Portrait of a Nation

Spell it out!: Portrait of a Nation team

Sophia Hussain and Simon Cantrill are both taking part in the Portrait of a Nation project and went down to London to explain to MPs what it's all about. Never having been inside Parliament before it was a big day for both of them, but it was something they both felt was very worthwhile doing because they feel the project is so important.

Sophia gets the Westminster lowdown

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the idea behind Portrait of a Nation is simple: it's a chance for young people from Bradford and 17 other cities across the UK to look at what's so special to them about where they come from, their local culture, community and - one of 2008's real buzzwords - identity. It all culminates in Liverpool in December when all the group's hard work between now and then climaxes in a spectacular festival in the European Capital of Culture.

The Honourable Members down at Westminster wanted to find out more about how Bradford's team is approaching this challenge - the only team besides Liverpool's which has been asked to do go down to London to show what they're planning to do and why. Sophia and Simon were chosen for the job and they've been telling us how it went!

Sophia Hussain writes:

"We arrived in London and got the tube to the head office for the HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund). We were given the time to meet and greet the people behind the funding for Portrait of a Nation, and had lunch.

We then made our way to the House of Commons. I have always walked past Westminster never really getting the opportunity to appreciate the architectural and historic site.

Sophia, Louise Ellman, Simon & Big Ben!

We were seen to as soon as possible. The security was tight, just like at an airport as I've been told. I felt it was straightforward and simple. We entered the Parliament grounds and were taken to our committee room. It was very daunting entering a glorious and grand room. We went to the front and looked back on all the seats. I felt intimidated by the size and structure but was really excited.

The journalists and Members of Parliament began to arrive. Our presentation was very clear and concise. I had a tremendous amount of fun! At first I was nervous and started off quite quiet, but as we got on I began to shine through and enjoy myself, hence my nerves were calmer and I smiled a lot more.

After our briefing, we were given a tour around the grounds which was brilliant as I really got to see the structure of the building and learn many facts. Westminster Hall has been standing for over a thousand years which was amazing. The halls were great, absolutely gloriously decorated and the chambers were grand. It was absolutely brilliant visiting the Houses of Parliament. We got the chance to learn the difference between the House of Lords and the Commons.

We also met [Liverpool MP] Louise Ellman and spoke to her assistant in detail about what it takes to join a party. I am hoping to arrange a visit down to the Houses of Parliament as I am on the Youth Parliament in Bradford and we have been trying to get our support workers to take us down but - due to funding - haven't been able to. Louise has told us she will support us so - fingers crossed - we will be visiting again."

Simon Cantrill writes:

"Our trip to Parliament was a great trip, mostly for personal reasons.

Louise Ellman MP chats with Simon

I have never had the chance to enter the Houses of Parliament before and it was quite an experience. It's a very grand and sometimes overwhelming experience because of the power and tradition that sits under its 19th century roof.

I think our main task was successful. Me and Sophia successfully and eloquently expressed our situation in Bradford and what we intended to do for Portrait of a Nation.

Although we were addressing mostly researchers I'm sure our enthusiasm will keep it large in the MPs' minds.

We also got a tour from Louise Ellman's researcher, Chris Lloyd, who took us on a great tour and to some places where the public don't normally go!"

The BBC West Yorkshire webteam are hoping to follow Bradford's Portrait of a Nation team through the year and all the way to Liverpool in December 2008. Watch this space to find out what's going on - and why not visit the Portrait of a Nation website to get all the latest lowdown? Just click on the link below...