Wokingham

Sixth formers from Maiden Erlegh School in Earley took time out from their studies last week to learn all about Wokingham District Council.

Six pupils visited the Wokingham civic offices on Wednesday November 16 to learn more about Wokingham district council and to gain a better understanding of the services provided to local residents. The pupils spent time with community care, legal and democratic, communications and electoral services.

This is the second in a series of sixth form visits. And in June a visit was made by students at The Holt School, Wokingham. The aim of the visits are to encourage the district’s schools to learn more about what the council does and encourage pupils to think about a career in local government. The visits also help the students to understand how Wokingham council deals with issues on a day-to-day basis and how council officers and councillors work together with members of the public.

Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown hosted the event and spent time explaining to the students about his civic role, giving a presentation on the history of the district’s coat of arms. Cllr Brown said: “I was delighted to meet pupils from Maiden Erlegh School and I hope that they found the visit very informative.

“It can be difficult explaining the responsibilities of the chairman but I hope the students now have a better understanding of the varied role that I undertake. I look forward to welcoming more students from other schools in the future.”

Wokingham Chief executive Doug Patterson joined the group to explain how officers carry out the policies and strategies agreed by members of the council.

Secondary schools who are interested in visiting the council to learn more about the role it carries out, should contact Sonia Lawlor, Wokingham chairman’s secretary, on (0118) 974 6004.

Wokingham District Council ~ November 22, 2005