5:07pm Friday 14th November 2008
By Michael Pickard
Two stars from this year's Christmas pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre, Tommy the Cat and Dame, have taken a crowd-pleasing turn at a children's party.
The stars of Dick Whittington and his Cat were on hand to entertain Year 6 pupils from schools across south-west Hertfordshire, who had taken part in a collage competition set up by department store John Lewis.
Fifteen schools were invited to take part in the contest, and each received a canvas and box of materials. They were then tasked to create a collage, which represented the theme Under the Sea.
Once completed, the collages were displayed instore, where shoppers could vote for them for three weeks.
The 2,100 ballots were then counted, and at last night's party, Nascot Wood Junior School were named the winners and collected the £150 prize.
Wendy Ray, events and marketing manager at John Lewis, said: “It was an idea we had last year to engage with local schools. We provided them with a canvas and they each had the same pack of materials.
“It's very rewarding. It's given us a good insight into school life. They enjoyed the party and going behind the scenes at John Lewis. It's about community spirit. Kids in Year 5 will be thinking they want to go to the party next year.”
Lisa Cutmore, Year 4 teacher and art co-ordinator at Kingsway Junior School in Watford, said: “They have loved it. I have run it through an art club with all Year 6 together. Just through the experience of coming here, they're all so excited.
“They are really proud they had their picture up in John Lewis. All the parents have been to see it.”
Rachel McCarthy, Year 6 teacher from Scared Heart Primary School in Bushey, added: “The kids have enjoyed it. They loved it. We saw their creative side coming out.”
The schools that took part were: St Joseph's, Bernards Heath, Leavesden Green, Warren Dell, Greenfields, Central, Hartsbourne, Sacred Heart, Field Junior School, Chater, Kingsway, Berry Grove, Abbots Langley, St Columba's College, and Nascot Wood.
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