Lockhart welcomes Ballydown PS to Westminster

Carla Lockhart MP • March 26, 2024

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart and Lord Dodds had some very special visitors to Westminster this week, with over 40 P7 children from Ballydown Primary School, Banbridge visiting the Houses of Parliament. The group were accompanied by Vice-Principal Mr Trevor Russell and school staff.

Commenting after meeting the group in Westminster, Carla said:

 

“I always enjoy hosting visitors from home on visits to Parliament. It was especially enjoyable to welcome 43 pupils from the P7 class in Ballydown Primary School, alongside the Vice-Principal and staff.

 

It is a huge undertaking for a school to plan a trip like this but from listening to the kids it was clear that this was an experience they were thoroughly enjoying. A huge amount of credit goes to Mr Russell who really does put such a phenomenal amount of work and preparation into ensuring everything is organised, and all the staff involved in planning this trip so meticulously. It is a heavy responsibility to take so many children away to London but truly the pupils couldn’t have been in better hands, and certainly were having an absolute ball!

 

Mr Russell is very passionate about this Annual trip and really does believe passionately in showcasing the history and heritage associated with the Houses of Parliament. This is his 30th trip meaning that hundreds of children have benefited and experienced this often once in a lifetime opportunity. 

 

If anyone else is visiting London, and would like to visit Westminster, I would encourage them to contact my office and I will do my best to facilitate a visit to Parliament.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP August 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has revealed she has received a formal written apology from the Chair of the Parades Commission, over misleading evidence given to the High Court concerning her involvement in the Drumcree case.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 26, 2026
The DUP’s member of Parliament for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart MP, has responded to the Secretary of State’s statement, saying “Parades Commission assurances will not suffice”.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 25, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has described the outcome of the Drumcree legal challenge as a “seismic victory” after 28 years, and says the revelations surrounding the Parades Commission now demand urgent scrutiny at Westminster.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 21, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has accused the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) of marking its own homework, following a series of whistleblowing allegations centred on its Hillsborough site.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has secured an urgent multi-agency meeting following the horrific discovery of two dogs found dead inside a property in Lurgan.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Confirmation that imported eggs have been linked to a series of Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in the UK has been described by DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, as a timely wake-up call for the Westminster Government.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised DAERA Minister Andrew Muir for ignoring widespread public and industry concerns, and pressing ahead with what she has described as a “flawed review” into the Fivemiletown cattle cull.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s decision to pursue a review of Shared Environmental Services (SES), describing it as an important and necessary step towards restoring accountability and confidence within Northern Ireland’s planning system.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has strongly welcomed the stand taken by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.