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 June 17, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has written to newly appointed DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan MP requesting an urgent meeting.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 17, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the enthusiasm and political engagement of students from Banbridge Academy following a recent visit by the school’s Politics class to Westminster.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 17, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated a number of local people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, praising their outstanding contributions to community life, healthcare, agriculture, business and support for young people.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 17, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the family of Blake McCaughey following a special 18-mile walk around Craigavon Lakes held in his memory.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 17, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local volunteers and community champions who work tirelessly to enhance Waringstown and foster pride in the village.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 16, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strength of community spirit across the constituency after attending two community events on Saturday, including Banbridge Rangers Football Club’s Big Breakfast and a fundraising coffee morning in support of a local family affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
By Carla Lockhart MP June 5, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has repeated calls for greater scrutiny of the publicly-funded body Shared Environmental Services (SES) based at County Hall in Ballymena.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has led a delegation to Westminster to press for the inclusion of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in the UK newborn heel-prick screening programme, following the commitment secured from the Prime Minister during Prime Minister’s Questions earlier this month.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the ABC Council Blitz Team after witnessing first-hand the positive impact their work is having across local communities.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-awaited improvement works by the Department for Infrastructure in the Mourneview area of Craigavon, particularly in and around the Spelga Park area.