YOUNG ARTISTS IMPRESS JUDGES WITH CREATIVITY IN CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

Family and home were dominant themes in this year’s Heart of England Co-operative Society Christmas card competition.
Hundreds of entries were received from school children between the ages of 8 – 11 from schools throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and south Leicestershire unveiling an abundance of artistic talent.

The theme, ‘What Christmas Means to You’, this year revealed that it was core family values which were at the heart of children’s thoughts this Christmas.

In terms of design, the children had a free reign with the only requirement to incorporate the Heart of England Co-operative Society logo within their illustration.

It is the tenth year in which the Heart of England Co-operative Society has held this exciting competition and the standard of entries did not disappoint.

The content of the cards was imaginative and creative and the finished products were highly accomplished making judging a difficult task.

The judging panel drawn from local business leaders and media included Charles Barker, Coventry Telegraph, Steve Orchard, Touch Radio, Ian Neale CEO Ian Neale Construction Group and BBC CWR’s Bob Brolly along with representatives of the Heart of England Co-operative Society including the Chief Executive Ali Kurji.

The entries had to be produced in school and the design had to be suitable so that it could be reproduced in a printed form for use by the Society.

The overall winner, Hannah Casey aged 9 from Milverton House School in Nuneaton designed a charming interpretation of a traditional fireside scene.

Runners up were Leah Martin (9) from Willenhall Community Primary School and Paige Taylor Williams, also 9, from St. Osburg’s School in Coventry.

As a result of Hannah’s efforts Milverton House School will receive £500 in Co-operative vouchers and for Hannah Co-operative vouchers to the value of £50 for the winning entry. Leah and Paige receive £30 each with their schools winning prizes of £250 which will include a choice of high tech electrical equipment such as portable TV’s and audio equipment.

The winners were as follows:-

First prize:
Hannah Casey, aged 9, Milverton House School, Nuneaton

Runners Up:
Leah Martin, 9, Willenhall Community Primary School
Paige Taylor-Williams, 9, St Osburg’s School, Coventry

Commended:
Raveena Dehir, 9, Longford Park Primary School, Coventry
Courtney Baker, 11, Radford Primary School, Coventry
Rachel Fixter, 9, St. Peter’s Primary School, Market Bosworth
Kirsty Grewcock, 8, Richmond Primary School, Hinckley
Abrar Vedechhia, 10, John Gulson Primary School, Coventry
Lily Williamson, The Kingsley School, Leamington Spa
Stephanie Harris, 8, Towlands Primary School, Earl Shilton
Natalia Kazmic, 9, St Maries Catholic Junior School, Rugby
Jamie Hillyard, Weavers Close C of E Primary School, Earl Shilton

The winning entry along with the finalists will be featured at the Society’s Department Store in Abbey St. Nuneaton

Ali Kurji, Chief Executive, Heart of England Co-operative Society commented: “The Society’s annual Christmas card competition is one of the most popular events on the calendar.

“The level of time devoted by both the young children and teachers alike is tremendous and the resulting entries demonstrate the high levels of talent which are to be found amongst some of these youngsters.

“We congratulate them all.”