We are delighted to announce the winners of our Write950 Creative Writing Competition, launched earlier this year as part of our 950th anniversary celebrations.
Young people from across Sussex were invited to submit their own short stories, inspired by the Cathedral’s rich history and spirituality. The competition, which was delivered in partnership with local charity Children’s BookFest and Waterstones Chichester, attracted entries from children aged 4 to 15 years old, with tales ranging from mischievous gargoyles and magical chalices to surprising wedding day adventures.
Over 140 children entered the competition with one winner from each of the three age groups chosen.
“We’ve been amazed by the imagination and creativity shown by every young writer who entered. The Cathedral has been a place of storytelling for centuries and it’s been inspiring to see children creating such original and magical tales. Huge congratulations to our winners and commendations. Their stories capture the spirit of Write950 perfectly.”
Rosie Bradberry, Creative Learning Manager at Chichester Cathedral
Winners were:
Amazing Authors (Ages 4–7): Seren with ‘Bertie’ – Portfield Primary School
Adventurous Authors (Ages 8–11): Fintan with ‘Cathedral Commotion’ – Windlesham House School
Aspiring Authors (Ages 12–15): Krystelle with ‘Maxie’s Chalice Miracle’ – Bishop Luffa School
Special Commendations were also awarded to:
Amazing Authors (4–7):
- Tombo with ‘Cat Dragon’ - Portfield Primary School
- Delilah with ‘Chagall’s Window’ - Portfield Primary School
Adventurous Authors (8–11):
- Ruby-May with ‘Gargoyle’ - Portfield Primary School
- Samuel with ‘The Accident of 1861’ - Lavant Primary School
- Phoebe with ‘A Wedding Day Surprise’ - Windlesham House School
The judging panel included award-winning children’s authors Simon Philip and Ali Sparkes, Katy Roberts, Manager of Waterstones Chichester and Rosie Bradberry, Creative Learning Manager at Chichester Cathedral.
“The range of ideas was fantastic - from cheeky dragons to mysterious Cathedral happenings. Each story showed great imagination and voice and it was a joy to help celebrate these budding authors.”
Ali Sparkes, author of the Shapeshifter series and Frozen in Time
Each winner received a special goody bag and the opportunity to choose a new book each month from Waterstone’s in Chichester for a whole year. Winners were presented with their prizes at a celebratory ceremony in the Cathedral on Saturday 13 September.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the writing. Choosing winners was no easy task! It’s wonderful to see so much talent and enthusiasm for storytelling at such a young age.”
Simon Philip, author of popular children’s books including You Must Bring a Hat
In addition, the winning stories will be brought to life for listeners across the region. Authors Ali and Simon have recorded each of the winning stories, which will be shared by V2 Radio, ensuring the young writers’ words reach an even wider audience. Videos of the authors reading the three winning stories can also be viewed below.
“Every single entry showed creativity and we loved seeing how the Cathedral sparked such brilliant ideas. We can’t wait to welcome the winners into our Chichester store each month over the next year to choose a book and discover new authors and adventures that will help inspire their writing journey.”
Katy Roberts, Bookshop Manager of Waterstones Chichester
Listen to the winning stories here: