Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council Darren Rodwell, shows children around the Town Hall
- Category: News
- Date: September 19, 2014
On Wednesday 17th September, Leaping Toads’ children and parents were warmly welcomed to Barking Town Hall by Councillor Darren Rodwell, the Leader of the Barking and Dagenham Council.
The visit enabled children and parents to familiarise themselves with the political system and local council and ask questions to the Leader of Barking and Dagenham.
In the majestic Town Hall, Cllr Rodwell explained to children and parents about what happens in the Council Chamber, how decisions are made and the borough’s history.
It was then time for questions and answers. Many children raised their hands and took turns to sit in the Mayor’s seat to bang the gavel on the desk (the small ceremonial wooden mallet) to restore silence and order in the Town Hall.
The Councillor was very welcoming to all the team at Leaping Toads. He encouraged parents to ask their questions, opinions and concerned and said that one day, he hoped the children would be seated in the Town Hall as adults, making decisions.
Cllr. Rodwell also said it was important for our children and parents to not only be a key part of Barking and Dagenham’s multicultural community and culture, but also to retain their heritage and share it proudly with other families in the Borough.
On the next stop of the tour, our children had the chance to look into a live Assembly meeting and they were very excited to receive a wave back from all 49 councillors!
Next, they visited the Office of the Mayor, where Cllr. Rodwell showed them the red ceremonial robes, gold regalia, and the Mace (with a crown on one end) held by the Mayor.
Cllr. Rodwell explained the borough’s link to a string of fascinating periods in history, including the Anglo-Saxon era, the Suffragette Movement and a lesser known fact …. that the mother of Mary Shelley (the author of the great gothic novel, ‘Frankenstein’), known as the ‘Mother of Frankenstein’ lived in Barking and Dagenham.
Finally, through a concealed ‘secret’ doorway the children entered into the Leader of the Council’s office, where he showed them where he works at his desk.
At the end of the visit, to say a big ‘thank-you’, the children presented Councillor Rodwell with a very long card which was stretched out in full and was nearly as wide as the Town Hall’s steps!
Leaping Toads warmly thanks Cllr. Rodwell for such a memorable visit which has inspired our children and intrigued parents too!
