John Betjeman’s Cornish Birthday Party

 

 

A birthday party with a difference was held for the late and much-loved poet John Betjeman, offering children and artists a creative opportunity to engage with what would have been his 100th birthday on August Bank Holiday Monday. A day of music, entertainment, food and poetry - held at Betjeman’s beloved Polzeath as part of a national series of events - included major arts input from local schools supported by KEAP and Creative Partnerships. With a strong focus on the written word, children from St Kew, St Minver, Padstow and Wadebridge Primary schools and Wadebridge secondary school explored their own sense of place in line with Betjeman’s own work, under the guidance and inspiration of lead artist Caroline Cleave and a fantastic creative team including Tony Crosby, Chris Nixon, Robert Bradford, Amanda White and Sarah Waller. The resulting impressive installation was ceremonially burned on the day, while a stunning new film created by Mark Jenkin and Oliver Berry of The Ark recorded and revealed the process and the work in its full glory.

An open painting competition also invited all Cornwall schools to create work inspired by Betjeman’s well-loved poem ‘Trebetherick’, with the winners judged by three artists - Betjeman’s granddaughter Endellion Lycett Green, Sir Peter Blake, and Caroline Cleave - with prizes awarded to youngsters by actor John Nettles on the day.

Prize winners in the 7-and-under category were 1st: Scott Pearce, 6, of Grampound-with-Creed CE School; 2nd: Ruth Dowling, 5, of Gorran School; and 3rd: Antalya Stevens, 6, of Grampound-with-Creed CE School.

Prize winners in the 9-and-under category were 1st: Tegen Butterfield, 9, of St Buryan Primary School; 2nd: Luke Cruse, 8, of Indian Queens CP School; and 3rd: Eben Tuff, 9, of St Martin-in-Meneage CP School.

Prize winners in the 11-and-under category were 1st: Laura Shrigley, 10, of Indian Queens CP School; 2nd: Lisa Turner, 11, of Sithney School; and 3rd: James Hosken, 10, of St Martin-in-Meneage CP School.

The first prize winning pictures - made into giant banners that formed backdrops to the main stage on the day of the event – are destined for the schools the children attend as a colourful, lasting reminder of the celebration. Congratulations go to all the winners, but a huge thanks and well done goes to all the schools and children who participated – the creativity, hard work and talent was impressive in every entry.