Friday 23 April 2004

Fife school banner design 'links past with future'

Students and staff of Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline will meet MP Anne Picking, Convener of Fife Council John Simpson, UNISON UK President Dave Anderson and representatives from Fife Miners' Gala Organisers at a civic reception at Dunfermline City Chambers on Friday 23 April at 6.00pm.

They have been successful in designing a winning banner to be used for the Fife Miners' Gala. A project that was commissioned by UNISON to mark Anne Picking MP's Presidential year. She picked this project for backing under the UNISON Arts Sponsorship scheme, because of her family connections with the mining community in Fife.

Fife Council Convener John Simpson said: "This is a splendid piece of work and I would like to congratulate the pupils and their teachers on their creativity and skill in creating this banner. "Fife has a long mining tradition and I am delighted that through this project these young people will have learned something about the history of mining in Fife. This banner also means that they too have now contributed to that rich mining history. I am sure that many people will get great enjoyment from seeing this banner on display at the Fife Mining Archive and the pupils should be very proud of that.

"I would also like to thank UNISON and in particular Anne Picking MP, for having organised this art competition."

UNISON President, Dave Anderson said "Every presidents Art Commision is unique to that person. I am very glad that Anne has chosen to use both a medium and a message that reflects her pride in mining communities and that she has worked with local children to produce the commission. In doing so she has shown the need to build links between our past and our future."

You are welcome to attend the ceremony and send photographers. Please contact Chris Bartter, numbers below to let us know you are coming.

ENDS

Note for Editors - the UNISON arts sponsorship scheme - established in 1987 - exists to fund the commissioning of a piece of artwork each year. UNISON's national President makes a personal choice to commission a new piece of artwork in whatever medium they want. The Fife Miners Gala Banner was the winning design of a number submitted by students of Fife schools.

For Further Information Please Contact: Bill Gilby (Head of Gen Secs Office) 07887 660 825(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m) Fife Council Press Office 01592413989

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