‘Motion for more homework rejected!’ – Mayor shares fun visit from Ballykeel Primary pupils

Pupils of Ballykeel Primary School enjoying time in the Mayoral Parlour at The Braid, with Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, UUP Councillor Jackson Minford

Pupils from Ballykeel Primary School enjoyed a lively morning at The Braid in Ballymena as they put local elected representatives on the spot with a series of challenging questions about life in local government.

The Year 6 (P6) class met with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, and Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott to learn more about the work of councillors and the decisions made within the council chamber.

Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Minford said:

“As Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council I attend many engagements, but this morning was a really fun time as P6 pupils from Ballykeel Primary School called into The Braid to question myself and Independent Cllr Lawrie Philpott on our roles as local councillors.”

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, UUP Councillor Jackson Minford, and Independent Ballymena Councillor Lawrie Philpott pictured with civic leaders of the future from Ballykeel Primary School.

The pupils came prepared with a range of thoughtful questions, with particular interest in the development of local playgrounds and community safety across the borough.

“Some really good questions particularly around building of playgrounds and community safety,” the Mayor added.

The informal Q&A session gave pupils an opportunity to better understand how the council operates, how decisions are made, and how young people’s voices can be part of community discussions.

The meeting concluded with some light-hearted debate when the Mayor proposed a tongue-in-cheek motion for “additional homework” for the pupils — a motion which was swiftly and decisively defeated.

“When I proposed in the chamber a Motion for additional homework for the children there was an overwhelming answer of NOOOOOOO! Motion failed,” joked Councillor Minford.

The Ballykeel Primary school pupils in Council Chamber at The Braid, Ballymena.

The visit formed part of the council’s wider engagement with schools across Mid and East Antrim, helping to inspire civic awareness and interest in local democracy among young people.

Councillor Philpott praised the pupils for their confidence and curiosity, saying their enthusiasm demonstrated the next generation’s strong sense of community.

The Mayor concluded that such visits highlight the importance of connecting young residents with local decision-makers in a fun and meaningful way, fostering early understanding of how councils shape the areas where they live.