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 July 28, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has urged farmers and rural communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity following a recent spate of thefts targeting farms across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised DAERA's plans to press ahead with a multi-million pound tender for the provision of an on-farm bovine TB biosecurity advice service.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 22, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has written to newly appointed DEFRA Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, requesting a meeting and inviting her to visit Northern Ireland to hear directly from farmers, businesses and industry leaders in Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to place agriculture and national food security at the centre of his Westminster Government's agenda.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit on display during a visit to the Killicomaine Fun Day, commending local volunteers and bonfire builders for their dedication in bringing the community together ahead of the Twelfth celebrations.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that a missing speed ramp on Mill Hill, Waringstown, will be reinstated following representations she made on behalf of concerned local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Waringstown Neighbourhood Watch as the organisation marked its 20th anniversary, praising its volunteers for two decades of dedication to keeping the village safe. 
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers of a successful Eleventh of July Fun Day and Tea Dance in Lurgan, commending the outstanding community spirit on display ahead of the annual Twelfth celebrations.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the tremendous turnout and community spirit displayed across Northern Ireland as thousands gathered to mark the Glorious Twelfth.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has hailed this year’s Royal Black Institution Demonstration at Scarva as a resounding success, describing it as a powerful celebration of faith, culture and community following record-breaking attendance.