Kirkconnel and Kelloholm charity invited to Downing Street

Chris Simm, of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Development Trust (KKDT), was invited recently to a Charity Champions reception at 10 Downing Street.

Chris is co-ordinator of Goodshare / Foodshare, which provides meals, including a delivery service, and a range of other support, widely appreciated across the community.

During the cold winter months as energy prices increased, the charity also provided a ‘warm space’ at their base in Nith Buildings at Kelloholm.

Chris, left, with Dumfriesshire constituency MSP Oliver Mundell, centre, and local MP David Mundell outside the Goodshare / Foodshare premises in Kelloholm (Image: Mundell Media)

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell nominated KKDT, which operates Goodshare / Foodshare, to represent good causes in his constituency and was delighted when the application was short-listed and an invitation issued.

Mr Mundell explained that with places limited he was pleased Chris was able to enjoy a day at Westminster including a tour of the UK Parliament and the evening reception at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

He said: “There are many excellent charities and voluntary organisations across the constituency which are worthy of being Charity Champions and I’m glad they were able to be represented through such a go-ahead and successful community group as KKTD.

“Both myself and my son Oliver, as constituency MSP, greatly appreciate the good work Chris and the Goodshare / Foodshare team did during the pandemic period, and continue to do so, in what is one of the more remote parts of our constituencies.

“Chris proved an excellent ambassador for the Third Sector across our area and I know the effort she puts in to keep everything running smoothly at Goodshare / Foodshare is greatly appreciated by the service users.”