‘Save your pennies’

The next generation of savers have been given an early insight into the value and impact of money by a leading regional building society.

More than 250 year seven and eight pupils at Welshpool High School took part in a quiz and other interactive elements during a special ‘Money Go Round’ workshop delivered by the West Brom.

Rachael Jones and Tricia Jones, managers of the West Brom’s Welshpool and Newtown branches respectively, spoke to youngsters aged between 11 and 13 about issues such as the differences between a bank and a building society and what people use them for, the dangers of debt and guidance on money management.

Rachael said: “It was fantastic to have the chance to go to Welshpool High School and offer a gentle introduction to money and how it affects everybody on a day-to-day basis.

“Money can be a confusing subject and it’s important, through initiatives like this workshop, to get youngsters thinking about the various issues from an early age.  The students were very receptive to what we were saying and hopefully they found it as rewarding listening to the presentation as we did delivering it.”

Natalie Forsyth, Assistant Head Teacher at Welshpool High School, added: “Feedback from the students afterwards was very positive and all appreciated a maths lesson on such a real topic.”  The session forms part of a topic of money covered in the KS3 curriculum, equipping students with skills of handling money that will be vital in years to come.”

The West Brom branch in Welshpool can be found on Severn Street. The Society is a leading provider of financial services, notably savings, investments and residential mortgages.

PICTURE: West Brom branch managers Tricia Jones (left) and Rachael Jones (right) with students from Welshpool High School.