Author: Sal
Wall of Protest: Vox Pops From Last Public Schools Demo
Saturday, 15th March, 2008 at 7:49 pm, Isle of Wight
The last public demo in objection to the proposed mass closure of at least 22 primary schools and one middle school (incidentally - the most highly equipped school on the Wight, Nodehill) took place in Newport today.
According to the Police, there were around 500 people on the march which departed Church Litten at 11am and the Wall of Protest made its way down to County Hall. In our view, these were pretty good numbers given the horrid weather, lack of support from certain quarters and the fact that the results were already in for the survey.
Everyone gathered outside County Hall for around half an hour in the pouring rain and then made their way back to Church Litten.
There were many schools present with banners, including in no particular order, St Helen’s, Solent Middle, Greenmount, Gunnard, St Margaret’s - Ventnor, Brading, Oakfield, St John’s, Chillerton & Rookley, Whippingham and Yarmouth.
We spoke to many people during the march and asked one simple question ….
From the outset, what was your understanding of the reason for mass school closures?
There seemed to be a state of confusion as to the real reason for the proposed closures, but take a listen and hear for yourselves.
In addition one lady spoke at length about the confusion of completing a questionnaire, so we thought we’d keep her vox pops separate.
School Reform, podcast, Education
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March 15th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Wow, Ventnor Blog! What revealing interviews. I’m so glad you take the time and trouble to do this. Thankyou.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:54 am
I was there with Wroxall Primary & Pre Schools supporters (2 of my grandchildren were with me one attends Wroxall Primary)and I am in your vox pops so thank you for allowing us to voice our opinions…
Stay strong people…!!!
March 16th, 2008 at 8:45 am
The council got it wrong. Plain and simple.
Whether they deliberately misled the public or were merely confused really doesn’t matter. They are not fit to govern!