Ann Keen MP hosts new exhibition on Brentford FC

A new exhibition entitled ‘Bees in the heart of our Community’ was launched at The House of Commons on Monday this week. The exhibition aims to depict what is special about Brentford FC as a community owned football club. The club is pioneering a new model for engaging all sections of the community, using the power of sport to promote education, health and well-being.

At the centre of the exhibition is a number of paintings by Michael Bruzon a local artist who spent a year in residence at Brentford FC. The paintings capture the character of the club and its supporters. In addition Michael has been running art work-shops and creative projects for young people at Brentford’s Playing for Success Centre, The Griffin Park Learning Zone. Michael’s exhibition entitled ‘Hive’ has previously appeared at The Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford and The Drawing Schools at Eton College.

Ann Keen MP, the newly appointed health minister, together with Richard Caborn MP and Greg Dyke launched the exhibition. She said, "It has been a pleasure to host and launch this Brentford FC exhibition in Parliament. The football club is at the heart of our community and is a pioneering example of social enterprise, including the Community Sports Trust, the supporters trust and the Griffin Park Learning Zone. I offer my full and ongoing support."

Brentford Chairman Greg Dyke thanked Ann Keen for hosting the event. He also thanked The Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and Griffin Park Learning Zone for their efforts in creating the exhibition.

Richard Caborn Football ambassador for the 2018 World Cup said “When you (Brentford FC) look back over what you have done in the recent past it shows what the power of football is all about ….a lot of young people have taken a whole new course in life because of the work being carried out at Brentford … the job that you are doing has deep, deep roots and I hope that it will continue”.

Brentford FC Managing Director Keith Dickens said " The exhibition is a great opportunity to explain to MPs how Brentford's wide range of community activities contribute so much to the lives of local people. Everyone associated with the club should be very proud of the Club's reputation as a national role model."

July 4, 2007