A Shottermill student has designed a Christmas card fit for the King thanks to a local MP’s festive initiative.
Schoolchildren across the Farnham and Bordon constituency were invited to submit artwork for Gregory Stafford MP’s official Christmas card, and a budding artist from Shottermill Junior School has been crowned the winner of his first Christmas card design competition. Mr Stafford visited Shottermill Junior School to meet the winner, Evelyn, and celebrate her achievement.
Evelyn’s design, selected through a public vote in November, now graces the front of cards being sent to hundreds of recipients, including local residents, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and even the King.
During his visit, Mr Stafford said: “Every MP sends Christmas cards, but I wanted mine to showcase the talent of local children. Evelyn’s design stood out to the public, and it’s wonderful to see her creativity celebrated.”
Evelyn, who said she was “really shocked to win,” added: “It’s so exciting to know my card is going to the King!” She even addressed a card destined for Buckingham Palace, which will soon land in the royal postbox.
Shottermill Junior School had further cause for celebration, with two runners-up, Ruby and Pinelopi, whose designs appear inside and on the back of the card.
Headteacher Kate Burns expressed her pride: “We’re immensely proud of all our pupils. Even with only four days to work on their designs, they rose to the challenge brilliantly. Competitions like this showcase their incredible talent and creativity.”
The school is renowned for its strong emphasis on the arts, featuring a dedicated art studio, Arts Council membership, and its own pottery kiln. “Nurturing creativity is one of our strengths,” added Ms Burns.
The competition attracted more than a 100 entries from schools across the constituency, narrowed down to nine finalists before the public cast their votes. Mr Stafford said he was “impressed by the incredible standard of entries,” adding: “Clearly, Shottermill has no shortage of artistic talent!”
Evelyn’s parents, Michelle and Jacob, said: “We are so grateful that Evelyn attends a school that nurtures artistic talent and provides opportunities like this. She was over the moon to win and has been looking forward to this day for weeks.”
Mr Stafford’s cards were printed by Liphook-based business Print + Design IT. To mark the occasion, he presented a finished card to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and visited the Royal Mail depot in Farnham to personally hand over cards for delivery.
“This competition was such a success,” Mr Stafford said, “I plan to make it an annual tradition to showcase the creativity of primary school children across the constituency.”
