Once again local school children have been putting their artistic talent to use in designing the flower bed which surrounds the Barnbow Memorial in Manston Park. Now in it’s sixth year the competition organised by East Leeds History & Archaeology Society saw many excellent entries giving judges the difficult task of selecting the winners. However, the design submitted by Lucy Schofield of Manston Primary School caught the judges eye and was awarded first prize. Runners up were Charlotte Pedley of Manston St James Primary Academy and Lucy Norton of Manston Primary School.
Bob & Jacki Lawrence of East Leeds History & Archaeology Society said, “The purpose of the competition is to remind local children of the courage and sacrifice made by the mainly female workforce at the No1 Shell Filling Factory at Barnbow during World War One. Forty people died at the factory as a result of accidents there and some of them were young girls not much older than the pupils taking part in the competition. We were impressed by the standard of entries and pleased that the local schools continue to take part.
“The prize-giving event is supported by Richard Burgon MP and Councillor Pauleen Grahame and the garden planted up by staff of Leeds Parks and Countryside Department. We are grateful for the support we receive in running this competition and hope to continue it for many years.”
