Workington School Council Partnership

Some 40 pupils and their teachers from infant and primary schools across Workington joined Allerdale Borough Council officers and councillors for the first meeting of the Workington School Council Partnership.
The scheme aims to bring together all school councils to work together by discussing important issues in their schools, such as recycling, health and wellbeing. Each pupil was elected by their classmates to represent their school as a councillor and contribute towards making positive changes in their schools and the community.

At the meeting, held in the Council Chamber at the Council’s main office, the pupils had the opportunity to meet the Deputy Mayor of Allerdale and the Chief Executive of the Council to ask them questions and find out about how the Council works. They also discussed subjects like food waste, looking after each other in school and shared ideas on plastic recycling and composting.

The meeting began with a formal procession with the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Neil Schofield, who then explained about the meaning of the ceremonial mace. 
Councillor Schofield said: “It’s amazing to see so many young students involved in politics and so encouraging to see them taking part in the community they live in, which I believe bodes well for the future.”
Chief Executive, Ian Frost, gave a presentation about what the council does and answered questions about diverse subjects including new developments, street cleaning and whether a conker tree could be planted. 
Ian said: “It’s great to see young people care about where they live and showing interest in the things that make Allerdale a better place to be. I’m proud to have hosted the first meeting and I look forward to working with the group for many years to come.”

The pupils also spoke with the Community Services Manager, Joanne Fisher, about ways they could improve plastic recycling in their schools. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote of the school councillors to take action to put more plastic recycling collections in place in their schools.
Eva Henstone is a reception pupil at Seaton Academy who took part in the meeting. She said: “I think it’s really important to recycle and I always help my family to sort out our purple bags. I also make sure my mummy and daddy pick up after our dog Lucy. I enjoyed the meeting and learned lots. And I really liked the biscuits!” 

World War I centenary

Allerdale Borough Council has been working with the local community on a project to mark the centenary of World War I. Black Knight Historical has been appointed as part of ‘Allerdale 100’ and has been working with schools and community groups across Allerdale to produce an art installation that will be put on display at The Carnegie Theatre in Workington. 

Titled ‘Hanging on the Old Barbed Wire’, the installation represents what life was like during the war in the area that now covers Allerdale. And now all members of the public are being encouraged to use their creative talents to participate towards the project. If you would like to contribute, the Council is calling on local people to help with making handmade poppies, tribute medals, handwritten letters, embroidered keepsakes and much more. Any items can then be dropped into the Council offices in Workington or The Carnegie before Thursday 1 November. For full details visit www.allerdale100.com. 

Councillor Bill Jefferson, Executive Member with responsibility for Tourism and Culture, said: “It’s so important that we mark this occasion in our area by creating something unique and respectful the represents Allerdale’s heritage through a significant period in time. I’m delighted that we will be incorporating our local communities into this project and give as many people as possible the chance to have their input. I am looking forward to seeing the result of the hard work of all those involved.” 

Molly Housego from Black Knight Historical is managing the project. She added: “We are really looking at making the 'Allerdale 100' commemoration a truly shared experience for the community. The art installation will be a moving and thought-provoking setting for tribute items researched and created by local groups, schools and individuals, to remember those from the area who were involved in WWI. Not just the military, but also the miners, steelworkers, nurses and munitions workers who all played such an important part in war effort. It's an exciting project with a difference for this very special centenary year, so we are delighted to be working with Allerdale Borough Council to help create a memorable and moving tribute by this unique community.”
The project will be on display to the public between Friday 2 until Tuesday 20 November and will be free to see.