Oxfordshire Museum launches children’s creative writing competition
Young people who live near the Oxfordshire Museum are being invited to show off their creative writing skills and be in with a chance to win £50 in a new competition.
The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum’s new contest is seeking imaginative stories of up to 500 words, inspired by an object currently on display at the Oxfordshire County Council operated museum.
It is open to everyone aged between seven and 11 years old within a 10 mile radius of the museum in Woodstock.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “There’s an array of pieces on display spanning the centuries. This is an opportunity to think creatively about the objects and the stories behind them – it’s time to let imaginations run wild.
“There’s only one way to get involved though, and that’s to come to the museum and see what’s on offer.”
The deadline for submission is 9am on 23 May. Application forms can be collected and entries submitted in person at the museum or by email.
Edward Dowler, Chair of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: “The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum have a mission to encourage young people to visit with a sense of wonder. The exhibits are not just ‘old stuff’ – each one contains fragments of people’s lives from the past.”
Shortlisted entries will be judged by Dr Hagan Bayley, owner of Woodstock Bookshop and patron of the friends, and local artist Jane Tomlinson.
The winner will receive a cash prize of £50, with their name engraved on the trophy. Awards will be given at a celebratory event on 11 July.
There is also more information available about artifacts on display, and much more, on the council’s online Heritage Search tool.
Find out more about what’s on the Oxfordshire Museum by visiting the museum’s website.
The Friends of Oxfordshire Museum charity was founded by volunteers back in 1992 to provide support to the museum. Learn more about the charity by visiting its website.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.