All winners group photo
The Blacon Short Story and Poetry competition was launched at the end of last year and we had a massive response to this – 287 entries from 6 schools. A judging panel consisting of a Councillor, Foster Carer, Senior Library Assistant, representative from Avenue Services, Manager of the Education Access & CiC Education Team and the Minister of Holy Trinity Church, had the daunting task of selecting the winners.
The Fostering and Adoption Recruitment Team had been undertaking a Pilot Scheme in the Blacon area of Chester. The work focused on Local Carers for Local Children; driving educational attainment linked to stability and security. The team worked hard to engage local businesses, Children’s Centre, Library, Avenue Services (Housing), local Dental Practice, Faith Groups and all the schools in the area.
The response from everyone has been tremendous. We have been able to have:
‘Drop-In’ sessions in the Children’s Centre and the Schools,
- banners on the fencing at each school and the library promoting the need for more foster carers and adopters,
- the opportunity to speak in Church,
- an exhibition of artwork from the Fostering & Adoption Logo competition in Blacon Library
- and to work with a group of children from each of the local schools to design the Short Story Competition.
A presentation evening held at Hilton Doubletree Hotel was the culmination of the hard work that had gone into this Pilot. The links made are strong links which we hope will continue long into the future and work has already started on rolling this model out to other areas of the local authority.
Guests on the evening were Her Worship the Lord Mayor of Chester Councillor Jill Houlbrook, Lady Mayoress Rachel Walker, Councillor Eleanor Johnson, Councillor Reggie Jones, Luke Bailey (Actor) and Lupus – mascot for Cheshire Phoenix Basketball Team. Luke is an actor well known for his roles in Casualty and Waterloo Road. Luke’s parents are Foster Carers so he is aware of how important it is for people to come forward to become foster carers or Adopters. Luke very kindly gave his very valuable time for free to attend this evening.
Our winners were as follows:
Overall Winner: Michelle
Key Stage Winners: Bethany, Alfie
Runners Up: Summer, Jake, Hannah, Ella, Meg, Alfie, Daisy, Amber, Ella and Zahra
Gallery:
