Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas art competition winners honoured with a school visit from local military and county councillors.
Four talented young artists, who were announced as winners of the Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas Art Competition in December 2024, have recently been celebrated with a special assembly at their schools during which they received certificates from County Councillors and local military.
All Key Stage 2 children in Hertfordshire schools were invited to create artwork to bring Christmas cheer to those in the Armed Forces who are serving away from their families during the holiday period.
Organised by Hertfordshire County Council with Northwood Headquarters, the 12th annual Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas Art Competition drew participation from children across the county.
This competition helps support the joining of military and civilian communities in Hertfordshire, which is one of the three aims of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, Chaired by Councillor Fiona Hill.
The winners
Military personnel at Northwood Headquarters chose the following winners:
- Year 3 winner – from Hartsbourne Primary School in Bushey
- Year 4 winner – Asta from Chater Junior School in Watford
- Year 5 winner– Oliver from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Royston
- Year 6 winner – Isla from Chambersbury Primary School in Hemel Hempstead
All four winners, one from each Key Stage 2 year group, were excited to receive their certificates at a school assembly during which they also were invited to spend a day of adventure hosted by Northwood HQ, the UK’s military strategic headquarters based in Hertfordshire.
A Year 3 pupil from Hartsbourne Primary School in Bushey Heath was visited by Councillor Terry Douris, Hertfordshire County Council Chairman and Group Captain Neil Towers, Commanding Officer of Northwood HQ.
Asta, a student at Chater Junior School in Watford (Year 4), was awarded her certificate by (from left) Hertfordshire County Councillor for her school Councillor Nigel Bell, Station Warrant Officer Rab Davies from Northwood Headquarters, Councillor Terry Douris, Hertfordshire County Council Chairman and CSgt Stephen Saleh (RM Band).
Oliver, a Year 5 pupil at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Royston met with (from left) CSgt Stephen Saleh (RM Band), Councillor Fiona Hill, Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Chairman and Station Warrant Officer Rab Davies from Northwood HQ.
Finally, Isla, a Year 6 artist from Chambersbury Primary School in Hemel Hempstead enjoyed a visit from Councillor Terry Douris and Group Captain Neil Towers.
Check out the winners gallery
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to every participant in this year's Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas Art Competition, as well as to the parents, carers, and teachers who supported them. The creativity and effort displayed by all the children were truly inspiring, and each piece of art will bring cheer to military personnel this festive season. This competition is a vital part of our mission to join the military and civilian communities in Hertfordshire and to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant."
Chairman of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, Cllr Fiona Hill
“I have been at Northwood HQ for 4 months and it is a very busy place. It was a wonderful break from the daily work to look through the pictures created by the children. I had a team of around 8 people from across the site to help. We discussed the artwork, looking at creativity, colour, use of multiple types of media such as crayon, paint, computing, cutting and sticking and the relevance of the pictures in tying together our communities. The responsibility of running Northwood HQ was nothing compared to the responsibility of choosing the best artwork, but I am confident we made the right decisions. All of the work was excellent and all of the children who took part should be proud – keep that creativity. Congratulations to the winners.”
Group Captain Neil Towers, Commanding Officer of Northwood Headquarters
Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board works in partnership to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant locally. It brings together business, military organisations, charities, NHS, and local authorities who work in partnership to ensure that no veteran faces a disadvantage when accessing public services, the Armed Forces community is honoured and celebrated for the sacrifices they have made, and the military and civilian communities are well integrated.
Northwood HQ is the UK’s principle military HQ site and home to five Operational HQs. These are Strategic Command HQ, Standing Joint Force HQ, Permanent Joint Headquarters, the Commander Allied Maritime Command (one of NATO’s 3 major Commanders) and the Royal Navy’s Maritime Operations Centre.
Winners gallery
Year 3 winner
Jessie from Hartsbourne Primary School in Bushey
Year 4 winner
Asta from Chater Junior School in Watford
Year 5 winner
Oliver from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Royston
Year 6 winner
Isla from Chambersbury Primary School in Dacorum
