31/03/2010
Another busy day. Three visits and a spot of gardening!
Last Friday Gerry had another busy day out and about in the constituency.
First up was a visit to Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College where presentations were made to Gerry by year 9 GCSE Citizenship pupils. As part of their GCSE the students had to plan, carry out and evaluate a campaign on chosen themes which were; lowering the voting age to 16 and introducing a minimum wage for 14-16 year olds. The pupils had undertaken a survey at school about pay and working conditions for 14-16 year olds and also made leaflets which were on display. They then gave a presentation putting forward their proposals and ideas for having a minimum wage for 14-16 year olds. There then followed a question and answer session. Gerry was very impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm shown by the students.
"The students put forward a very strong argument for both cases. Votes at 16 is an idea that is gathering a great deal of support and one which I think will happen within the next two parliaments. A minimum wage for 14-16 years olds? I think that may take a bit more time, but the students certainly made a good case for it."
Next to Wibsey Primary...
Following his visit to Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College, Gerry went on to Wibsey Primary School to present pupils with a shed load of free gardening equipment thanks to Morrison's "Lets Grow" programme. Wibsey Primary school had been collecting vouchers and have been rewarded with equipment including seeds, watering cans, aprons, spades and trowels. This scheme will encourage school children to learn about gardening in a fun and practical way and also learn about food production and healthy eating.
Also attending the event was Morrisons Director of Corporate Affairs, Richard Taylor. Speaking afterwards Gerry said, "I've presented a few schools in the constituency with gardening equipment from Morrisons. It's great to see such a high profile local business supporting our local schools."
The children were keen to start digging in an area that was previously a dumping ground which has now been transformed into a sizeable plot with beds marked out ready for planting. Hopefully it won't be too long before the children see the results of their hard work.
For more information visit http://www.morrisons.co.uk/LetsGrow/
Then to the Joshua Project
Following his school visits, Gerry then visited the former Royals Bingo Hall building on Cross Lane which is being transformed into The Impact Centre a youth and education support centre in Great Horton. This is an initiative by the Joshua Project which is an organisation to help those hardest to reach children in the area to realise their aspirations.
The Joshua Project is involved with over 200 children in a variety of innovative, positive engaging activities including youth clubs, music and media workshops, boxing academy, football training, small group mentoring, one to one support. The Impact centre will incorporate 2 classrooms which will be available to schools to use in partnership with the Joshua Project to educate young people who have been excluded or at risk of exclusion. Work is progressing well at the building which, when completed, will complement the area as well as providing a good and useful facility.
http://www.joshuaproject.org.uk/
