First year A level Politics students met with the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Andrew P Morgan JP and his partner, Karen Holdsworth, the Mayoress, last term. They discussed the role and responsibilities of a civic mayor, as well as Councillor Morgan’s role as a magistrate, his professional life in running care homes and his former military career and wider links with community organisations. The students had the opportunity to explore the historic Mayor's Parlour, artefacts belonging to it, and learn about the history of the space and Town Hall.
As part of the tour, students were invited to experience the council chamber learning about the process of local democracy and the function of council debates within the chamber and role of the mayor in presiding over proceedings.
Politics teacher, Lee Dickson commented:
“We are very grateful to Councilor Morgan, his lovely wife and staff for their warm hospitality. The students were in awe at the service they received from the tea and coffee reception through to the very knowledgeable tour of the parlour rooms and council chamber and left with greater understanding about Bolton's local history and democracy.
Aadil Deen who studies A levels in Politics, Law and English Literature enjoyed meeting the mayor commenting,
“I liked when I asked the mayor about something he was wearing on his wrist, he explained where he got this from one of his other engagements and he was able to talk about its religious and cultural significance. He was very personable.”
Another student also found the visit to be fun and engaging and when asked about it, she stated “this was my favourite trip so far.”
Hanaan Aden who studies A levels in Politics, Law and History found the visit to be insightful saying:
“I really enjoyed speaking with the mayor and finding out about how to become a magistrate and about how and why the mayor entered politics. The mayor discussed why he is non-political in his year as mayor and when discussing his party-political affiliation and cross-party stances, this also provided great insights into the importance of bi-partisanship and consensus politics for building strong and positive relationships in the world of politics and business and for serving the needs of others.”
We would like to thank Mayor Councillor Andrew Morgan, Karen Holdsworth, and staff for their time and generosity in receiving us.
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