19 Nov Basildon Mayor chairs Brownies debate about homework for UK Parliament Week
Young members of the 5th Chantry Brownies in Billericay were welcomed into the council chamber last week for a debate followed by a question and answer session by the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Dadds as part of UK Parliament Week (12-18 November).
The council had been contacted by the Brown Owl of the group with a request asking if the group could visit the council and have a tour of the council chamber so they could learn about democracy.
On the night, the Brownies debated the pros and cons of school homework which was followed by them putting their votes into a ballot box which were then counted. Surprisingly, the ‘yes’ to homework votes won!
Cllr David Dadds JP, the Mayor of Basildon, said: “It really was a pleasure to meet and chair a debate over the pros and cons of homework with the Brownies. They all demonstrated great listening and speaking skills, and showed respect to their fellow Brownies.
“It truly was one of the highlights of my term so far as Mayor of Basildon. I’m grateful that the Brownies took the time to visit us and learn about how the council works.”
Jacqueline Parker, the Brown Owl of 5th Chantry Brownies added: “We have been discussing empowerment and equality as part of the Girlguiding UK Vote 100 programme and UK Parliament Week, the girls were keen to see how democracy works locally and learn how their voices can be heard.”
