YEAR Six children at Old Hutton C of E School had an amazing day in London: from tackling the tube in rush hour, to sharing pizzas and brownies in Pizza Express Victoria, to covering more than 13,000 steps while taking in all the main sights.

As the sun shone, they followed Britain’s journey to democracy in a fascinating trip around the Houses of Parliament, met Tim Farron (and lobbied him about the parking issues at school) and spotted quite a few other MPs.

They then enjoyed a very special tour around Westminster Abbey, where they saw many famous tombs and got to light a candle and sit in the choir where the royal family would sit. A huge thank you to Miss Harrison for organising such a brilliant experience and also to Rebecca for coming along to help and sharing the day with the children.

TULLIE House provided another excellent workshop opportunity for Classes One and Two. The children were introduced to the celebration and the traditions associated with the festival with a delightful dancing dragon and fabulous food sampling.

MANY thanks to Jamie Normington of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, who shared his experience and enthusiasm for protecting wildlife. He spoke of the

importance of the RSPB Bird Watch Weekend and also of his passion for the Lost Words book. Jamie joined Class Two and invited and encouraged them to listen and look for the birds visiting the school.

YEAR Two enthusiastically and confidently demonstrated their gymnastics skills as part of the Key Stage One Gymnastic Festival at the Queen Katherine School (QKS). They worked alongside and were encouraged to perform by the QKS young gymnasts, who were incredible to watch as they demonstrated their fitness and agility in the finale.

THERE will be a domino drive at New Hutton Institute tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm, with many prizes. Families are most welcome. All proceeds will go towards the institute.

IT IS the start of the WI’s Cumbria Westmorland Federation Centenary Year.

There will be a variety of events including a concert in the parish church, afternoon tea and a fashion show at Ulverston, a song and dance performance by Kendal College at the town hall and the planting of a Centenary tree at Holehird.

At the January meeting, members had an interesting demonstration by Sue Tyldesley on the 'Wonder of Wax'. It was fascinating to see how she transformed coloured wax into very attractive pictures and abstracts. Several members tried their hand producing pictures for the competition of the night. It was more difficult to decide on the winner than to make the pictures!

The next meeting on February 11 is a talk by Ruth Taylor of Age UK, whose work is very wide ranging. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at Old Hutton Public Hall at 7.30pm, and more information is available from Ruth Rigg on 722896 or Chris Bowness on 725880.

A SECRETARY is still needed for Old Hutton Church. Anyone who is interested should contact Rev Angela on 015395 60355 or Roger Millray on 01539 724833.