Mayor of Patchway visits the town’s three schools on whirlwind tour

Mayor of Patchway Cllr Dayley Lawrence spent a busy November morning visiting all three of the town’s schools to introduce the Council and the role of the Mayor to the younger year groups in each school.

The Mayor started his grand tour at Patchway Community School for the Year 7 assembly where he heard about a number of the students recent visit to the House of Commons, and was asked if his chain was solid gold. The answer given was of course, no, it is silver with gold plating. The Mayor was keen to say that a keen interest in politics can start at any age and lead to an exciting career.

Much excitement was anticipated as Year 1 students at Callicroft Primary Academy and Coniston Primary School awaited the arrival of the Mayor to their school classroom, so that the mayor could tell the children what it is like to be the Mayor of Patchway.

Had the Mayor parked his pirate ship out in the school car park?  Was the Mayoral Chain treasure that had been found, and the mayor’s hat was covered in feathers collected from Treasure Island!

After the children had decided the mayor was a pirate, the mayor had to bring the children’s vivid imaginations back and tell them that he was in fact a community leader.

That being the mayor was a voluntary position, and that he also had an occupation during the day which also served the community.  When the Mayor asked the children – who drives a red van?  Responses were, you have a fire truck, or a candy van.  The children soon guessed the mayor’s occupation when a certain black and white cat was mentioned!

The pupils at Patchway Community School and both primary schools were very engaging and interested in meeting the mayor and listening to the responsible role that the mayor must play in Patchway. Who knows, in the future maybe some of the young generation may become community figures and a potential forthcoming mayor of Patchway.

Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence said, ‘It was just fantastic to visit all our three schools to share what a local town council and the role do. Though more importantly to hear the students questions and ideas about my role. Thank you to all the students, and to the teaching staff who made me feel so welcome.

Images by Patchway Community School and Patchway Town Council