Newport school children watched the big England game alongside their counterparts from a tiny Slovenian village – thanks to special video link-up.
Pupils from Burton Borough School, on Audley Avenue, were able to talk to children at Lucijan Bratkovic Bratus school, in the north Slovenian village of Rence, during half time of Wednesday’s World Cup clash via web cam. The live images were broadcast on a specially erected projector screen.
Assistant head teacher at Burton Borough Robert Powell explained that the link-up was made possible by a new partnership between the two schools.
He said: “The partnership was due to commence in September but we brought it forward in order to be able to do this. We are involved with a number of European schools in a healthy eating and living partnership.
“This was a great chance for some of our pupils to talk to some of theirs and greet them electronically.
“There was some talk about football and other topics. It’s the first time we’ve done this and it’s just a good way to begin to experience different cultures.”
In the end it was the Newport children who had most to smile about as England scraped a 1-0 win.
Burton Borough will be taking a group of children to Slovenia and welcoming some Slovenes to Newport over the next couple of years. The link-up is funded by the European Economic Community.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Newport workers managed to beg, borrow or steal time off work to watch the game in pubs.
The Phez, on Upper Bar, was at near capacity while business was also booming at The Barley and The Shakespeare.
Phez landlord Paul Quinn spelled out the financial implications of England success for Newport pubs.
He said: “It’s up the pubs to create an enjoyable atmosphere and capitalise.”
By Sean Wozencroft
