Central C of E School Win Writing Competition

A year 5 class from Central C of E Junior School in Chichester have had 'the best night ever' after winning the Novium Museum's annual writing competition.

This year's competition tied in with The Novium Museum's 'Murray or None' exhibition, offering an Admiral Murray themed sleepover for a whole class to the winning child. The HLF funded exhibition tells the fascinating story of local naval hero, Admiral Sir George Murray. It relays how he played his part in significant world events, as well as leaving a lasting legacy in Chichester.

Isabelle Holcroft, of Class 5C, was selected as the overall winner of the sleepover prize and said; 'I can't believe it. All of the letters were very good.'

The brief was to write a letter on behalf of Admiral Murray to potential recruits for the Royal Navy circa 1803. To make their entries stand out, Class 5C researched information about The Royal Navy in the 1800's, finding out what might tempt the ordinary man into trying out the seafaring life. Next, they studied skills in persuasive letter writing. Finally, they tea-stained paper to make it look authentic, rolled the letters into scrolls and sealed them with red wax seals and ribbons. The set of letters was presented to The Novium Museum within a green chest.

Michaela Cooke, teacher of Class 5C at Central C of E Junior School, said; 'The children were so excited and proud that one of their letters won the competition.'

Alex Bogard, Project Officer for the Murray exhibition at The Novium Museum said: 'We were delighted by the presentation of the work presented to us by Central C of E Junior School. All of the entries we received were fantastic and we would like to congratulate everyone who took part in The Novium Museum's writing competition. It is wonderful that the Murray project is inspiring new audiences in this way.'

The children had a wonderful time during their sleepover, enjoying a torch lit hunt around the museum, craft activities themed around Admiral Murray's adventures and a bedtime story based on the German legend of 'Why the Sea is Salty', before settling down to sleep amongst the exhibits.

Bailey Burrows, of Class 5C said; 'We expected there to be ghosts and everything but it was just really fun'.

An Admiral Murray themed sleepover for families will be held on Friday, 19 August at The Novium Museum and is available to book now for £20 per person by calling The Novium on 01243 775888.