LOCAL SCHOOLS GET A TASTE OF TOWN HALL LIFE FOR LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEK

Over the past two weeks, Newbury’s school pupils have been discovering how their Town Council works — and what it takes to be a Councillor.

To mark Local Democracy Week, a Europe-wide initiative inspiring people to learn about local government, Newbury Town Council welcomed pupils to the Town Hall for an interactive insight into civic life.

During the two-hour sessions, the children met councillors and heard about Newbury Town Council’s responsibilities and how decisions are made. Practical activities included a tour of the Town Hall, a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour and the opportunity to try on councillors’ robes. The children were told about several outstanding characters and events in Newbury’s history.

Councillors also visited Trinity and St. Barts schools where, after a brief introduction to the workings of Newbury Town Council, lively Q/A sessions took place.

Cllr Jo Day, Chair of the Civic Pride, Arts and Culture Committee, said, “We love meeting all the young people at our Local Democracy activities.  They ask such good questions and show great enthusiasm to learn more. We hope that the visits will encourage greater interest and participation in what is going on in the community. The young people will be the voters of the future. Maybe some of those we spoke to could possibly be inspired to become Town Councillors, or even the Mayor, in years to come.”