NINE budding novelists hit the ‘write’ chord with judges of this year’s Knutsford Heritage Centre Story Writing Competition.

The winning writers were guests of honours at a special prize-giving on November 26 after their imaginative tales impressed judges Knutsford Guardian News Editor James Wilson, Poet Charlotte Peters Rock and Volunteer Emma Dearman.

Mums and dads were also invited to the Heritage Centre to enjoy a glass of wine and watch as prizes were presented to each worthy winner by Deputy Mayor Clr Neil Forbes.

Volunteer Val Dawson, who helped organise the competition, said: “We had a record number of entries this year, including some from Knutsford Academy who took part for the first time alongside the primary schools.

“It is vital that these links are encouraged, that young people take part in community activities and learn about their town’s history and heritage. We will need them in years to come.”

During the evening volunteer Emma Dearman gave a formative review of each child’s story and poet Charlotte Peters Rock read a poem especially written for the event.

James Wilson, news editor at the Guardian, added there were some really impressive entries in this year’s competition.

“We had a terrific amount of entries this year so it was tough to even get them down to a shortlist,” he said.

“Some of the stories were really entertaining and it was great to see the children’s imaginations in action.”

Winners of each category received a large chocolate medal, a big bag of sweets and a £12 Waterstones voucher. Runners-up received a medium bag of sweets and a £7 Waterstones voucher and highly commended; a small bag of sweets and a £5 Waterstones voucher.

Val wanted to thank everyone who dedicated time to the competition, including the centre’s volunteers and the judges, as well as Mr Simms, Waitrose, Technotype and Waterstones, who donated prizes for the winners.

WINNERS YEARS 3/4
First place Charlotte Barker of Bexton School, runner-up Ellen Ramsey of Bexton School, highly commended Maddie Davies of St Vincent’s School.
WINNERS YEARS 5/6
First place Finlay Saunders of Bexton School, runner-up Tom Woodlands of Bexton School, highly commended Katie Macdonald Smith of St Vincent’s School and Annemicke de Jong of Bexton School.
WINNERS YEARS 7/8
First place Hope Philpott of Knutsford Academy, runner-up Harvey Reyer of Knutsford Academy.

Charlotte Peters Rock

(Written for Knutsford Heritage Centre
Prizegiving November 2013)

The Right to Write

You write – and having writ – move on
Remembering their words forever
Or – if no words are spoken –
Thinking that your words don’t matter
Yet they do

Each word you write contains some part
Of all those things your minds discover
Or – if no record’s taken –
You will think ‘It doesn’t matter’
Yet it does

In centuries of generations
With no right to write – they hover
Children of imagination
Taught to think that ‘thoughts don’t matter’
But they did

This is your mark – made in stories
You have right to write – Uncover
If I’m not mistaken
What you wish – Your thoughts do matter
Yes – They do

Charlotte Peters Rock
charlottepetersrock.blogspot.com