Catherine Ashton

16 April 2003

(Photograph) - Sure Start minister Catherine Ashton joined more than 350 people at an all-day celebration when she opened the custom-built premises for Sure Start Bellingham in the London borough of Lewisham. Children and adults enjoyed African music and storytelling by children's author Tony Bradman. Baroness Ashton described the community-based group as 'an example of true partnership'. She planted a tree in the centre's garden to symbolise the spirit of partnership and optimism. There was also a wishing tree specially created for the day, on which visitors hung their wishes for the community on pieces of paper that filled the tree by the end of the day. Sure Start Bellingham will use their ideas as a way to identify needs for services. Photograph by Steve Hickey

(Photograph) - Sure Start minister Catherine Ashton joined more than 350 people at an all-day celebration when she opened the custom-built premises for Sure Start Bellingham in the London borough of Lewisham. Children and adults enjoyed African music and storytelling by children's author Tony Bradman.

Baroness Ashton described the community-based group as 'an example of true partnership'. She planted a tree in the centre's garden to symbolise the spirit of partnership and optimism. There was also a wishing tree specially created for the day, on which visitors hung their wishes for the community on pieces of paper that filled the tree by the end of the day. Sure Start Bellingham will use their ideas as a way to identify needs for services. Photograph by Steve Hickey