CHC Cowes Schools Art Competition winners

As part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and in honour of Her Majesty's visit to the Island on 25 July, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) organised a fun art competition for Cowes schools. Open to children aged 11-12 in Years 5 and 6, the challenge was to create a picture of the steam launch Kariat, set against the Jubilee River Thames Royal Pageant.

Kariat is a steam launch which was built at Columbine Yard in East Cowes in 1897 and is owned by well known Cowes yachtsman John Power, who now keeps her at Shepards Wharf marina. She was chosen to carry the Island's Lord-Lieutenant in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames on 3 June, where she was skippered by Mr Power. The pageant of a 1,000 boats assembled at Barn Elms, above Putney Bridge, and Kariat steamed through the centre of London, proudly flying the Island flag, past cheering crowds lining the banks of the Thames. Kariat and her crew received a special wave from HRH Prince Philip, Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, who toured Cowes Harbour in her during Cowes Week 2009.

Cowes Harbour Commissioners generously provided craneage for the 35 foot launch to be lifted onto a specially-built cradle, and she was transported to and from London by Steve Porter Transport and Red Funnel, all at no charge, as part of the Island's support for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Cowes Harbour Commissioners were delighted to receive 56 entries for the art competition. These came from Lanesend Primary School, Cowes Primary School, Gurnard Primary School, and also Priory School in Whippingham. Judging took place a couple of weeks ago, lead by Tony Westmore of Cowes Art Group. In the end, first prize was awarded to Ellie Raven of Lanesend Primary, second prize went to Jack Oliver of Gurnard Primary, and third prize was won by Holly Brimble of Lanesend Primary. Prizes will be awarded to each winning entry, with the school of the winning submission receiving a prize of £300. All prizes have been donated by Cowes Harbour Commission.

Chair of the Commissioners, Roger Mathias said: "We have been delighted by the success of this competition, and by the exceptional level of talent it shows in the young people of East and West Cowes. The Commissioners would like to congratulate all the children and the schools which participated. It was extremely difficult for the judges to choose from so many excellent paintings."

The Manager at West Cowes Co-Op, Gavin Hallam, has very kindly agreed to display all the pictures in store, where they are available to view until Friday, 3 August. A prizegiving ceremony for the winning entries will be held at the CHC Cowes Week function later in August.

Photo: Exhibition of paintings from the CHC Cowes Schools Art Competition in West Cowes Co-Op.