Class 3 travel to Nottingham Council House to meet the Mayor
Earlier in the year, four children from Southwold attended the launch of a book competition. (See the Big 3 report).During this launch they asked the Mayor if they could visit him at work. He said yes, and so a visit was arranged with the children sending Emails to the Council House.
(Picture copyright Nottingham City Council)
The children arrived inside the council house and were taken to a large function room. Windows along one side of the room looked out over the Nottingham Market Square, and at one end of the room was a statue of Robin Hood
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham arrived and began talking to the children. He explained to the children what the Mayor had to do, and how he had become the Mayor. Then he answered some of the children's own questions.
"Who have you met who was famous ?"
A1 and many more pop groups who helped switch on the Christmas lights. Also many other people that the children did not know
"How long are you Mayor ?"
For one year. But the only Mayor who will hold office in two seperate millennia, as the term of office is may 1999 until May 2000.
"What did you have to do to become Mayor ?"
The City councillors vote who should be Mayor
"Can you boss people about as the Mayor ?"
No !!
"Do you have another job ?"
The Mayor is also a teacher at a college
After the questions, the children had their photo taken with the Mayor at the foot of the staircase
After the photograph the children were taken on a tour of the Council House and saw the collections of items in the Council House.
As the children made their way around the Council House they visited the Sherriff's rooms, and saw the clothes he wears for special occasions. The children then climbed high into the roof of the Council House and looked over Exchange Arcade - a shopping centre inside the Council House. They were very impressed by the Christmas tree in the centre of the arcade.
Finally, they all went into the council chambers. The room were the councillors make their decisions about what will happen throughout the city. Each child had an opportunity to sit in the Mayors chair, and while there they made up a special rule
"Be Good", "Don't hurt people", "Be kind", "Don't call out"
"Give schools more money" (Ok, so Mr. Widdowson made up the last one - but it's a good rule !!!!)
Finally the children said goodbye and left the Council House and returned to school
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