Ash Green at Houses of Parliament - 20-12-2009
Thanks to Akela Kevin Malham for this report on our visit to meet Mr Fallon at the Houses of Parliament:
A fresh crisp morning on the 15th of December and members from Ash Green scouts gathered outside Longfield Railway Station.
There was four Beavers, four Cubs, four Scouts and four Leaders starting out on a journey to the Houses of Parliament to meet the Sevenoaks MP Mr Michael Fallonto start the Ash Green Adult Recruitment Campaign and hand him our first recruitment flyer.
On the way I was approached by a member of the public and congratulated on the behaviour of the young people on the train. Always a great testimonial to a well disciplined group, and of course always nice to hear.
After the short walk from the station to Westminster Palace we met security who were very thorough and was more like an airport lounge rather than the entrance to a public building.
Helen McIvor - Mr Fallon's secretary - lead us through to the entrance lounge to meet up with our tour guide who was an instant hit with the Scouts and got them hanging on his every word. (Need him as a Leader).
He lead us through parliament and told us of some of the traditions and customs they have. One tradition they have now dispensed with is the carrying of swords in the House of Commons, This came about because some members during heated debates would attack the opposition with their swords - and this apparently isn't allowed!
After the tour we were handed back to Helen who lead us up a large spiral staircase which lead to the conference rooms.
Mr Fallon's room was number 19, not Number 10 yet!
We all sat around the very large table, Mr Fallon took his place at the top and started the meeting by explaining what goes on in the Houses of Parliament.
That morning Gordon Brown was in early to serve mince pies to all of his staff then he was off to the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen. Alistair Darling would be standing in for Gordon Brown during question time. He then went on to say what the room we were in was used for and who could attend.
He then turned his attention to the Scouts and asked Amelia (Cubs) if she had a question for him? Amelia responded promptly and asked what his views on Scouting for young people were? Mr Fallon MP said that he was very supportive of values that youth groups can bring to young people today and would encourage young people to join such organisations.
He then was asked by Toby (Beavers) what would he of been if not a MP? Mr Fallon said he would definately be in business as this was a family passion of his.
Zane, (Beavers) ask what he thought of our posters? Mr Fallon said that he had been on our website and thought it was very good. Jen, (Beaver Leader) ask if he had any advice on Adult recruitment? He then did what MPs do best and got us to answer that question ourselves by asking us how we became Leaders. (Very cunning).
Codie (Cubs) asked how long Mr Fallon had been an MP? Wow! Twelve and half years is a long time said Codie aged eight.
Mr Fallow asked Megan (Scouts) what she enjoyed most about Scouts? Megan said she enjoyed the badge work and learning about things that makes her a better person. Megan also said she enjoyed the camping, activities, events and Jamboree's where she had met lots of people from eight different countries.
Daniel (Cubs) asked if Mr Fallon MP had any advice on leaflet dropping? With no hesitation Mr Fallon MP said, gloves. He then went on to explain that with today's letter boxes that snap back so quickly you need gloves to protect your knuckles.
We finished up with having photos taken outside in front of Big Ben holding our campaign poster. Mr Fallon MP wore the Ash Green scarf which was presented to him by Ash Green's Group Sscout Leader Gary Davies.
We were again complemented on the behaviour of the Scouts and was told that we were always welcome back.
A good day was had by all, and just the thing that our recruitment campaign needs.
more news articles...
