MP Victoria Prentis visits Banbury Mosque to thank volunteers for their service during coronavirus pandemic

North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis visited the Banbury Mosque to thank the volunteers of Banbury Community Fridge for their service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
MP Victoria Prentis and members of the MosqueMP Victoria Prentis and members of the Mosque
MP Victoria Prentis and members of the Mosque

MP Victoria Prentis visited the Banbury Mosque on Friday September 25 where she also caught up with constituents, who have recently returned to the Mosque following coronavirus lockdown.

The Banbury Community Fridge has provided a vital lifeline for lots of families in the community over recent months. Designed to reduce food waste and open to everyone, volunteers with the Banbury Mosque delivered thousands of isolation food packs to the vulnerable and those over the age of 65 during lockdown.

This work prompted many members of the community to nominate The Community Fridge for Victoria’s Unsung Hero award, which was promptly awarded in August. Victoria was very pleased to see The Community Fridge in action, and thank the volunteers and the Banbury Mosque in person on Friday.

MP Victoria Prentis and members of the MosqueMP Victoria Prentis and members of the Mosque
MP Victoria Prentis and members of the Mosque

Victoria’s visit was also an opportunity to catch up with constituents returning to the Mosque following the easing of lockdown restrictions and to listen to their concerns, many of which focused on the ongoing situation in Kashmir.

Victoria said: “I was really pleased that I could visit the Mosque and thank all the volunteers in person for all their hard work over the past few months.

"Supporting the local community during this very challenging time, and continuing to do so despite an easing of some restrictions, highlights the brilliant work the Mosque does all year round."

Victoria was pleased to see how the Mosque has adapted given coronavirus restrictions. Track and trace barcodes for members to scan and separate entrances and exits to adhere to social distancing, ensures members can worship safely. Victoria hopes to visit the Mosque again soon.

In line with the government easing lockdown and the reopening of places of worship, they have installed walk through fever detectors and hand sanitiser stations.