Last week, November 1st to 7th, was UK Parliament Week (UKPW), which promotes awareness or and engagement with Parliament. Organisations run activities exploring what the UK Parliament means to them and their community.
I was delighted to see more schools and youth groups, which included the Scouting and Guiding Associations, as well as the Boys Brigade, sign up and take part with a variety of different activities.
Some of the activities that took place are listed below:
The 1st Burgess Hill Scouts, Baden Cubs split into teams (political parties), named their parties, created two campaigns which they then pitched to the other groups and finished the evening by making some bunting.
The 6th East Grinstead Beavers, voted for a Lodge Leader. They decorated (made by the one of the Leaders) Big Ben Biscuits. Played Parliament Week Bingo and the Leaders made up a pairs game for them to take part in. They also had a few debates in small groups on subjects which included:
- Which are better cats or dogs?
- Should homework be banned? (I think we can guess the outcome of this topic)
I also had a fantastic time visiting Birchwood Grove County Primary School in Burgess Hill, and a great tour of the school with the school’s ambassadors, meeting with Year 6 students to answer some incredibly well thought out and challenging questions. We also had a debate and vote on ‘should chocolate be banned?'
I do hope to see many more of you signing up for next year’s UK Parliament Week. This year Mid Sussex came joint 14th in the country for number of organisations signing up. It would be lovely to see even more next year.