Stephen Timms MP has visited Newham’s premier cheerleading troupe, the Ascension Eagles.

The Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) were formed in 1996 as an outreach project by the Ascension Church Centre. The group have since been recognised as one of the top cheerleading squads in the UK, winning a host of regional and national tournaments. They recently attended a reception in Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Mr Timms was shown around the AEC’s new home - a vacant retail unit at Gallions Reach Shopping Park – by the troupe’s Director, Ms Shara Brice MBE. The unit was previously owned by the clothing firm Officer’s Club. The building is large enough to house a full 9-panel spring floor plus a matted training area in the upper gym. Mr Timms discussed the AEC’s future with Ms Brice and what assistance he might be able to offer in his role as a local MP. He was also introduced to the AEC’s formal accreditation programme by which members are given the opportunities to develop leadership, literacy, and life skills through taking part in seminars, training courses, and by documenting their week’s activities.

Speaking about the visit, Mr Timms said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Ascension Eagles’ new premises today. The unit in Gallions Reach is almost perfect for the troop in terms of size and provides the Eagles with a safe and modern environment to practise their tournament-winning performances! The Ascension Eagle Cheerleaders are a credit to Newham and I wish them all the very best in their upcoming tournaments.”