New writing competition offers cash prizes for Crewe and Nantwich schools

year the aim is to do something different and very local for younger budding writers.

“The competition is an opportunity for KS2 pupils to flex their writing skills and add their own spin on a fantastical story set in and around the area.”

Construction Linx, based on Crewe Hall Enterprise Park, has sponsored the competition offering a £250 cash prize for the school of the winning entry and £50 Amazon Voucher for the star writer.

Crewe & District Writers Circle members Steven Goodwin and Gareth Williams (front) and Construction Linx Facilities Supervisor

Faye Kerry and Operations Manager John

Evans

Budding young writers can win cash prizes for their schools by letting imaginations go wild in a new story-telling contest for Crewe and Nantwich children.

Crewe & District Writers Circle has launched a Story Starter competition backed by South Cheshire commercial property maintenance company Construction Linx whose owner Gareth Williams is a keen writer and poet.

Gareth, a member of the writing group, said: “The Crewe & District Writers Circle are a passionate group of local writers who love to spread the joy of literature and writing in all genres.

“The group was founded in 1964 and for many years it has run a successful International Poetry competition but this

There will be runner up prizes of a £30 Amazon voucher for the youngster in second place and a £20 Amazon voucher for the third.

The competition is open to pupils aged 9-11 enrolled in schools within Crewe and Nantwich and entrants must use a story beginning provided by the group and pick a location for an ‘unexpected event’ on a perfectly normal day at their school, Queens Park, the BMX track or all over Crewe.

The story starter begins: The day was just like any other in June, with the sun shining and Crewe alive with activity. But something lurked beneath the surface, something sinister and strange. The morning started off innocuously enough, with the school bells ringing and the children filing in, greeting their teachers with the customary ‘Morning Miss’ or ‘Morning Sir.’

And continues: It was an ordinary day, but there was something not quite right, something that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and then, something unexpected happened...

Construction Linx carries out maintenance on several South Cheshire schools and Gareth, a published poet, is keen for pupils to look beyond technology for inspiration.

He added: “Construction Linx is closely connected with the local community through our charity efforts. Supporting the writing competition is a way to give back to younger residents of Crewe and Nantwich.

“In these days of AI and Chat GPT we would love for children to develop a flair for crafting their own stories and wordsmithing skills that will last a lifetime.”

The competition will be judged by Crewe & District Writers Circle members. Deadline for entries is May 26.

Spokesman Steven Goodwin said: “We are very grateful to Construction Linx for sponsoring this competition. We hope it encourages local students to bring their stories to life and explore the creative process.

“We look forward to reading their entries.”

Winners will be announced at an open day to be staged by the group at the Hope & Beams Centre, Broad Street, Crewe on July Saturday, July 8.

For more information on how to enter call 01270 848700 or email gareth@ constructionlinx.co.uk