Ulverston Victoria High School and Sandside Lodge Special School have over the past few years been promoting cultural links with a school in Mexico City. The theme of these visits is Human Rights and Citizenship.

On Wednesday evening the 9th July, 2008 I was invited to attend a formal welcoming and reception for nine Mexican students and seven teachers from Secundaria Tecnica 44 in Mexico City.

The event took place in the Coronation Hall, which was set out in cabaret style, Ulverston Victoria Swing Band played mood music and there was a buffet set out at the back of the room.

Various welcoming speeches were given by Mr. Denis Fay, Acting Head UVHS, Martin Alloway Headmaster Sandside Lodge Special School, Julie Wilkinson, Chairman of the Governing Body and myself. This was followed by a dance piece by UVHS students. Brenda Wile, Head of Service for Building Schools for the Future in Cumbria spoke of the importance of these visits and Sandside Lodge students gave a Video presentation of their visit to Mexico in November 2007. After a few more speeches the Mexican students gave a dance piece in National Costume.

I invited the students and teachers to attend Ulverston Town Council meeting on the following Monday, this they did. The Town Council welcomed everyone and after a presentation of gifts our guests stayed for part of the meeting to see how democracy works in this Country.