Winners of the latest Redwings and UEA children’s writing competition revealed!
Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the University of East Anglia (UEA) are pleased to announce the winners of their second collaborative writing competition, judged by children’s author Joyce Dunbar.
Rosie, age seven, has been awarded first place in the six to 12 category with her poem ‘Neigh Neigh’, about a horse, and Annabel, age 15, has been awarded first place in the 13-18 category with her piece called ‘Bella’, about a dog.
You can read the winning entries here.
Children were encouraged to write a story or a poem about an animal (real or mythical) that had an extraordinary ability, taking inspiration from Anna Sewell’s beloved book Black Beauty, a special edition of which was published by Redwings and the UEA Publishing Project to raise funds for the charity.
The entries were shortlisted by judges Professor Thomas Ruys Smith and Dr Hilary Emmett – who are reviving a selection of children’s books – and Dr Daisy Henwood, all from the UEA, along with Nicola Knight, Head of Communications and Campaigns, from Redwings. The winners, first to third place, were then selected by Joyce, who said it was a tough process: “This ought to be easy but it isn’t, they all have merit and have all done well.”
Winner Rosie, whose family have a Cob cross called Mr Flint, said: “I did this poem because I like horses and I maybe want to be a person that helps horses one day, like the people at Redwings. I wanted to tell a happy story about a magic horse. I entered because I like to help charities, and I love the horses at Redwings. It feels amazing to be the winner of the competition and I feel proud of myself.”
Winner Annabel’s mum Kerrie said: “The inspiration for Annabel’s poem came from discussing ideas with (tutor) Victoria and discussing themes suggested on the entry form.
“Annabel is happy to have her story shared as widely as possible and is very proud of her accomplishments as she is dyslexic and struggles with dyspraxia which makes writing hard. However, Annabel loves writing and has written many short stories which often include animals.”
Runners up in each category, and honourable mentions, went to:
Six -12 years old category
2nd Place – Beatrix, age 11, with ‘Confusion’
3rd Place – Sophia, age seven, with ‘The snake who could read’
13-18 years old category
2nd Place – Maja, age 13, with ‘Milo, the cat of the crossroads’
3rd Place – Rhiannon, age 15, with ‘Prey’
Honourable mentions
Niamh, age seven, with ‘I am a Cheetah’
Katie, age nine, with ‘Black Beauty’
Abigail, age 12, with ‘Rhythm of the Ride’
Charlotte McMorran-Stock, Education and Youth Publications Officer at Redwings, said: “We want to thank each and every one who entered our competition. Every entry entertained and amazed our judges, and we hope you keep up with your fantastic writing!”