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Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas art competition winners honoured with a school visit from local military and County Councillors 

Four talented young artists, who were announced as winners of the Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas Art Competition in December 2023, have recently been celebrated with a special assembly at their respective schools where they received certificates from County Councillors and local military. 

Organised by Hertfordshire County Council, the 11th annual competition saw submissions from 670 children across 18 schools in the county. Key stage two children were invited to create artwork to share with those in the Armed Forces serving away from home over the holiday period to bring them Christmas cheer.

This competition helps support the joining of military and civilian communities in Hertfordshire, which is one of the three aims of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, Chaired by Councillor Fiona Hill.

All four winners, one from each Key Stage 2 year group, were excited to receive their certificates at a school assembly during which they also were invited to spend a day of adventure at Northwood HQ, the UK’s military strategic headquarters based in Hertfordshire.

James, Year 3 pupil from Hartsbourne Primary School in Bushey Heath captured hearts with his artwork and was visited by Councillor Fiona Hill, Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Chairman and Colonel Clinton Read, Commanding Officer of Northwood HQ. 

 

Filip, a student at Kingsway Junior School (Year 4) in Watford, impressed the judges with his creativity. His visit included esteemed guests: Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop, Vice Chairman of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, Colonel Clinton Read, and County Councillor Tim Williams.

 

Aria, a Year 5 pupil at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Waltham Cross, wowed everyone with her holiday-themed masterpiece. Her special guests were Councillor Fiona Hill, Colonel Clinton Read, Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop, Councillor Dee Hart, and Councillor Paul Seeby, the Armed Forces Champion for the Broxbourne District Council.

 

Ali, an artist from Woolgrove School (Year 6) in Letchworth, charmed the judges with his artwork.  He and his classmates enjoyed a visit from Cllr Fiona Hill and Colonel Clinton Read. 

Chairman of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, Cllr Fiona Hill, said:

“I was truly delighted by the wonderful artwork submitted to the competition this year which captured the spirit of the holiday season with such creativity and heart. Visiting the schools and congratulating this year’s winners was a joyous experience. I am proud to see the impact this competition has each year on fostering connections between our Armed Forces and civilian communities and would like to thank colleagues at Northwood HQ for their part in making the competition a success."

Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board works in partnership to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant locally. It brings together business, military organisations, charities, NHS, and local authorities who work in partnership to ensure that no veteran faces a disadvantage when accessing public services, the Armed Forces community is honoured and celebrated for the sacrifices they have made, and the military and civilian communities are well integrated.

Northwood HQ is the UK’s principle military HQ site and home to 5 Operational HQs.  These are Strategic Command HQ, Standing Joint Force HQ, Permanent Joint Headquarters, the Commander Allied Maritime Command (one of NATO’s 3 major Commanders) and the Royal Navy’s Maritime Operations Centre. 

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