Primary schools take part in art competition for Remembrance

MELKSHAM primary schools have been taking part in a competition with local history group, Melksham Remembers, producing artwork based around the themes of the poppy and Remembrance.

Key stage one and two pupils from Forest and Sandridge, The Manor, Shaw School, Aloeric, St.George’s in Semington, Seend and Bowerhill primary schools took part, which was judged by Melksham Remembers’ chairman, Paul Carter.

Gold medals were awarded to the Manor Primary School’s early years class, who produced a six-foot wall frieze and Seend Primary School, where Grace, from year six, produced poetry about Remembrance.

Paul Carter said, “A member of our group, Darren Crook, completed a Run of Remembrance to mark the WW2 D-Day commemorations, raising funds for Melksham Remembers and the Spirit of Normandy Trust. We wanted to donate that money to local schools and also involve them in a competition.”

Some of the works produced in the competition may be included in a new history book Melksham Remembers are producing, looking back at WW2 and what it was like for people from Melksham and the surrounding areas at that time. This follows the success of their first book, looking back at WW1, which included works from an exhibition held in the town in 2018.

The team is currently working with Melksham Oak to turn this into an audio book.

To enquire about purchasing a book or to share your story from World War Two, contact the group via their Facebook page, search for ‘Melksham Remembers’.

Pictured above and left: Gold Medal winners – The Manor Early Years Class Artwork – a 6ft wall frieze and Grace’s poetry from Seend School. Below, the Melksham Remembers medals.