In recent weeks, Alex Burghart, the Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar, has undertaken a series of local engagements, connecting with young residents and community sports organisations. His visits to Kelvedon Hatch Primary School and Brentwood Town Football Club provided valuable insights into the concerns and aspirations of the area's youth, while also showcasing the vibrant community spirit that underpins local initiatives.
Primary School Pupils Raise Unusual Concerns
During his time at Kelvedon Hatch Primary School, Burghart was treated to a demonstration of the school's forest school activities. Pupils enthusiastically showed him how to light fires using flints, toast marshmallows, and engage in creative play with ropes and sticks. These hands-on learning experiences are part of a broader educational approach that encourages outdoor skills and environmental awareness.
As is customary during such visits, the MP offered students the opportunity to ask questions about his role and responsibilities. While inquiries about meeting the King are frequent and met with confirmation of a pleasant encounter, Burghart noted a surprising and pragmatic line of questioning from the primary school children. They expressed concerns about potholes in the local area, highlighting an issue that directly impacts their daily lives and community safety.
"I was very happy to pass on their comments and concerns to Essex County Council," Burghart stated, acknowledging the children's civic awareness. He directed residents seeking more information on pothole reporting to the official Essex Highways website, which provides resources for addressing road and pavement maintenance.
Youthful Ideas for Community Enhancement
The discussion with the pupils also turned to the positive aspects of living in Brentwood and Ongar. Both the children and the MP agreed that the constituency is fortunate to boast excellent libraries, a diverse range of playgrounds, high-quality sporting facilities, and ample green spaces. However, the young minds were not short of suggestions for improvement.
They proposed an increase in local shops selling toys and puzzles, catering to their recreational needs. One particularly popular idea was the creation of a water park in Brentwood, a facility that would provide fun, family-friendly entertainment and further enhance the area's leisure offerings.
Brentwood Town FC: A Community Success Story
Shifting focus to local sport, Burghart's visit to Brentwood Town Football Club proved equally enlightening. He toured the club's facilities and watched a match, witnessing firsthand the significant progress the organisation has made in recent years. This transformation includes the installation of a new pitch, improved on-field results, and a notable increase in matchday attendance, reflecting growing community support.
A standout initiative praised by the MP is the club's policy of allowing under-18s to watch matches for free. "I suspect there are a lot of under-18s locally who don't know this; please spread the word," Burghart urged, emphasising the importance of making this opportunity widely known to encourage youth engagement with local sport.
The Vital Role of Volunteers
The club's operations are significantly supported by the Pitching In Volunteer Hub, a scheme that assists 263 football clubs within the Trident Leagues in recruiting volunteers. Burghart learned that clubs like Brentwood Town are heavily reliant on the dedication of these individuals.
"I found out clubs like Brentwood Town could not operate without the dedication and support of these volunteers," he remarked, extending heartfelt thanks to every person who volunteers to support the community. For those interested in contributing, he pointed to the Pitching In Volunteers website as a resource for getting involved.
These visits underscore the MP's commitment to engaging with diverse segments of the Brentwood and Ongar constituency, from schoolchildren with practical concerns to sports clubs thriving through community effort. The interactions highlight both the challenges, like infrastructure maintenance, and the strengths, such as volunteerism and youth creativity, that define the local area.
