Angels Raising Awareness of Democratic Life

On Friday 14^th November Domestic Angels hosted a Parliament Week event at Bournemouth Town Hall with the purpose of raising awareness of Parliament and democratic life.

This year’s Parliament week theme is ‘Women in Democracy’ and Domestic Angels were delighted to be approved Partners.

Heather Martyn, Annette Brooke MP, Mandy Payne BCTC President, Tara Howard Venus Awards, Penny Bartlett Soroptomist International & Samantha Acton Domestic Angels

Parliament week is a programme of events aimed to help more people
connect with Parliament and this event hosted a panel debate with invitees from local schools and businesses. The dynamic panel consisted of Mandy Payne President of Bournemouth Chamber, Annette Brooke and Conor Burns MP and Cllr Rod Cooper Mayor of Bournemouth and Cllr Jane Kelly.

Following an interesting insight into the life of the late Margaret Thatcher presented by Conor Burns, the panel debate then opened in force with some great questions flying around. Amber Lovell, an Avonbourne pupil, came up with a gem of a question regarding youth parliament in Bournemouth or the lack there of , which Cllr Kelly has agreed to take forward to see if this can be rectified. After the event Amber commented “I felt that the debate was very enjoyable and everyone got involved. Annette and Conor seemed genuinely interested in my points of view and have taken away my comments for further action.”

This was a great opportunity to host year 13 students and local businesses, to meet women in democracy and connect with local decision makers. The afternoon started with the Mace bearers and the Mayor in full robes which gave the guests a feel for the ceremony of Chamber. The Mayor commented after the event “It was a great pleasure to chair such an event and to involve the attendees in the discussion. I trust this will make a difference to Bournemouth. I am disappointed that youngsters feel that they are not engaged and this must change.”

The event was supported by local businesses including Tanner & Tilley Town Planning and The Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Bournemouth Council.

After the event both Annette Brooke and Conor Burns commented “This was a fantastic event with great attendance across all age groups and male and female generating good discussion to the extent that a change will take place in Bournemouth. This event also brought together local and national politicians, local businesses, The University and students from local schools which provided a refreshing and insightful perspective on the challenges facing us locally and nationally.”

Annette Brooke MP, Amber Lovell & Conor Burns MP