Last updated at 11:51, Thursday, 13 November 2008

On 20th October 2008, secondary school pupils from St Benedicts School, agencies and community representatives attended two performances and workshops of “At Home with the Wiltons” at St Peters Parish Community Hall, South Whitehaven.

The play by Solent People’s Theatre Group, featured a family described as a cross between the fictional television clans the Waltons and the Simpsons.

On 20th October 2008, secondary school pupils from St Benedicts School, agencies and community representatives attended two performances and workshops of “At Home with the Wiltons” at St Peters Parish Community Hall, South Whitehaven. The play by Solent People’s Theatre Group, featured a family described as a cross between the fictional television clans the Waltons and the Simpsons.

The Wiltons are an average family with average problems. All is well until Mr Wilton is made redundant and offers to manage the family budget when Mrs Wilton goes back to work. With a few changes perhaps he can finally afford some of the things he has always wanted – like a big screen television.

The play followed the adventures of Mr Wilton as he learns about the economics of everyday life, how banks work, borrowing, easy credit, illegal lending and asks the essential question, “What is money?”

The financial information which integrates carefully into the play, used drama, physical theatre, narration, multimedia, music and audience participation to make its case. The play was followed by a workshop where members of the audience each had the chance to participate using individual electronic keypads.

“At Home with the Wiltons” is part of Money Matters, a three-year project helping people to improve the way they deal with their finances.

The project was run with the support of sponsors including the Neighbourhood Management Partnerships of south Whitehaven and south Workington, Copeland and Allerdale Borough Councils, Cumbria County Council, Home Group North West, Copeland Homes, Two Castles, Derwent and Solway Housing Association, Impact Housing and Westfield Housing Associations, West Cumbria Strategic Partnership, Lakes College, the Keswick Area Partnership and NHS Cumbria.

If you or anyone that you know is experiencing problems with their family finances you/they can seek help from:

Citizen’s Advice Bureau – Tel: 01946 518250
Outreach Surgeries are held at:
St Peters Parish Community Hall every Tuesday 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
Mirehouse Community Centre every Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Whitehaven Credit Union – Tel: 01946 66755

First published at 11:43, Thursday, 13 November 2008
Published by http://www.southwhitehavenlocal.co.uk