LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEK AT THE TOWN HALL

Over the last two weeks local primary and secondary schools in Newbury have been learning about the role of Newbury Town Council and its Councillors.

The ‘Meet the Town Council’ events have been organised by the Council to coincide with Local Democracy Week, a European wide event to encourage people to find out how their local council’s work. Over 400 primary students and 200 secondary students have taken part this year, from 13 schools around Newbury.

The primary school children spent 2 hours at the Town Hall meeting Councillors and having an interactive presentation, which included trying on Councillors’ robes and getting an up-close look at the Town maces. They also saw how the Council works, how Councillors are elected and the various responsibilities the Council has around the town. They then enjoyed a tour of the Town Hall and learning about the 400yr old history of Newbury’s charter and notable citizens such as John Winchcombe, John Rankin and Elsie Kimber.

Councillors had lively Question and Answer sessions with Park House, St Barthlomew’s and Trinity school students, with subjects such as road safety and local libraries.

Cllr Jo Day, Chair of the Civic Pride, Arts & Culture Committee said, “We very much enjoy the visits from local children who want to know more about how the Council operates and the role that the Councillors have. The children of today are the voters of tomorrow and I hope that these events will encourage our young people to take an active interest in local democracy. Who knows, some of them may well go on to be Councillors and Mayors themselves one day.” 

Joanna Aylott (Civic Manager) Joanna.aylott@newbury.gov.uk 07538 334106

Cllr Jo Day, Chair NTC Civic Pride, Arts & Culture Committee jo.day@newbury.gov.uk