Laptop Prize for Best in Class
03 July 2009
A state of the art laptop is up for grabs in the creative writing competition which was launched today as part of the 'Siege of Carrickfergus' heritage project.
As part of the "Siege of Carrickfergus" heritage project which commenced in June 2009, the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Patricia McKinney and the Chairman of the Arts and Events Sub Committee, Alderman David Hilditch jointly launched an exciting new creative writing competition this week. The top prize for the best entry is a state of the art laptop. Other excellent prizes will also be awarded for highly commended entries.
Council is inviting all young people within the Borough aged between 11 and 18 (at 1 June 2009) to send in a new piece of writing of their own creation. The subject matter is the dramatic siege of the town by the Duke of Schomberg in the summer of 1689 and the arrival of King William III the following year.
The remit of the competition is
"To write a short story, play, poem, historical article or other original piece of writing based on the events of the period 1689/90 in Carrickfergus using characters real or fictional as applicable. The length of the submission must not exceed 4,000 words. Particular emphasis will be placed on entries which have clearly been based on research of the period."
Speaking at the launch the Mayor said. "We hope this exciting project will inspire our young people to look into their local heritage and through it they will learn more about the importance of our historic Borough during the events of 1689/90, which shaped the history, not only of Ireland but of the British Isles, and ultimately all of Europe. The Council would also hope the competition will encourage the next generation of aspiring writers and authors."
The "Siege of Carrickfergus" programme will include lectures on the Siege of 1689 and a photographic exhibition of the re-enactment which took part over 12th - 14th June will be presented by the Camera Club in the Civic Centre. Full details will be on the Council web site in the near future www.carrickfergus.org.
Written entries should be forwarded to Hilary Adair, Office Manager, Support Services Department, Museum and Civic Centre, Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG, email hadair.admin@carrickfergus.org. Entries close on 28 August 2009.
The project is jointly funded by Carrickfergus Borough Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund. The final decision on winning entries will be made by a judging panel.
For further information please contact:
Hilary Adair
Telephone: 028 9335 8012
E-Mail: hadair.admin@carrickfergus.org
Web: http://www.carrickfergus.org
