Justin Tomlinson MP visited Ferndale Primary School one evening to see the Britannia Majorettes, a junior military style brass instrumental marching majorette troupe, rehearse their routines.
The group of girls, aged from 5-16, meet once a week to practice their marching and music, tying it all together into an engaging and impressive display.
The Majorettes aim to build confidence in young girls who are particularly shy or come from challenging backgrounds. One of the parents who help run the troupe explained how the Britannia Majorettes originally started in Pinehurst, helping to strengthen that sense of community among young residents and build their confidence. It has now expanded to draw members from all over Swindon.
The girls put on their full uniforms to demonstrate to Justin one of their latest routines that they have been working on over the past few months.
Justin said "I was extremely impressed by the very professional routine. It must take a very good memory to remember what to do next for the full 15 minutes and a great deal of skill to keep in time!
"I think the opportunities the Majorettes offer to Swindon's girls are fantastic, and I could not believe that a group of such confident, enthusiastic young girls were once shy. I wish them all the best for the future and I look forward to seeing them march again."
