The newly launched Lambourn Youth Council, a project funded by the SNG #iwill Fund and spearheaded by the Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company, held its first meeting and what a meeting it was! With enthusiasm, big ideas, and plenty of ambition, the council got off to a flying start, setting the stage for a bright future for young voices in Lambourn.
A Special Guest to Kick Things Off
The meeting was officially opened by Lee Dillon, the Member of Parliament for Newbury, who shared his inspiring story of starting his political journey as a member of a youth council. He encouraged the young council members to dream big and make their voices heard. In a particularly exciting moment, Lee extended a special invitation for the council to hold a meeting at the Houses of Parliament, complete with a tour of the Commons and Lords.
Needless to say, this was met with enthusiasm and a few wide-eyed smiles.
A Radio Revolution?
Adding to the excitement, Chris and Andy from 4 Legs Radio gave a lively presentation on running a radio station. Their offer for council members to host their own show on 4 Legs Radio sparked an explosion of ideas. From equestrian-themed programmes to interviews with local personalities, sports coverage, and even playlists of their favourite songs, the young councillors were buzzing with possibilities. It seems a Lambourn Youth Council Radio Show might just be on the horizon!
Big Ideas, Bigger Plans
The meeting wasn’t just talk. Council members, aged between 11 and 17, got stuck into planning how they’d like to run their meetings. They unanimously agreed that sessions should be closed to adults including parents, with only the two safeguarding adults present—an important step in fostering independence.
The group brainstormed an impressive list of ideas for improving Lambourn, proving that young people can think creatively and practically. Here are some of their standout suggestions:
- Zip line on the cricket field
- Keeping the River Lambourn pristine
- Obstacle courses and equipment for older kids
- A painted running track
- Art and media clubs
- Benches or enclosed bus stops
- A sensory trail in the woods
- Football clubs for boys and girls
- An OAP party to connect generations
- And many more!
With a £9,000 budget to bring some of these ideas to life, the council has plenty to work with. Their next meeting will delve deeper into which projects to prioritise and how to get started with voting in the key positions of Chair, Treasurer and other roles.
Budget-Savvy Decisions
In a mature and thoughtful move, the council voted to skip pizza at future meetings, choosing instead to save funds for their Lambourn improvement projects. A small sacrifice, but one that speaks volumes about their commitment to their community.
Feedback from the Floor
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a taste of what the members had to say:
- “I think today was good – it is quite calm and chill” (4/5)
- “I love this club” (5/5)
- “I think it will be very good for the community and us” (5/5)
- “Useful – I like that I get to share my ideas” (5/5)
- “I’m not nervous anymore; at first, I was nervous but not anymore” (5/5)
Of course, there’s always room for improvement. One member noted, “Well, I do mean it was boring, but I would come back and insist it be a bit more exciting.” Challenge accepted!
What’s Next?
The Lambourn Youth Council is off to a fantastic start, and it’s clear they’re brimming with potential. With big ideas, strong community support, and their sights set on projects that will make Lambourn an even better place to live, the future looks bright.
If you would like to support the Lambourn Youth Council financially or maybe offer to present to the Youth Council please get in touch: mail@lambournjunction.uk
The Lambourn Youth Council is a project by The Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company, a not for profit company focused on community activities in the Valley of the Racehorse. www.lambournjunction.uk
The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. Sovereign Network Group (SNG) is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.
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