The annual Christmas competition organised by Assembly Member Mick Antoniw and Member of Parliament, Owen Smith has just got bigger and better!
For the first time all pupils in special, infants and primary schools in the Pontypridd constituency will be invited to take part and, in addition to prizes for the winning artist and two runners-up, there’ll be a very special prize for the winning school, courtesy of the competition sponsors Edwards Coaches.
Launching the new look competition, Mick Antoniw said, “We have had great feedback from teachers and parents in previous years and Taff Ely schools are clearly full of talented youngsters. Every year the young artists give us a real headache when we try to choose the winner, so this year I’m expecting the judging meeting to be very long indeed!”
The winning entry will be featured on the joint AM & MP Christmas card, which is sent out to recipients across the UK.
Last year’s competition was won by Katie Griffiths, from Maesybryn Primary. Katie’s mum, Lucie Griffiths said, “There was a real buzz about the school when the children were doing their drawings and paintings for last year’s competition. Katie didn’t know she had won, so was really surprised when her mum and dad turned up at the school to take part in the presentation. I felt so proud!”
Helping to judge the competition will be Pontypridd legend Beverley Humphreys and Julie Griffiths, from Edwards Coaches.
Julie Griffiths commented, “We’re delighted to be able to sponsor this competition for the fifth consecutive year and I’m thrilled to be asked to be part of the judging panel. Edwards supplies bus services to more than twenty-five local schools, so we have a real connection to this fantastic competition.”
Fellow judge, opera singer and radio presenter Beverley Humphreys said, “I’m really excited about this competition. Pontypridd and Taff Ely people have excelled in all sorts of artistic fields over the years, so I’m looking forward to seeing what this new generation can do. I know we won’t be disappointed.”
Owen Smith added, “We’re really excited about what our brilliant young artists will produce on this year’s theme of ‘A Welsh Christmas’. Entry packs are arriving in schools right now and we’re looking forward to all our local schools getting involved and to presenting the fabulous prizes just in time for Christmas.”
Here’s how to get involved
The competition is open to all infants, primary and special schools in the Pontypridd constituency. Entry forms have been sent to all head teachers, but additional copies can be requested on 01443 406400. The deadline for submitting entries is the 31st October 2017.
The winning entry and two runners-up will receive vouchers at a special presentation in December. The winning pupils’ school will also win £500 in travel vouchers and both the school and winning pupil will receive framed copies of the winning designed. Schools can download the entry form here: 3063 How to enter poster BILINGUAL A4 card