Two Brentwood schoolchildren have helped to design the Mayor of Brentwood’s Christmas card this year.
Children from schools throughout Brentwood were invited to draw a picture to decorate the front of the card and to write a poem along of the theme of ‘my Christmas wish’ or the message inside.
After receiving hundreds of entries, the Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Mark Reed was helped by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Noelle Hones, and Natasha and Jim Radford from the Chicken and Frog children’s bookshop had the difficult task of choosing the winners.
They are:
· Lilley Crossley, Year 3 at Ingatestone and Fryerning C of E School, who designed the picture.
· Amelia Aston-Jobin, aged 10, Year 6, Ingatestone and Fryerning C of E School, who wrote the poem.
They have won prizes from the Chicken and Frog bookshop and Piccola and will receive a certificate in addition to copies of the Christmas card!
They have also been invited to join the Mayor when he switches on the Christmas lights at Lighting Up Brentwood on Saturday 28 November at 5pm. Amelia’s sister Grace will take her place as Amelia is unable to attend.
Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Mark Reed, said: “It was a difficult job selecting the picture and poem from amongst hundreds of entries from local schools. The standard of the drawing was excellent, and there were many discussions around which would make the best Christmas card.
“The designs were original with so many different depictions of Christmas. The chosen design was original and colourful and ideal as a Christmas card.
“This year I introduced a competition to write a poem with the title My Christmas Wish. I chose a piece that reflected both the excitement we all feel about Christmas, as well as the reminder that we should think of others.
“And at my Civic Carol Service the following week, I will be reading the poem as it has the perfect Christmas message.”
Natasha Radford, from the Chicken and Frog bookshop, said: “The standard for both the Christmas cards and the poems was very high, showing creativity and a great understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. It was a pleasure and honour to help the Mayor make the final decisions.”
