Nicholas Soames, Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, has joined the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, in celebrating its 40th year.

Mr Soames said; “The scheme was launched in 1965 following the death of my grandfather. My grandfather believed passionately in the contribution that men and women from all walks of life could make to international understanding. The scheme has made this belief a reality by enabling UK citizens to travel abroad and exchange ideas to enhance their career, interests and contribution to the community.

“I would urge everyone looking to broaden their horizons or with a desire to share their knowledge and skills abroad to find out about the fellowship.”

Since the foundation of the Trust some 4,000 UK citizens have travelled in the name of the ‘Greatest Briton’. Around 100 Travelling Fellowships are awarded annually to men and women of all ages, including the disabled, and all minority cultures. The Fellowships have been awarded to people from most walks of life, including rescue workers, engineers, train drivers, sportsmen and women, artists, musicians, carers, medical and scientific researchers, ethnologists, and architects, to name but a few. Subjects are changed annually to ensure interest and applications from the broadest section of the community.

Mr Soames said; “Indeed one of the notable Churchill Fellows is Mrs Margaret Harrison CBE, the founder of Home Start UK. It is an outstanding organisation which provides hundreds of families with a lifeline and I am proud to have a Home Start in my constituency based in Burgess Hill.”

Notes to Editors

• Winston Churchill Memorial Trust – T: 0207 584 9315 0207 584 9315. www.wcmt.org.uk