Workshops teach dangers of debt
JON MACPHERSON
SOAP-STYLE drama workshops have been used to warn young people about the perils of debt.
More than 450 students across Accrington have watched a dramatisation by Shontal Theatre Company aimed at challenging the debt culture through live theatre.
The group made stops at Mount Carmel High School, Broadfield Specialist School in Oswaldtwistle and Accrington Stanley Community Trust.
The interactive money management sessions were aimed at students aged 11 and over, and the young adults attending also got to try their hand at acting themselves, taking part in the performance finale.
Jo Bell, lead teacher for drama at Mount Carmel, said: ‘The performances were a good experience of live theatre, with opportunities for pupils to interact with the actors and actively participate with the content. Not all pupils have opportunity to visit theatres and watch shows, so this was an ideal introduction for many.
“The workshops hosted by the actors helped increase the self esteem of many pupils and were particularly valuable to the year 10 group who are just beginning their GCSE course and need to build confidence in their performances.”
Mount Carmel pupil Demi Harris, 13, said the performances ‘really opened our eyes to the reality of household finances’.
She said: “We didn’t realise all the different types of bills and expenses that our parents have to pay for.
“We didn’t realise for example that you have to pay for water. We just thought it came free out of a tap.”
The workshops were organised and funded by 1st Call Hyndburn, a Hyndburn Homes lottery funded project set up to help Accrington residents make the most of their money.
Elaine Embley, 1st Call Hyndburn project manager, said: “We wanted find a way to reach out to the students and educate them on the consequences of debt before they get into the debt cycle.
“The drama performances were really well received and proved a very thought provoking way of getting the message across.”
1st Call Hyndburn is based inside Accrington Arndale Centre and provides a range of flexible support and help to social housing tenants with personal budgeting and benefits information. Call Elaine on 07738 885186. A FAMILY-RUN haulage and warehousing business has marked its 45th anniversary by unveiling a special commemorative truck.
McMurrays Haulage in Oswaldtwistle has been operating since 1971 and now has a fleet of more than 50 vehicles.
To celebrate the anniversary, the company commissioned airbrush artist Matthew Paint to create portraits of founder David McMurray, who passed away in 1998, and his son Mark McMurray, who passed away in 2007, on a Volvo FH4 500 Globetrotter truck.
David McMurray Jnr, director of McMurrays Haulage, said: “As a family we felt the tribute artworks were a fitting way to mark our 45 years in business.
“We’re continually investing in our fleet with the average age of our vehicles just one year. Of course, this commemorative vehicle will stay with us much longer as it’s now a very special part of McMurrays history.”
The firm, which relocated from Church in 2014, employs 70 staff and provides a wide range of transportation services to customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
It is currently awaiting planning permission for a 15,000 sq ft warehousing and loading area.