Could You Rock The House?

Mark Reckless MP is looking out for the best local musical talent and venues to represent Rochester and Strood in the recently launched Rock The House competition.

‘Rock The House’ is a music competition with a political twist; supporting unsigned bands and artists, it will raise political awareness of the importance of music and other creative businesses to the UK.

Launched by Mike Weatherley - MP and champion for the music industry - Rock The House offers entry categories covering both Live Bands and Live Music Venues - and is open for entries now.

Bands and venues are invited to enter themselves, via their local MP, who will make nominations to a judging panel of music industry heavyweights on behalf of their own constituencies.

Entries can be submitted until the closing date of 31st March 2011. Further details and the official application form are available online at: http://www.rockthehouse.me.uk/ and winners will be announced by the end of May and all competition finalists will be invited to attend an exclusive star-studded event on the Terrace of the House of Commons on 30th June.

Local bands and venues in the Rochester and Strood constituency are asked to email rockthehouse@markreckless.com or send in a CD/DVD with details to his constituency office at Mark Reckless MP, Suite 6, 4A Castle View Mews, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1LA.

Sponsors and supporters include: UK Music, Future Publishing, EMI, Yamaha, Consumer Focus, Incorporated Society of Musicians, and All Party Parliamentary Group on Music (APPG).

Could You Rock The House?

Mark Reckless MP Helps Out Local Students

Mark Reckless MP was very pleased to help out students at the University of Kent's Centre for Journalism.

Mark joined fellow Kent MP Tracey Crouch during the student's most recent news day where teams are tasked with producing 15 minute news broadcasts as part of their course.

Student Laura Hartmann welcomed Mark's help:

"For us as students, it was great getting a sitting MP into our tv studio as a live guest - especially as it was the first ever TV news day for us second years."

Mark responded by saying:

It's great to be asked and to be able to assist local students when I can. I really enjoyed the experience and would like to wish everyone involved the very best with their studies."

Mark Reckless MP Helps Out Local Students

MP Web Awards Nomination

Mark Reckless has been shortlisted for an award in BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, MP Web Awards.

Mark will be competing against 25 other MPs in the ‘social media’ category after his web presence was recognised by independent voters in a recent poll.

Mark will now have to await the decision of this year’s judges who include Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail, Mark Say, editor of Government Computing, Matthew Windle, a member of Youth Parliament and Rachel Gibson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester. Judges will be looking for sites that successfully engage, excite, provide information and encourage two-way communication between MPs and their constituents.

Speaking of the nomination, Mark Reckless said:

“I am delighted that the work I have been doing to raise the profile of the constituency is being recognised further afield. Like most politicians I realise we need to do more in terms of engaging with the public using social media such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, as well as by more traditional means. I certainly think younger voters particularly appreciate being able to engage with their representatives using new and developing social technologies.

There are some great colleagues shortlisted for this award so I won’t be holding my breath, but being nominated so early in my Parliamentary career is very welcome and it is something I hope to build on. Plus, it can be great fun and doesn’t have to cost the taxpayer a penny!”

Mark was also recently voted 43rd in the Total Politics Top 100 Conservative blogs category and 11th in the Top 30 MP Blogs.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 15th November in the House of Commons and will be hosted by the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee.

For more information about the Awards please visit: http://www.bcs.org/mpawards

MP Web Awards Nomination

Wishing You A Happy And Peaceful Easter

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and peaceful Easter.

If you're not getting away for the weekend and are stuck for something to do then why not take yourself and the family to the Historic Dockyard in Chatham to enjoy the Medway Festival of Steam which is being held on the 12th and 13th April. I might just see you there.

Hundreds of spectacular steam and transport exhibits! Favourites like vintage cars and classic motorbikes, commercial and military vehicles, steam traction engines and locomotives to name just a few. This year's festival, supported by KOS Media and Old Glory Magazine is THE Easter event for all the family not to be missed!

For more information - Click Here

*Image reproduced with permission

Wishing You A Happy And Peaceful Easter

A Bit Of Fun On This Momentous Day

A Bit Of Fun On This Momentous Day