A Wisbech student and his tutors met the Speaker of the House of Commons – as a thank you from MP Steve Barclay for creating an impressive poster.

Cambs Times: Edward Bouch, 18 from West Walton, and his tutors Jane Goodwin and Paul Copeman toured Parliament where they met the Speaker, John BercowEdward Bouch, 18 from West Walton, and his tutors Jane Goodwin and Paul Copeman toured Parliament where they met the Speaker, John Bercow (Image: Archant)

Mr Barclay attended the Isle campus end of year art & design exhibition in June and was impressed with 2nd year graphic design student Edward Bouch’s equality and diversity poster campaign.

He then invited Edward, 18 from West Walton, and his tutors Jane Goodwin and Paul Copeman to not only tour Parliament but also to meet The Speaker John Bercow.

The Wisbech trio were met by Mr Barclay at the Houses of Parliament before taking their tour and finally having a personal audience with Speaker Bercow.

Edward’s campaign idea was born out of The ‘Inspiring Creative Futures’ sessions that make up part of the creative arts students course programme. The sessions are designed to introduce students to live briefs, competitions and the opportunity to work with real clients. It fosters confidence, an understanding of technical constraints, offers experience, kudos and puts learning into context.

Cambs Times: Edward Bouch, 18 from West Walton, and his tutors Jane Goodwin and Paul Copeman toured Parliament where they met the Speaker, John BercowEdward Bouch, 18 from West Walton, and his tutors Jane Goodwin and Paul Copeman toured Parliament where they met the Speaker, John Bercow (Image: Archant)

The college principal asked the inspiring creative futures group to run a competition to come up with an Equality & Diversity poster campaign that could be used at all 3 campuses of the college.

Edward won a £50 voucher with his winning design but little did he know that was only the start of his reward for his innovative campaign idea.

Jane Goodwin, graphic design tutor said: “We all knew Ed’s Equality & Diversity Campaign was incredibly powerful, but we had no idea that it would take us to London! We had a fantastic day at the Houses of Parliament and we haven’t stopped smiling yet!”

Ed said: “I had several ideas and it wasn’t until I came up with the tagline that I knew that was the one. However I had no idea how big this would become, and I can’t wait to see it used, whenever and wherever it is placed, as it’s such an important message.”