LIFESTYLE-Magazine-Winter-2016

In Part One of our two part insight into the man behind the political mask - Graham Jones the Labour MP for Hyndburn, opens up about his troubled past and incredible success in turning his life around . . . despite all odds

proud of it. Churchfield House in Great Harwood, reduced for decades to a park keeper’s storewas fully refurbished by a new social enterprise; a community groupwho in partnership, and encouraged by us, have returned it to its stately former glory. It truly is amagnificent people's palace used for all sorts of posh events. DioMercer House in Clayton which also housesmicro business andwhose upstairs large dining room is beautiful following refurbishment. At Gay Park a £320,000 externally fundedmodernisation has seen another social enterprise taking it on. The stables at the Haworth have seen a £550,000 loery refurbishment run by the Council but in conjunctionwith the art community. In Haslingden I ran the successful (andwhat seemed impossible) campaign to save the famousMary Hindle Centre.The centre has a great historic story. It too has a successful community enterprise located in it, the vets which has inspiredmany other community groups and reinvigorated the town. St James Church in Accrington has had regeneration.The heritage loery is funding a £3mmakeover of old buildings in Accrington andmy current project is to save St James church, Church. LIFE :STYLE What is your favourite time of year andwhy? GRAHAMJONES May and June. Summer andwarmer weather, lighter nights. I am50 now so I try to enjoy every day! LIFE :STYLE What one lesson did your parents teach you that youwill never forget in life – and have you passed this on to your own children? GRAHAMJONES My gran taught me the importance of health above all else, the importance of travel and that money is corrupting. My grandad taught me that Conservatives are not very helpful! My dad taught me that mirrors are far more important when driving on motorways and to slowdown on slip roads; you don’t appreciate your speed. My advice ismy gran's - but that home education for young children is everything. Just readingwith young children. Controversially, I ambeginning to thinkwith that last point inmind that keeping children up till later at night is beneficial!

The biggest achievement is geing people to work together

LIFE :STYLE And finally; the big one . . . Blackburn Rovers or Accrington Stanley? GRAHAMJONES

I have been going to Blackburn Rovers sincemy dad tookme 1974. He’s fromMill Hill. Mymumand her side fromWoodnook andWest Accrington. For my generation when Stanley didn’t exist this caused a confliction. For Burnley fans it’s OK, they play alternatively at home andwhen Stanley are away so can do both. I do go to both in reality. Rovers about 15 times last season, Stanley about 12 times.

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