Local people are invited get creative to be part of events to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
The Royal British Legion (Granby Barnstone and District Branch) has launched a Grand Art Competition with the theme of ‘The Poppy’. With backing from local company Tarmac through its Cement Plant at Barnstone, the competition is open to all local residents, uniformed youth groups, art groups and school groups in three age ranges – 11 and under; 12-18; Adult.
Entrants can choose one of three art categories to get creative with the Poppy theme – drawing/painting/mixed media; photography/graphic design; textiles/sculpture. And the competition will culminate in a Grand Art Final and Exhibition in Granby Village Hall on 29 and 30 September.
Andrew Charlett of the Granby RBL says: “This initiative has raised awareness within the local community of the dedication and sacrifice made by local men when they enlisted during the period from 1914 – 18 to fight to protect the freedom that future generations have enjoyed. Many of these men were employed at the cement works in Barnstone, and over the many years that it has been in operation there has always been a close tie with the local community. We are grateful that Tarmac has come on board as our sponsor.
“This Poppy Art Competition encourages members of the local community of a wide age range to focus on what was accomplished during the Great War and the debt we owe to our service men and women who continue to protect our liberty. A further reminder of this will be made when several local churches will be ringing a Quarter Peal to commemorate the 1,400 bell ringers from across the country who lost their lives in this conflict.
“All of the funds raised through this competition will go towards the work of the Royal British Legion, bringing hope and support to serving individuals, veterans, and their families across the UK and beyond.”
Chris Stephens, Barnstone Cement Plant Manager went along to Langar Primary School near Bingham to launch the competition. He added: “This competition encourages people from across the local community to play their part in commemorating this important milestone. We are delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion and we look forward to seeing the array of art talent on display in September.”
Emily Brown, Acting Head Teacher of Langar Primary School said: “We are delighted to be able to take part in this, as the competition links so well with our school values. The children have thoughtfully reflected on World War 1 and shown the upmost respect when talking about the sacrifices made. As a school we always mark Remembrance Day and the children have used their experiences of this to create their artwork. Opportunities like this one are also invaluable for building links with the wider community and allowing our pupil’s work to be shared with them.”
Competition details:
• One entry per person per category
• Entries should be submitted during the week commencing 10 September with closing date Monday 17 September.
• Entries will be displayed in the exhibition over the weekend of 29 and 30 September, with winners being announced at 3pm on Sunday 30 September.
• Trophies will be given to winners and runners-up in each category and age group.
• They should be posted, or hand delivered to RBL Poppy Art, c/o Summer Cottage, Green Lane, Granby, Notts.
• Entry fees (which will go to the Poppy Appeal) are £5/adult; entry for under 18s is free.
• For further information please contact [email protected].
Picture caption: Andrew Charlett and Julie Powell from the Granby Barnstone and District branch of the Royal British Legion (front second and third from right) launch their WW1 commemoration art competition at Langar School with sponsors Tarmac (Chris Stephens & Steve Odell, back row left and centre); and headteacher Emily Brown (front row, right) with some of the pupils.