Young South Downs writers mark National Parks Week

Young South Downs writers mark National Parks Week

July 28, 2014

Children from Medstead C of E Primary School have won first and second place in a competition asking them to write about ‘My best day in the South Downs’.

Fred Kavanagh, age 10, won first place for his vivid description of ‘Iconic Goodwood’ and Lorna Plumridge, also 10, won second place for a sweet tale of a family day out at ‘The Zig-Zag Path’.

Third place went to Molly Howick, age 8, from Central C of E Junior School in Chichester for her imaginative description of Kingley Vale.

The competition was held to celebrate the opening of the new South Downs Centre and the winners’ announcement marks the start of UK National Parks’ week, which this year has the theme of ‘Space to Grow’. Fred received his prize from Trevor Beattie, CEO of the South Downs National Park Authority, at a special Open Day at the South Downs Centre, in Midhurst on 27 July where short films of each of the winners reading their entries were shown.

Amanda Elmes, who leads on learning for the South Downs National Park Authority, helped to judge the competition. Amanda said:
“What better way to celebrate the young people who will be the future stewards of the South Downs and the people – teachers, family and others – who are inspiring them to love the National Park’s landscapes? All of the entries were fantastic but Fred, Lorna and Molly’s particularly jumped out and I hope others will be as inspired by their writing as I was.”

Written in the style of a travel review, the 500 word entries could focus on one just one place or a whole area; a much-loved walk, the best place to spot butterflies or have a picnic or a favourite attraction. The judges were looking for well written, journalistic articles that captured the readers’ imagination and inspire them to go out and visit the places described.

Fred has won a family ticket to Marwell Zoo, Lorna has won a £20 book token and Molly has won a £10 book token. Fred also gets a visit from a South Downs National Park ranger to talk to his class about the National Park.