 2010
9 December 2010
28 October 2010
31 August 2010
28 July 2010
14 June 2010
6 June 2010
25 May 2010