Such Talent In One Place
Young people from across Amber Valley showed their fabulous creative talent at the recent YOU-CREATE Exhibition at Belper arranged by Belper and Duffield Rotary.
The exhibition, held at Belpers’ ‘Number 28’ community room during the half term weekend, Sat-Sun 18-19th February, enabled children and young people from six schools along with a Belper Scout Group, to put on public show one hundred and ten exhibits including, art, cartoons, writing (prose and poetry) and photography. Each of the age groups; junior (up to 10), intermediate (11-13) and senior 14-17) contributed to the exhibition which wowed both judges and the many visitors alike.
YOU-CREATE was formally opened by Pauline Latham MP who said during her opening speech, “Young people have a bad press much of the time, but you can see from what they’ve done here, there are some really committed and brilliant young people.” Pauline Latham MP was introduced by Rotary President Peter Hurst, who said, “The young people really worked hard to produce creative pieces in so many ways. I’m a professional photographer with an understanding of creating something interesting and I was blown away by the talent on show here at You-Create.”
The six schools and Belper Scouts, both students, family and staff, should be rightly proud of the achievements:
Belper School & Sixth Form Centre – 1x1st, 2x2nd, 2xHighly Commended
The Ecclesbourne School – 1x1st prize,
Duffield Meadows Primary School -3x1st Prize, 1x2nd prize, 1xHighly Commended -
St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy – 2x1st prize, 1x2nd prize, 2xhighly commended
St Johns Primary School, Belper – 2x1st prize, 3x2nd, 1xhighly commended
Swanwick School & Sports College – 3x1st, 1x2nd, 2xhighly commended
Judge Cathy Grinrod, Heanor based poet, said of the exhibits, “What a joyful experience it was to visit the Exhibition and to see and read the array of vibrant, colourful work. The judges’ thoughtful comments about the pieces of artwork and writing made it even more special. Such talent in one place!”
The winning poem, under the theme of Peace, composed by Siya Chopra (pictured) of Ecclesbourne School, was read and commented on by many visitors and an excellent example of all the pieces submitted.
Although the exhibition at Belpers ‘Number 28’ community room was staffed by adults, four members of the Rotary Interact group at Ecclesbourne School helper throughout the weekend. Students Syria, Olivia, Elspeth, and Clara were so helpful and showed the determination of many young people to help in their communities.
All the children and young people who exhibited in You-Create received a certificate of entry with 1st prize winners receiving £25, 2nd prize £15 and highly commended a £10 voucher.
Belper and Duffield Rotary are now planning for You-Create 2024 which is provisionally booked to take place on 17-18th February 2024, again at ‘Number 28’ Belper.
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