SOMERSET ANNE Frank Youth Charity held their annual writing awards event on March 22 2023. The event was hosted at Wells Cathedral for children across 4 age categories.

The Somerset Anne Frank Youth Awards is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity Number 1200514) that recognises the great achievements of young people across Somerset who demonstrate our three core values.

As a part of the entry requirements, the children had to write a piece of writing based on a quote from one of Anne Frank's essays written a few months before her capture in 1944: "No one has ever become poor by giving." 

The children from all age groups were told to incorporate this poignant quote from all to construct their piece of writing that could come in many forms from diary entries to poetry.

The pieces were anonymised and judged by this year's guest judge, Emma Craigie - author of Chocolate Cake with Hitler, Hitler's Last Day and What Was Never Said. Emma then read and shortlisted all of the entries in each age category.

Those shortlisted were then invited along with their families and teachers to the awards evening in which approximately 150 people attended. 

Remarkably, of the 15 children shortlisted for upper key stage 2 (9 to 11-year-olds), 13 of them came from Oake, Bradford and Nynehead CofE (VC) Primary School based in Oake.

All 13 of the children from the school took home a 'highly commended' certificate and a copy of Anne Frank's diary. 

All of the shortlisted entries from the night can be read on the charity's website.

Mr Harry Clarke, year 5 and 6 teacher at the school, said : "We were amazed when we saw how many children from the school were shortlisted - especially as we are a small school with only a single mixed-year-5/6 class. When the 13 children were told about their entry being shortlisted, there was much excitement. 

"The evening was a joyous occasion for the 13 children who made the trip to Wells Cathedral along with their families. All of the children involved had a lovely time and will certainly cherish the evening for a long time. We would love to express our gratitude and thanks to all of those who helped run the competition, the staff at Wells Cathedral and the guest judge Emma Craigie for a night to remember." 

Tom Winchester, vice-chairman and compere of the Somerset Anne Frank Creating Writing Awards, said, "It fills me with pride seeing our event make such a positive impact on the community.

All children were ecstatic, and you could sense the pride of their parents and teachers. It is a great opportunity for schools to both encourage and educate their students as well as putting their name up in lights."

"As well as hosting the Creative Writing Awards, we also host our annual SAFYAs which will be launching on Wednesday 19th April. This is where we will recognise and award young people in Somerset for demonstrating these core values."

The committee for the charity is looking for someone with experience in dealing with press/managing PR, as well as a social media manager. If you or someone you know would be interested in getting involved, please visit https://www.safya.org.uk/support.