Oswestry pupils invited to express their creative writing skills
A creative writing competition for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils in Oswestry has been launched as part of an alcohol awareness campaign.
The competition, initiated by Vince Hunt, local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry West, and supported by Oswestry Community Alcohol Partnership (Os-CAP), invites pupils to submit a piece of creative writing portraying a negative experience of alcohol.
Winners for each key stage will receive a £100 gift voucher of their choice, and runners up will receive a £25 gift voucher.
Competition packs have been given to teachers at local schools to provide scenario ideas to pupils alongside example poems and stories. Some of the sample pieces for the packs were researched and selected by Oswestry librarian Heather Rodenhurst.
Os-CAP is a Shropshire Council-led project aimed at addressing underage drinking in Oswestry. A partnership approach with local Shropshire Councillors, schools, policing teams, public protection, community organization, pubs and off-licence retailers has been undertaken since 2011. The group is supporting the countywide Shrop-CAP project to reduce the incidents of underage drinking, raise awareness of the dangers and support initiatives that help to explore alternative activities in the town.
Councillor Vince Hunt, chair of Os-CAP, encouraging young people to enter the competition, said:
“I came up with the idea of the writing competition, as we wanted to engage with younger people to get them to think about the harmful effects alcohol can cause, whether it’s impacting on a loved one’s health or a family relationship. This is a really good opportunity for children to get creative through writing, whilst also thinking about the negative effects of alcohol. I hope many will get involved, and look forward to presenting our winners with their prizes.”
Entries can be submitted until 22 May, with judging beginning week beginning 27 May. Winners will be announced at a presentation at CAP Fest, which is a youth diversionary activity taking place in Cae Glass Park on 31 May 2013.
For more information about the competition contact Steve White, Oswestry community action officer, on 01691 677207.
For more information about the Shrop-CAP project visit www.shropcap.wordpress.com.
